Still Up in the Air

It must be said... (re: Limbaugh's recent comments)

2012-03-03T14:41:00.003-06:00

It must be said. And, the more I think about it, it must be said by a pastor. Rush Limbaugh is a jerk. His recent comments were crude and rude, vitriolic and just plain stupid. His words--even in the context of "just trying to make a point through absurdity" or "just being an entertainer"--were outrageous, incendiary, and demeaning towards all women.

A public figure, Limbaugh ought to be vehemently rebuked. Any public figure (including pastors; indeed, especially pastors!) who would like to be taken seriously must denounce Limbaugh's words without reservation. How could I expect to be taken seriously as a mouthpiece of truth on Sunday mornings if I were to hem and haw when asked (perhaps by your daughter), "Pastor, what's your take on Rush Limbaugh's comments?" Hem and haw on this one? Shame on me!

Indeed, the greater shame does not belong to Rush; after all, he's been distasteful and crude for years--this is no great secret, right? The greater shame belongs to radio stations that allow him to spread his manure all over their listening areas, to advertisers who feed the monster, to listeners who provide the motivation for the advertisers. The greater shame belongs to those who merely shake their heads and say, "Tsk, tsk."

Perhaps an even greater shame belongs to the leading Republican candidates, who, so far, have chosen not to condemn that which deserves condemnation. Mitt Romney simply says, it's "not the language" he would have used. Are you kidding? That is far less than the rebuke I once received for just saying "Oh shit!" in the house. Meanwhile, Rick Santorum ("Champion of Faith and Family" says his website) squirmed a bit and finally said, "He's being absurd. But that's, you know--an entertainer can be absurd." What?! Just absurd?! Oh, I get it--kinda like "boys will be boys"? Is that what we're saying?

I repeat, the greatest shame does not belong to Limbaugh (or even his ghost writers) but to those in leadership positions who refuse to give a powerful and unequivocal rebuke against this loudmouth who repeatedly called a young woman a "slut" and a "prostitute" on the public air waves.

For Romney and Santorum, this was a perfect chance for them to take a stand in favor of the high ground, regardless of politics. It was the perfect opportunity, but they blew it.

Leaders observe and clarify reality, offer vision, and speak the truth. Speak the truth! And, in a case like this, a tepid response will not do at all, will it? We would do well to remember what the risen Lord Jesus said to the church in Laodicea: "...Because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

Peace,
Rev. Randal K. Lubbers

_______

Rather than being leaders, being men of character, they tried to duck the issue. That, however, is the best case scenario, that they know in their hearts, and minds, that the remarks should be roundly condemned. The worst case scenario is that they agree with Limbaugh.

Where has morality gone? What kind of men call a woman a derogatory and a vile name, a 'slut' because of her political views - in a democracy!!! - views held by millions of others that, agree or disagree, are at heart about trying to help people stay healthy? What kind of a world would we have if we were lead by men like that?

That Romney and Santorum chose to respond so limply, if done out of fear of alienating voters, is downright shameful. But if done because they secretly agree with Limbaugh - then that is downright scary.

-- Marcus Hondro

2011 Christmas Letter

2012-01-04T11:13:00.002-06:00

Winter Solstice, 2011

Season’s Greetings from the Lubbers in Lake Crystal —

Yes, it’s been awhile since I’ve had the time or inclination to write and send out the “Annual Christmas Letter” but… it’s time again. As I get started, it occurs to me that an annual letter was, in years long past, a much-anticipated and delightful creative outlet for a somewhat-frustrated accountant. But now—oh, my, this involves many of the same movements as my weekly sermon-writing, monthly newsletter writing, and so forth. Not that those aren’t great fun—once I get going. But, still.

And so I begin… with coffee mug at hand… and Christmas music in the air… and gratitude in my heart…

Luke (12) is enjoying sixth grade, his “senior year” at the elementary school which is just three blocks from our home. Luke is healthy and happy—save the normal boyhood bumps and bruises and bouts with cold/flu, and periodic (but much, much less evident lately) feelings of lingering grief, which is only natural. Luke has a rich and nuanced sense of humor: picture a mix of Carolyn’s goofy humor and childlike innocence with a dose of my quirkiness (a.k.a. insanity). One of our favorite things is family spaghetti dinner with Tucker (Luke’s best buddy) because there’s usually at least one belly laugh for all. Luke’s bedtime reading lately has been A Prairie Home Companion’s Pretty Good Joke Book. In school Luke is excelling in math, music, and current events; he plays football, basketball, and baseball (but took a year off from football this fall); he likes watching the Minnesota Wild with Dad, playing video games, fishing, and just goofing off with friends. Like the whole family, Luke loves the Minnesota Twins!

Elyse (15) is a sophomore at LCWM High—she’s involved in—well, it seems like—everything! She loves spending time with friends including regular “movie nights” which move from house to house and having a friend or two sleep-over. She plays volleyball and softball and, just last fall, joined the wrestling cheer squad. Is OK for me to brag a bit? Elyse is on student council, honor roll, was president of the local National Junior Honor Society chapter, was the cheer squad “MVP” last year (captain this year); she had great performances in many groups at vocal contests including a superior rating for her solo and best-in-site small group and was honored as her school’s outstanding freshman vocalist last spring. Oops—now I hear her voice, “Enough already, Dad. Quit embarrassing me!” To embarrass, I am certain, is far and away the most grievous offense possible for the parent of a teen. Elyse is mature, cheerful, compassionate, and responsible. I’m proud and lucky to be her dad. She’s teaching Sunday school this year along with two other girls.

John (30) married Stephanie in June 2010. Dad was overjoyed and privileged to officiate the wedding—Elyse and Luke were both in the wedding party. In July 2011 John took a new job flying cargo jets out of Portland, Oregon. John and Stephanie live in Vancouver, Washington. They’ll get more space in next year’s letter—especially since they have a baby due in June 2012.


And maybe next year I’ll get a paragraph, too. Glean what you will from the “Year in Review” or look me up on Facebook. Or, better yet, stop in and visit me at one of the best churches a pastor could ever ask for—First Presbyterian Church in Lake Crystal. The folks here are humble, open, compassionate, and welcoming. I think they love their pastor even when they may not “like” him, if you know what I mean. And that makes this a very good place to be. Wishing you a blessed Christmastide and a prosperous and healthy New Year…

In Christ,
Randy

2011 in Review

2012-01-04T11:07:00.003-06:00

Huge piles of snow—good exercise for Dad—nearly 100 inches for the winter. “March Madness”—Elyse and the cheer squad follow the team to the Xcel Energy Center (home of the Wild) for the exciting team and individual State Wrestling Tournaments.

Mid-March Spring-Break Vacation to Arizona—a delightful time with John & Stephanie in Prescott including John flying Dad, Elyse, and Luke over the Grand Canyon; also, Stephanie shopping with Elyse while John gave Luke and Dad some shooting lessons somewhere in the desert; also, a wonderful visit with Grandpa and Grandma Jaarsma in Tucson—we all trekked down to Tombstone (site of the famous O.K. Corral Gunfight); Dad and Luke spent a day at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and ate at the fabulous Mi Nidito Mexican Restaurant (“Oh, yes! it’s as good as they say on Man v. Food).

Dance Recital for Elyse in April—possibly her last, she does know how to say “no” to some things when she feels like her plate might be getting too full.

Vacation to Holland, Michigan in June for Ralph and Elaine’s 50th wedding anniversary; visit with John and Stephanie in Quincy, Illinois on the return trip. And, part of our vacation days, a fun visit to Target Field for our school’s appearance in the State Baseball Championship.

Baseball games and tourneys for Luke—at one (on June 4), Dad, forgetting that he’s no longer twenty-something, fell while goofing off with Luke’s teammates between games and ended up with a severe rotator cuff tear (not to mention the confusion at seismic monitors in the Midwest).

Late Summer Summary: Rotator cuff surgery on July 13 followed by a slow-but-steady recovery and rehab—the first few weeks in record-breaking heat and humidity. Just so you know, the first 48 hours after surgery were #&@% (that is, not fun). Driver’s permit for Elyse on July 1; Dad begins praying an extra few minutes each day on July 2. Elyse to Rocky Mountain High with the Second Reformed (Pella) youth group—“Fabulous! Exciting! Fun! A Great Experience!” Luke celebrates his 12th birthday with a sleep-over—bacon and pancakes for ten kids! Luke and a friend and Dad spend a day at The Great Minnesota Get-Together, the Minnesota State Fair!

Luke and Dad jinx the Hawkeyes again: we’ve been to three Iowa-Minnesota football games in Minneapolis and the Gophers have beaten Iowa all three times!

Elyse hosts the wrestling cheer squad for a pre-season pillow-making, sign-making, and general bonding sleep-over in the basement. More pancakes. More bacon.

“Feast at First” on furlough: Eight years ago Carolyn started the free Thanksgiving Day dinner at our church and we enthusiastically continued the tradition. But, after seven straight years, we decided to take a Sabbath (or “Jubilee” year) in 2011. We enjoyed a family Thanksgiving in Orange City with the Lubbers family and we already have some volunteers to be the coordinator (a.k.a. “boss of the kitchen”) for “Feast at First 2012.”

Which brings us to December— December?! What happened to December?!  Christmas vocal music concerts at school for both Luke and Elyse; Christmas program at church; ringing the bell for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign (our church has been the #1 overall fund-raising organization in the Greater Mankato Area for the last two years and we’re always in the top two—we fill a whole week of slots at Cub Foods East in Mankato); shopping and a host of other preparations like laundry and housecleaning with the kids; and—Dad’s highlight—preparing for and praying for and anticipating our three beautiful and meaningful worship services: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service @ 5:30 PM, Christmas Eve Communion-by-Candlelight Service @ 11:00 PM, and The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Christmas Day @ 9:30 AM.

Remember when?

2011-05-24T17:38:00.009-05:00

This post, if you're perceptive, will give away my age. Oh well.

Top Seven "Slow Dance" Songs in Junior High

1. Hey Jude (Beatles)
2. Crimson and Clover (Tommy James and the Shondells)

3. Hurts So Bad (The Lettermen)
4. Crystal Blue Persuasion (TJ and the S)
5. My Cherie Amour (Stevie Wonder)
6. These Eyes (The Guess Who)
7. To Sir, With Love (Lulu)

Honorable Mention in the "hard-to-dance-to-but-we-tried" sub-category:
1. Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (Frankie Valli)
2. (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding)
3. Goin' Out of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (The Lettermen)

Planting Season...

2011-05-08T15:32:00.002-05:00

Just in the last 3 or 4 days, the planting season has exploded in Southern Minnesota. A reminder to pray for farmers, for their safety, for continued awareness of good stewardship practices and an awareness of Sabbath, for good weather for planting, for the combination of sunshine, warmth, and timely rains needed for a good crop. I found this prayer and its affirmations very meaningful. Blessings on the farmers...

A PRAYER FOR THE COUNTRY FAMILY

WE BELIEVE that farming is a noble occupation:
The farm home is a most suitable place for a Christian family;
The good earth is the greatest material gift of God to man.

WE KNOW that in this vocation, country people work closely with God in producing the essential elements of life.

In the special graces and opportunities of this way of life,
farm and country families can most readily give glory to God,
and grow in holiness and happiness.

The earth returns greatest honor to God when through their care and labor, it brings forth an abundance for their family's needs and those of society, for this generation and for those to come.

Let us all pray and hold fast to the spiritual values of the farming vocation and resist the materialism of this age from blinding us to them.

WE PRAY that through God's grace we may have wisdom and strength to grow constantly in the virtues necessary for holy rural living:
Faith and Hope, firmly founded in knowledge of God's wisdom;
Love and Patience with the slow deliberate cycle of seasons and years;
Fortitude and Temperance to give us the strength and balance;
Compassion and Mercy with all who we meet and all that we do.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer from National Catholic Rural Life Conference

Mother's Day: The Pink Rose

2011-05-07T16:08:00.002-05:00

Two years ago on Mother's Day our church's worship service was fashioned around the thematic of "The Pink Rose" --

My sermon is an adaptation of the sermon, “The Pink Rose,” originally preached by Jeanne Stevenson Moessner at a Service for Wholeness in Birmingham, Alabama, May, 1997. The service was jointly sponsored by Edgewood Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and Resolve, a national network of support for women and men dealing with infertility and loss. The sermon was later published in the Easter 1998 edition of Journal for Preachers. Jeanne was "one of everyone's favorite" seminary professors. I'm proud to call her both mentor and friend.

“The Pink Rose”

The Pink Rose:
An adaptation of a sermon by Jeanne Stevenson Moessner

MOTHER’S DAY 2009
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
LAKE CRYSTAL, MINNESOTA

Next to Jeanne’s childhood home there stood a stone archway. Red roses grew there. They always seemed to appear there just before Mother’s Day. Like a May ritual, her father would cut a handful of the wild red roses, and she and her brothers would wear them to church on Mother’s Day—the red roses a sign that their mother was living. Remarkable, in retrospect, was that Jeanne’s father and mother also wore red roses for so many years. Her grandmothers lived into their nineties.

It is in honor of all the mothers who are living that I place this red rose in the vase.

In the South, where Jeanne was raised, it is a custom on Mother’s Day to wear a red rose if your mother is still living.

And it is in honor of all the mothers who are no longer among us that I place a white rose in the vase.

For, again, in the South, it is customary to wear a white rose on Mother’s Day for the mothers who have died and “passed over.”

Yet, there are other losses to be remembered. Mother’s Day can be especially painful for women and men who wanted to become parents and could not. Sing, O Barren One written by Mary Calloway traces the theme of barren women in the Old and New Testaments. These were all women who wanted to have children and could not. You may recall them.

Sarah in Genesis 11; Rebecca in Genesis 25; Rachel in Genesis 30; Leah in Genesis 29; the wife of Manoah in Judges 13; Hannah in First Samuel, Elizabeth in the Gospel according to Luke; and Zion in Isaiah 54: “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in travail!” This last passage is the one from which the book took its title, Sing, O Barren One. The biblical material focuses on barren women rather than barren men. The barrenness motif or theme functioned to show that the gift of life came from God alone. Barrenness was seen as a curse and humiliation. Fruitfulness was seen as a reward for obedience.

In each of the biblical examples of the barren women, a son was given. Sarah bore Isaac; Rebecca gave birth to Jacob and Esau; Rachel to Joseph and Benjamin; and Leah bore Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, and six others. The wife of Manoah gave birth to Samson; Hannah to Samuel; Zion to the sons of Jerusalem; and Elizabeth to John the Baptist. In each of the cases of barrenness, there is a fruitfulness—the gift of life.

But where does a woman who has not been given this gift of life in children connect on Mother’s Day? Where do the modern-day barren women connect with scripture? The only barren women in scripture other than priestesses are Tamar in Second Samuel and Jepthah’s daughter in Judges 11. Tamar was raped by her brother and lived the rest of her life “a desolate woman.” Jepthah’s daughter, a virgin, was killed by her father as a result of his foolish vow. These are the childless women of scripture. Not a lot of comfort there.

If the red rose represents living mothers, and the white rose mothers who have died, what symbol do we have on Mother’s Day for the women who never bore, for the women still dealing with infertility, for the women waiting for a child to be placed through adoption, for the women whose dreams to get married and raise a family did not materialize? What symbol do we have for mothers who have lost children through miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, accident, injury, or illness?

Jeanne Stevenson Moessner tells the story of attending a women’s luncheon where she talked with a woman, a woman she had never met. Within ten minutes, the woman told Jeanne she had lost a daughter nine years earlier…

She was killed in an automobile accident by a young man who crossed the median and hit her car. He was on drugs. Her life, just on the threshold of adulthood and great promise, ended.

There is always a vase of roses on the altar of her hometown church on the Sunday in May nearest the date of her death. That’s often on Mother’s Day. Each year, her parents have added one more rose.

It is for her mother and others like her that I add to the vase the pink rose.
For all the mothers—and for those who want to be mothers—the pink rose.

For those who are foster mothers, and stepmothers, the pink rose.

For birth mothers who placed their children for adoption. And adoptive mothers who received the gift of life through this placement. For those of you facing empty nests at home; for those dealing with children who are emotionally lost to you; for those whose mothers were emotionally disconnected… the pink rose.

On Mother’s Day, the pink rose can also symbolize the “mothers of the church,” a term used in the African-American tradition for the women who hold the church together through nurturing, caring, mentoring. I remember when, as a seminary student, I preached at my home church in Orange City, my mother and my grandmother in the congregation. I remember looking into the eyes of women who had taught me, encouraged me, called me on the carpet. And I remember, now, the strong women of faith who taught me in seminary: Jeanne, who wrote the original version of this sermon (and, for that matter, effectively wrote most of this adaptation); Elizabeth, who introduced me to Hebrew and new understandings of the Old Testament; Marsha, who taught me to preach; and other women—now colleagues—who encouraged me to express compassion, to be myself, and to be honest with myself. I think, too, of the strong women of faith in our own congregation…

For women who are spiritual models and mentors, I place the pink rose in the vase.

Such a wide variety of experiences! What do we do with all of these experiences and feelings on Mother’s Day? May I suggest that we bring our flowers—red, white, pink—to the altar of a God who carries, feeds, protects, heals, guides, disciplines, comforts, washes, and clothes us as children.

Many biblical passages portray God as doing these for us.

Giving birth…
Listen to Me…
You who have been borne by Me from birth
And have been carried from the womb…. (Isa. 46:3-4)

Comforting…
As a child who is comforted by its mother,
so I will comfort you. (Isa. 66:13)

Washing…
I will pour clean water over you and scrub you clean.
I'll give you a new heart
and put a new spirit in you. (Ezekiel 36:25)

Healing…
Look, look, God has moved into the neighborhood. God will wipe every tear…. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more. (Rev. 21:4)

Suffering and long-suffering… caring for difficult children…
The more I called them,
the more they went from me;
Yet it was I who taught these children to walk,
I took them up in my arms;
but they did not know that I healed them.
I led them with cords of human kindness,
with bands of love.
I was to them like those
who lift infants to their cheeks.
I bent down to them and fed them. (Hosea 11:1-4)

How can we re-image God so that we can connect in ways that our more genuine to our experience? In ways which ring true?

“After my surgery,” said a woman dealing with breast cancer, “I could not image God as a male. I (needed) to image God as Mother Hen. (Because) it is only God as mother hen who would know what it is like to lose a wing.”

She was referring, of course, to the scripture passages in the gospels of Matthew and Luke in which Jesus spoke of his desire to gather the children of Jerusalem as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. In a similar way, parents who have lost a child, most often want and need visits from those who have experienced the same. And they need a God who knows what it was like to lose a child.

We can also re-image God as adoptive parent. God is often imaged as birth parent, the One who creates us and even gives us a “second birth”—most familiar is John 3:16. But there are actually more passages in the New Testament that speak of our adoption into the family of faith through Jesus Christ as Firstborn. The book of Ephesians in particular presents God as adoptive parent. God has destined us for adoption as children with an inheritance. God also knows the empty pain of childlessness when someone rejects the gracious invitation to come into the adoptive family.

Various theologians write about the woundedness of God, the vulnerability of God to pain. God lost a son at the place of crucifixion.

The roses mean something different to each of us, based on our experiences. The pink rose, in particular, carries a meaning unique to each of our own experiences.

So in a way, the pink rose is for all us. It would take an all-knowing, all-seeing, vulnerable, and loving God to fully understand the pink rose signifies to each one of us.

And that’s exactly what Psalm 139 says… Our God is a God who formed our inward parts, knit us together in our mother’s womb, and saw our unformed substance. It is from such a God that healing will one day come, a healing that extends beyond childhood, before birth, to the very womb. This healing is to be found somehow in the very womb of God.

Yes, it is an all-knowing, all-seeing, vulnerable, and loving God who is sufficient to embrace what we bring today—the red roses, the white roses, the pink roses—especially the pink roses. This rich and varied bouquet of very real human experiences is an our offering of our inmost selves to God— May this bouquet be held close to the very heart of God.

Amen.

A new poem

2011-05-06T11:40:00.003-05:00

"Engulf me”
by Randy Lubbers

A longing, May 6, 2011
Not-quite-after an eternal winter

For a warm fresh-baked home-baked banana nut muffin;
With butter—the real stuff, and more than necessary.
Hot, dark, fresh-brewed breakfast blend;
No cream or sugar—in a mug with a past.
And a passionate morning sun;
Alive and hot; piercing, blazing light—

Finally, getting beyond the muffin
And the butter and the coffee—
Finally, this is the poem—

I need the Easter of the summer sun
On my still-in-the-tomb patio chair
Engulfing me
Holding me
Binding me to that quiet spot at the table
Warming me
Preparing me for dying seeds and a miraculous shoot
Freeing me
Loosening the tightness
In my old
Arms and legs and shoulders
Unbinding me
And
Releasing me
To live again.

"The Golden Age"

2011-04-19T00:07:00.004-05:00

I wished I lived in the golden age
Giving it up on the Broadway stage
Hang with the rats and smoke cigars
Just have a break with Frank and count the stars

Dressed to the nines, we've had too much
Shiny jewels, casino cash
Tapping feet, wanna take the lead
A trip back in time is all I need

Oh!
Sing it out loud gonna get back honey
Sing it out loud get away with me
Sing it out loud on a trip back honey
Sing it out loud and let yourself free

Whoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo

I'm on my way, gonna make it big
Gonna make these songs for the chicks to dig
It's really hot and a little bit sour
We're getting your strength to the maximum power

Flying away from reality
Whatever-ever happened to gravity?
I see it clear, a shooting star
And I'm really gonna sing it like da-da-da

Sing it out loud gonna get back honey
Sing it out loud get away with me
Sing it out loud on a trip back honey
Sing it out loud and let yourself free

Yeah!

Sing it out loud gonna get back honey
Sing it out loud get away with me
Sing it out loud on a trip back honey
Sing it out loud and let yourself free

Yeah-yeah!
Woah-oah!
Wow!

Ohhh silver screen on a rainy day
Sally Bowles in a cabaret
Shaking sticks, oh what a show
Fresh and jolly, from tip to toe

Rambling down the boulevard
With a fly, a bird, and a wooden heart
My mind is set, I walk the line
But I never really thought that it would feel this fine

Yeah!
Sing it out loud gonna get back honey
Sing it out loud get away with me
Sing it out loud on a trip back honey
Sing it out loud and let yourself free

Sing it out loud gonna get back honey
Sing it out loud get away with me
Sing it out loud on a trip back honey
Sing it out loud and let yourself free!

Yeah!
Hey! Hey!
Whoo!
Ooh!
Oooooaaahh!

Whoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo
Whoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo

Prayer for Palm/Passion Sunday

2011-04-17T12:40:00.002-05:00

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit—
O God, we need to be cleansed—
We truly desire to be made clean—
even though—fickle as we are—
we find ourselves so often wallowing in the mud.
So cleanse us, heal us, transform us,
so that we may perfectly love you—
O God, so often our love is less than perfect—
indeed, we are often apathetic towards you—
the very opposite of loving.
But we want to love you perfectly.
We long to live our lives
to the praise and glory of your holy name.

Almighty God, draw me nearer to you, deeper into your heart.
And as you do, help me to discover
that my companions on the journey of life
are women and men loved by you
as fully and intimately as you love me.
In your compassionate heart, there is a place for all of them.
No one is excluded.
Give me a share in your compassion, dear God,
so that your unlimited love may become visible
in the way I love my brothers and sisters (Henri Nouwen).

Heal my fickleness, O God;
Heal our fickle church.
Fill us with your power — power made perfect in weakness.
Remind us of your presence — close, intimate, real.
Make clear to us your purposes —
your vision of our common life and work and mission.
As one body, we pray for those who are lonely or sad, sick or dying, confused or filled with doubt, filled with self-pity or anger or hatred, longing for a sign of your love and grace, near despair in the midst of their trials and temptations, or suffering for their faith.
As one body, we pray for all nations and peoples. We pray for peace in the hearts of all people. We pray for wisdom and inspiration and humility in the hearts of rulers, elected officials, presidents, governors, judges, representatives.
As one body, we pray for the people of our community, our county, our state and nation. We pray for the Holy Spirit to work in fickle hearts to lead people to discover and know the reality of your “un-fickle” love in Christ -

So that hearts and minds and lives may be transformed;
So that darkness may be overcome by the Light;
So that ignorance may yield to wisdom;
So that bigotry may be put out by understanding;
So that the “desire for revenge” may be healed by forgiveness;
So that greed may lose out to gratitude and generosity;
So that oppression may give way to justice;
So that the sick may be healed;
the hungry, fed;
the grieving, consoled;
So that sad hearts may find joy;
So that violence may be crushed by compassion;
So that hatred may be overcome by love.

Patient and understanding, loving and tender, eternal and holy God: Take the feeble prayers of our fickle hearts and transform our requests through the perfect intercessions of our Lord Jesus Christ. Guard our hearts and minds and keep us in your love until that glorious day when your kingdom is fully come — on earth as it is in heaven — that day when Christ will be all in all.

Amen.

Having Forgotten to Bring a Book, She Reads the Car Manual Aloud

2011-04-07T23:40:00.002-05:00

Having Forgotten to Bring a Book,
She Reads the Car Manual Aloud
by Naomi Shihab Nye

Do not sit on the edge of the open moonroof.
Do not operate the moonroof if falling snow
has caused it to freeze shut.
(I thought it was a sunroof, actually.)
Do not place coins into the accessory socket.

The cup holder should not be used while driving.
Well, when then?
While parked at home?
Perhaps, at midnight, with insomnia?
Hi, Mom, I think I'll just go have a glass of milk
in the driveway.

If you need to dispose of the air bag
or scrap the vehicle...
Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage area.
Do not operate the defogger longer than necessary.
Please remove necktie or scarf while working on
engine.
Never jack up the vehicle more than necessary.

A running engine can be dangerous.

From A Maze Me: Poems for Girls by Naomi Shihab Nye
Greenwillow Books, 2005

It's a great book if you need a gift for a young girl. My daughter didn't think so, but it is. I have an extra copy if anyone's interested.

Peace, Love & Coffee.... Randy

On vacation, prayer, and asthma

2011-03-30T09:23:00.002-05:00

Everyone has been asking. And the short answer is: Vacation was wonderful!

I am very grateful for the prayers of our church family and friends in the wider community while we were away. We were refreshed! And now, with Lenten activities and Holy Week and Easter... Oh, wow! Yes, April is a busy time, so "prayers for the pastor" continue to be very much “in order” and truly treasured and vital.

For that matter, prayer, period, is vital, is it not? Our lives... all of our lives and every aspect of our lives, yes, every breath of our lives comes from God.

Prayer is our lifeline, our connection to God in whom we live and breathe. One hymn says, “Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, the Christian’s native air….”

Just as a fish can’t breathe without its gills which, by some miracle I'll never fully understand, allow it to pull the oxygen it needs from the water, in the same way we need prayer to connect us to the Breath of God, the Spirit of God, who daily renews and refreshes and revives us in Christ.

As I often do, I am preaching to myself here, but see if you don’t agree with this confession: We are too often “asthmatic” Christians.

According to one medical expert, “when you have asthma, two things happen inside your lungs --- constriction, the tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways, and inflammation, the swelling and irritation of the airways…. There is increasing evidence that, if left untreated, asthma can cause long-term loss of lung function.”

When we’re disconnected from the lifeline of prayer we are spiritually asthmatic. We find ourselves gasping for air! Left untreated, spiritual asthma can decrease our capacity to breathe the Spirit in deep, to fully experience God’s love and grace, to see God’s purposes for our lives and for the church.

Disconnected from prayer, we die.

Never Too Late

2011-03-30T09:19:00.001-05:00

Most Minnesotans are very familiar with the Little House series of children’s books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. But here’s something you might not know: Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t publish the first novel in this famous series until she was in her sixties. It’s never too late!

You may have missed Ash Wednesday completely. Maybe the whole idea of Lent has been “off your radar screen” this year… so far. But it’s not too late. The Wednesday series (supper followed by the six-part “Learning Forgiveness” study and discussion) continues through Holy Week. It’s not too late to make plans to attend. It’s not too late to attend Lenten worship on Sundays. And it’s never too late to make a time of prayer a daily habit.

Some folks fast during Lent. If your health allows, it’s not too late to pick one or two days to “fast and pray.” It’s never too late to commit yourself to a Lenten “fast” from being anxious or worrisome, from longing for “all the good stuff so-and-so has,” from withholding forgiveness, from being consumed by anger or envy or pride.

It’s never too late to come to the place in your life where you finally admit that you can’t handle things on your own. It’s never too late to open yourself up to God’s unconditional love.

Peace in the Desert

2011-03-29T23:55:00.001-05:00

“Look to your right,” said Grandma Jaarsma as we drove through the little burg of St. David, “and you should see it in just a mile or two.” And then, there it was: a sturdy wooden 30-foot Celtic Cross appearing almost magically in the desert. St. David’s Monastery lies peacefully behind a grove of pecan trees in a most unlikely and lonely spot just southeast of Benson, Arizona on state highway 80. Like most monasteries, St. David’s had a small bookstore. And since I was driving, we made a pit-stop on our way from Tucson to Tombstone.

It was there I found a souvenir worth carrying home: a hand-painted calligraphy with green grasses alongside the quote from Mahatma Gandhi:

THE SEVEN ROOTS OF VIOLENCE
Worship, without sacrifice
Wealth, without work
Pleasure, without conscience
Knowledge, without character
Commerce, without morality
Science, without humanity
Politics, without principle

The Motivation Behind Works of Social Justice and Compassion

2011-03-11T08:45:00.002-06:00

Just thinking..... Is it not Gratitude that is the purest motivation of the human heart towards acts of Compassion and prayers and protests for Justice?

Heidelberg Catechism Q & A 86.

Q. We have been delivered from our misery by God's grace alone through Christ and not because we have earned it: why then must we still do good?

A. To be sure, Christ has redeemed us by his blood. But we do good because Christ by his Spirit is also renewing us to be like himself, so that all our living we may show that we are thankful to God for all he has done for us, and so that he may be praised through us.

And we do good so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits, and so that by our godly living our neighbors may be won over to Christ.

The very acts of compassion Jesus describes in Matthew 25 -- "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me": Aren't these the acts we most often see in the lives of generous, tenderhearted, joyful folks who live with an attitude of Gratitude? C.S. Lewis said something along these lines in his book on the Psalms. I'm looking for the quote right now....

Oh, here it is:

I had not noticed how the humblest, and at the same time most balanced and capacious, minds praise most, while the cranks, misfits and malcontents praised least.... (C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms)

Lewis is using different words than we would, but I hear him saying basically this:

It seems obvious to me now: The people who overflow with deep gratitude are the folks who overflow with acts of compassion and who allow themselves to become one with the poor, the hungry, the oppressed, and the afflicted. Gratitude is at the heart of compassionate living. The people who don't give a hoot about others are the same jerks (poor souls) who never say thanks, the ones who say, "Why should I share? Everything I have I earned myself. I'll build bigger barns. I'll eat, drink, and be merry."

Perfectly Love (Excerpt from Feb 27)

2011-02-28T16:25:00.003-06:00

Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your might.... (Deut 6)

We believe that our good God, by his marvelous wisdom and goodness, seeing that we had made ourselves completely miserable (even to the point of plunging ourselves into a downward spiral of physical and spiritual death), set out to find us, even though we, trembling all over, were fleeing from God (Belgic Confession, Article 17, my translation).

I love the phrase, "trembling all over... fleeing from God." It makes me think of Adam and Eve hiding from God after sin alienated their hearts from God. Too often, I think, people have been taught or have somehow “learned” from cultural images of “the Deity” that God came looking for Adam and Eve in order to take them back behind the woodshed. But there's nothing in the Gen 3 story that implies an angry or harsh tone of voice when God says, "Where are you?" We—yes, you and I—are the ones who picture God as being red-hot with a desire to exact revenge, when, in fact, everything in the story would indicate otherwise. God's words – even God's judgment – his "because-you-have-done-this" words – those words are spoken with grace and tenderness.

God is not yelling but weeping.

Even after sin God comes looking for Adam and Eve; deeply grieved; even experiencing loss, perhaps? Yes, God is heartbroken. Picture in your mind, perhaps, the woodcarver Geppetto and his love for Pinocchio. Or the great Lion Aslan in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” giving his life freely to save the life of undeserving Edmund. There is no dark, inscrutable, or foreboding God. No, the face of God is the face of Jesus Christ on the cross saying, "Father, forgive them." God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 103:8).

So how do we love God "perfectly"? We love God perfectly when we open our hearts to Love… to God’s steadfast, loyal love for you… to God’s undying love for the whole cosmos… to Jesus’ love for you… "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man gives up his life for his friends."

God does not merely want our assent or agreement, not merely our belief in doctrines about God, about Jesus. No, God wants us to be in love with him. Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Dwell in my love.”

Christ doesn’t want us to believe with our heads only -- intellectual assent without a passionate, fiery, white-hot LOVE of God is more distasteful to God than no assent at all: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” Revelation 3:15-16).

To love God is to be passionate about the things God is passionate about. To love God is to acknowledge and accept God’s love-to-the-uttermost tenderhearted, compassionate, patient and kind and overflowing love. To love God is to simply respond in kind to what you have been taught since you were old enough to walk and talk: Jesus loves me, this I know!

When we open our hearts to God’s love we find ourselves, by a miracle of the Holy Spirit, becoming more and more perfectly in love with God.

February 13 sermon excerpts

2011-02-13T14:19:00.003-06:00

“Lord Jesus, before you I patiently wait, come now and within me a new heart create. To those who have sought you, you never said ‘no’, now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow” (James Nicholson).

Whiter than snow. Yeah, right. Have you noticed? This time of year, the snow isn’t very white, is it? Warm weather, snow melting… It was almost 40 yesterday and 40-45 is the forecast for today. The snow banks have never looked so ugly, so grimy and dingy... and yet vulnerable, precarious... their days are numbered. You almost have to feel sorry for those once stately banks and piles of snow....

Those dirty banks of snow along the street are NOT what the psalmist and Isaiah are talking about (Ps 51; Isa. 1:10-20), of course, but the grungy old snow can remind us of what we mean when we pray, "Lord, wash me and I shall be whiter than snow."

How did the snow get to be so ugly?

It looked beautiful after the last snow fall, didn’t it? But yet, accumulating through the winter, the evidence of salt and sand spread on the streets and then shoved to the sides after the next snowfall, the evidence of other sources of grime. And the melting reveals what was there all the time. And so it is with us.

How good is it that God doesn’t just spread a new layer of snow over us?! God, by grace, washes us so that we’re just as clean as a foot of freshly fallen snow in the middle of your backyard or in the depths of the woods.

This brilliant newness is what our hearts deeply long for.

Our deepest desire is
for Christ-in-us,
for Christ’s washing,
for Christ’s snow-white purity.
What we seek, only God can give.
What we ask for, we are unable to find for ourselves.
What we desire is faith, but faith is pure gift.
What we pray for is for the grace
to be faithful receivers of God’s gifts --
which means being faithful givers of love and mercy --
and faithful servants of the Prince of Shalom.

Part 4 in a six-part series based on the Collect for Purity.
Inspired by six prayers by Walter Brueggemann in Prayers for a Privileged People.

Super Bowl Sunday

2011-02-02T12:04:00.003-06:00

A prayer by Walter Brueggemann, from Prayers for a Privileged People

The world of fast money,
and loud talk,
and much hype is upon us.
We praise huge men whose names will linger only briefly.

We will eat and drink,
and gamble and laugh,
and cheer and hiss,
and marvel and then yawn.

We show up, most of us, for such a circus,
and such an indulgence.
Loud clashing bodies,
violence within rules,
and money and merchandise and music.

And you--today like every day--
you govern and watch and summon;
you glad when there is joy in the earth,
But you notice our liturgies of disregard and
our litanies of selves made too big,
our fascination with machismo power,
and lust for bodies and for big bucks.

And around you gather today, as every day,
elsewhere uninvited, but noticed acutely by you,
those disabled and gone feeble,
those alone and failed,
those uninvited and shamed.
And you whose gift is more than "super,"
overflowing, abundant, adequate, all sufficient.
The day of preoccupation with creature comforts writ large.
We pause to be mindful of our creatureliness,
our commonality with all that is small and vulnerable exposed,
your creatures called to obedience and praise.

Give us some distance from the noise,
some reserve about the loud success of the day,
that we may remember that our life consists
not in things we consume
but in neighbors we embrace.

Be our good neighbor that we may practice
your neighborly generosity all through our needy neighborhood.

Walter Brueggemann, Prayers for a Privileged People (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2008), 183pp.

A friend who cares...

2011-01-27T09:55:00.001-06:00

"Still, when we ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not-knowing, not-curing, not-healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is the friend who cares."

Henri Nouwen, from Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life

Bread for the Journey

2011-01-12T21:36:00.002-06:00

The first book I purchased for my new Kindle is a book I've read over and over... and over and over. And every time I discover something new. Or discover something old which I truly needed to hear anew.

I first read Henri Nouwen's Bread for the Journey not alone but "in communion" with a "breakfast club" of old and new friends in Pella, Iowa. This was at least 2-3 years before seminary. I highly recommend the approach. We each would read the short daily readings -- or, sometimes, read all seven daily readings the night before our weekly Tuesday-morning-gathering at a local restaurant. We'd highlight or underline or put question marks in the margins; and then we'd talk about what had "hit home" or what we didn't quite understand. Of course sometimes we'd just talk about the frustrations and hurts and challenges in our lives without regard to the book. But more often than not Henri Nouwen's wise and compassionate words would find a home in the various and varying situations and circumstances of our lives. Together we grew more and more open to "the voice calling us God's beloved sons and daughters." I miss that group.

Anyway, I could probably cut and paste this selection from somewhere on the web... but it's worth retyping... and so that's what I've done... to let the words become a part of me in yet another way...

And I hope the words become part of you as well...

January 10
Growing Beyond Self-Rejection

One of the greatest dangers in the spiritual life is self-rejection. When we say, "If people really knew me, they wouldn't love me," we choose the road toward darkness. Often we are made to believe that self-deprecation is a virtue, called humility. But humility is in reality the opposite of self-deprecation. It is the grateful recognition that we are precious in God's eyes and that all we are is pure gift. To grow beyond self-rejection we must have the courage to listen to the voice calling us God's beloved sons and daughters, and the determination to live our lives according to this truth.

Henri J.M. Nouwen
Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith

Preparing for Christmas after a loss

2010-12-23T02:07:00.001-06:00

Such a loss! Such a keen and tearing pain. Even when I am in a crowded room, there is a loneliness I never knew existed. Comforting God, I have turned to you so many times for solace, and I come again. While the world is bright and sparkling, my heart feels leaden and has an emptiness that cannot be filled.

Lord, how can I enter into this season of joy? In my head I celebrate your birth into this world, but in my everyday life, I am filled with a grief that runs so very deep. You blessed me with a loving relationship and now it is gone from my life. How can I be faithful to that love and the memory of that love and my sorrow in this season of "Rejoice!"??

Tears are so close to the surface all the time and helpful friends who want to "keep me busy" don't seem to really understand that I need to embrace my grief. I am afraid of letting go of the sadness and losing the deep love connection I had.

Instead of entering into the Rejoice of Christmas, I long for the sorrow of Lent. I beg you Lord, show me how the two are connected. I ponder the name Emmanuel and know that it means "God with us." With us. With me in this world, in this sorrow. If I look beyond my pain, I know that you, too, suffered so much in this world. I never understood so clearly before that Emmanuel is what your nativity is really about. You are in my world, in my pain.

Thank you, Lord, for the loved one you blessed my life with. Grant me now in my grief, a peace. Give me a comfort that might not make the tears go away, but that lets me feel your presence as you take up a place deep in my heart, with me.

Source: Creighton University Online Ministries

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent....

Christmas Lights: Christ & Coca-Cola

2010-12-21T22:46:00.004-06:00

I was checking out some of the Holiday Lights... oops, I mean, "Christmas Lights" on youtube, just for fun. And I ran across this one. 64,000 (or, maybe 65,000?) LED lights to the Coca-Cola song. Sounds fun.

So the title page says, "Putting Christ back into Christmas." Huh? Come again? With the Coca-Cola song?

Now I'm a big fan of Classic Coke myself, but.... I just find this "Too Funny"... And I guess I've never been a fan of the phrase, "Putting Christ back into Christmas." It seems rather presumptuous. And hypersensitive.

But anyway, have fun watching the show... and then scroll down for a few more comments about "Putting Christ back into Christmas."

Here's what I think, for what it's worth: God's grace goes far beyond what we can imagine. We can see God's grace in the Mpls Holidazzle Parade, in a humble but delicious assortment of baked goodies shared by a neighbor, in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, in a meal with my kids, in a cheerful greeting at the check-out counter at Barnes & Noble, in the face of a Muslim child putting a quarter in the Salvation Army kettle, and in a homey Budweiser television commercial featuring the Clydesdale horses pulling a sleigh with a Christmas tree. And yes, grace is found in 64,999 LED lights dancing to the Coca-Cola song! At least it's better than Pepsi.

But here's my main thesis: Grace is most certainly deeper and broader and higher than any "Christmas" which "needs to be saved" by zealots who are offended by an innocently-uttered "happy holidays to you" and yet are not offended by oppression or injustice. If you really want to put Christ back into Christmas, join the prayer of the Christmas angels:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights;
and on earth...
on earth where there exists
so much conflict
and violence
and hatred...
on earth...
Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.

Does this make sense at all?
Whack me with an old fruit cake if I'm way out in left field on this one. :))
But I think I'm right.
The only question is whether I've expressed it clearly enough. ;)

Grace and peace...

Halfway through Advent - have I missed it?

2010-12-18T15:27:00.001-06:00

Dear Jesus,

It's halfway through Advent and I'm not sure what happened. I really wanted to make this a reflective and calm season, preparing for your birth and pondering how you came into this world in such a stunningly humble way. But it's so busy and I'm distracted and sometimes even short-tempered with those I love the most. Where are you in THAT?

I am discouraged and wish I could start over. But as I sit here in the rare moment of silence, I contemplate your birth. In a bed of straw, with the smell of manure everywhere. It's a mess in that stable ... and come to think of it, my life is a little messy, too. I suddenly see that it is not just into the mess of the stable but into my mess that you enter the world. You came into a humble place and that humility is often where I live my life - feeling guilty or distracted and wishing I were a better person. But if I stop thinking of myself and focus on you, I realize that there you are, waiting to love me, even though I have so many unfulfilled good intentions about prayer, so many desires of how to change this fleeting Advent season.

I can begin Advent today and make this season deeper by making room in my heart for you. I can take just a moment before I get out of bed in the morning and feel the empty place in my life I so often fill with my busy-ness. It is there I need you the most. Come, Lord Jesus. Come into that dark and lonely spot in my heart. You know what my needs are more than I do. Let me feel your love. If I only carry that thought with me each day, it will prepare me for Christmas.

Thank you, Jesus. It's not too late. You are waiting to enter my life today, where ever I let you in. Help me to open my heart in these remaining days.

Source: Creighton University

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/advent-prayers.html#Exhaustion

A Prayer for Hope in our Everyday, Ordinary Lives

2010-11-30T14:30:00.002-06:00

Surprise us, O God, for we often expect so little.
Yes, you have surprised us even today.
And we stop, and bow our heads with tears of gratitude, and say thank you.
Come to us in ways we cannot predict.
O! How you amazed us again and again!
And we stop, and look up to the sky with renewed hearts, and say alleluia.
Come to us in familiar people, experiences, and words.
And we will stop and see the signs of your grace all around us.

Keep us from living as if life is repetitious--but instead:
Fire us with expectation,
Knowing that you move toward us;
With life far in excess,
far more abundant than we dare to hope or dream.
Alleluia! Amen!

(By Doris Donnelly with additions in italics by Randy Lubbers)

Prayers for Peace

2010-11-15T19:39:00.002-06:00

Prayer for World Peace
by Sister Joan D. Chittister, O.S.B.

Great God, who has told us
"Vengeance is mine,"
save us from ourselves,
save us from vengeance in our hearts
and the acid in our souls.
Save us from our desire to hurt as we have been hurt,
to punish as we have been punished,
to terrorize as we have been terrorized.
Give us the strength it takes
to listen rather than to judge,
to trust rather than to fear,
to try again and again
to make peace even when peace eludes us.
We ask, O God, for the grace
to be our best selves.
We ask for the vision
to be builders of the human community
rather than its destroyers.
We ask for the humility as a people
to understand the fears and hopes of other peoples.
We ask for the love it takes
to bequeath to the children of the world to come
more than the failures of our own making.
We ask for the love it takes
to care for all the peoples
of Afghanistan and Iraq, or Palestine and Israel
as well as for ourselves.

Give us depth of soul, O God,
to constrain our might,
to resist the temptation of power,
to refuse to attack the attackable,
to undertsand
that vengeance begets violence,
and to bring peace - not war - wherever we go.

For You, O God, have been merciful to us.
For You, O God, have been patient with us.
For You, O God, have been gracious to us.

And so may we be merciful
and patient
and gracious
and trusting
with these others whom you also love.

This we ask through Jesus,
the one without vengeance in his heart.
This we ask forever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi
St. Francis went to speak with the Sultan, rather than fight in the crusades

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Eight Habits for Building "Faith Apathy" in your Kids

2010-09-27T09:55:00.003-05:00

1)THE HABIT OF DOING-YOUR-OWN-THING. Encourage your children to attend worship only if they want to because, after all, you wouldn't want them to do anything “just because you told them they ought to.”

This habit, by the way, is particularly effective in producing faith-apathy if you apply it inconsistently. In other words, do not allow your child to do her own thing regarding curfew, attending sports practices, doing homework, or going to the dentist. Only allow your child to “do his own thing” regarding church activities.

2)THE HABIT OF EARNING-YOUR-OWN-WAY INTO HEAVEN. Teach your children that all “good people” go to heaven and that only “really, really bad people” will fall short of God's expectations. Teach them that God only frowns on “serious” sins. Teach them that “sin” is only about the “bad things you do” and that it has nothing to do with the attitude of your heart.

Closely related to this, it is very important to downplay God's “extravagance” and “radical hospitality” so your children never take their salvation for granted. And, at the same time, you should also downplay the radical nature of Christ's call to discipleship. Encourage your children to be good; but, at the same time, to keep religion in its proper place.

3)THE HABIT OF MIXED MESSAGES. This is really quite simple. Drive your children to Sunday school and pick them up after it's over. Teach them that “good kids” go to Sunday school, but that good parents skip worship more often than not.

This habit is reinforced when you make every effort to attend almost all of your child's school and sports events.

4) THE HABIT OF SPORTS ADDICTION. Tell your kids – through your actions if not your words – that nothing should ever get in the way of your favorite sports activity. Regardless of your personal passion – baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, or wrestling; deer hunting or walleye fishing; NASCAR racing, Vikings football, or whatever! The specific sport doesn't matter. Just make sure your kids understand that God doesn't always come first.

Practical ways to reinforce this habit:
(a) Drive 400 miles so your child can play hockey but refuse to take them to a church event because it doesn't fit your schedule.
(b) Make sure you convince your child to believe the coach who tells you that he/she won't play on varsity if he/she doesn’t play in the off-season. Shrug off any idea of spending more than a few hours a week on church activities or family devotions, but invest whole weekends and hundreds of dollars on sports.

5)THE HABIT OF IMBALANCE. Encourage your child to push everything else aside for academic gain. After all, even if they turn 21 and have no interest in their relationship with Christ, you will still be thrilled that they got an A in Trig, right? Instead of teaching them balance, teach them that all else comes second to academics.

6)THE HABIT OF AFFLUENCE. Teach your kid that the dollar is almighty. As a parent, tell yourself your teenager's job (or jobs) are teaching responsibility, even if, in reality, most of the earnings are just going to buy the “extras” your kid wants. Never, never encourage your child to put faith activities above the responsibility of holding a job. Never force young children to tithe their allowance or earnings. See Habit #1.

Reinforce this habit by sending a loud and clear message of what you really want to see them involved in and what you value most. You can do this by spending very little on faith-related activities and/or complaining about the church budget, while at the same time spending “whatever it takes” for designer jeans, dance costumes, sports equipment, lessons, fees, and other “necessary” stuff that “everybody else” has.

7)THE HABIT OF GOING-IT-ALONE. Even though faith is meant to be lived out in community, and even though the primary motivating force in kids’ lives is their relationships, devalue the importance of spending time on a regular basis with others in your church. Attend events or activities that are “required,” but never strive to be proactive in building common bonds with others in your church. Teach your kids that most other relationships come before church friendships. By doing all you can to keep your kids from experiencing the bonds of love in a Christian community, you help ensure that they can easily walk away without feeling like they are missing anything.

8)THE HABIT OF BEING AN EXAMPLE. If you want to encourage faith-apathy in your kids' lives, simply model it in your own life. Your teenager is no dummy. Kids are looking for things that are worth their time. Authentic, genuine, relevant relationships where people are growing in relationship with Jesus is appealing. So if you want to promote apathy about the Faith in your kids, don't let them see you excited about church. Rather, always approach church as “meaningless duty” and “insignificant ritual.” Because those things hold no attraction for kids.

Note: The “Eight Habits” were inspired by “Keys to Making Your Kids Apathetic About Faith” in an article by Scott Liscott, a “pastor in Maine since 1985.” His blog is called Drinking from the Same Dipper. I have reprinted part of his conclusion....

There are no guarantees that your children will follow Christ even if you have a vibrant, purposeful relationship with Him. But, on the other hand, if we, as parents do not do all we can to help our children develop meaningful relationships in Jesus, we miss a major opportunity to lead them and show them the path worth walking.
I want my kids to see that their dad follows Jesus with everything. “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met” (Matthew 6:33, The Message).

Every day is a new life!

2010-08-08T19:37:00.003-05:00

The other night, just before I went to bed, I felt “convicted” again by the Holy Spirit in so many ways. I felt convicted to praise God more and more in my praying. I felt convicted to spend time reflecting, to take inventory of my actions and lack of action, to confess my sins — not just Sunday mornings, but every day.

I felt convicted to give thanks more. I felt convicted to ask, to seek, to knock, to pray more often for myself and others and for our world so loved by God. And most of all, I was convicted of the reality of God’s amazing grace — convinced once again of what I have believed for as long as I can remember, “Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!”

Being “convicted” of something — in a criminal court, for example — is usually a bad thing. But, think about it, for a criminal who has never acknowledged that what she or he had been doing was wrong, hurtful, or harmful a "conviction" just might be a moment of grace. At its root, “to convict” means to refute. When my harmful, hurtful actions (or, my harmful LACK of action) is "refuted" I experience a positive moment of conviction. There are, of course, many stories of persons “convicted” of the wrong direction in their lives following their official “conviction."

In Christ, being convicted or “convinced” by the Spirit of God is always a moment of grace because the Judge — Jesus Christ — is our Savior. It seems like a paradox, doesn’t it? The “moment of conviction” for me was not a moment when I felt “convicted” in the sense of feeling guilty or worthless. Indeed, it was just the opposite. It was a moment of being born again again, a moment of grace, a moment of renewal. It was a moment when I remembered again, “Yes, every day is a new life!”

As I reflect on this moment of renewal today, I am thinking once again of the promise of baptism.

In baptism God promises by grace alone: to forgive our sins; to adopt us into the Body of Christ, the Church; to send the Holy Spirit daily to renew and cleanse us; and to resurrect us to eternal life...

Through baptism Christ calls us to new obedience: to love and trust God completely; to forsake the evil of the world; and to live a new and holy life.

Yet, when we fall into sin, we must not despair of God’s mercy, nor continue in sin, for baptism is the sign and seal of God’s eternal covenant of grace with us.

Sometimes I think I should read those good words from the liturgy every morning, if only to hear again and again — each day — the truth and reality of God’s eternal covenant of grace with us; and to be reminded of God’s promise "to send the Holy Spirit daily to renew and cleanse us...” Oh, my, what a promise!

Yes, every day is a new life!

The Place of Prayer in Memorial Day

2010-05-29T07:44:00.001-05:00

Since 1950, by order of a joint resolution of Congress, the President has issued a proclamation calling on the people of the U.S. to observe Memorial Day as "a day of prayer for permanent peace" and calling on the people of our nation to unite in prayer. Prayer, of course, presumes humility and penitence. It seems to me, there is no room in sincere prayer for pride, self-congratulations, or triumphalism.

When a newspaper asked for essays on the theme "What's Wrong with the World?" the prolific writer G. K. Chesterton wrote the following response, "Dear Sirs, I am. Sincerely yours, G. K. Chesterton."

Yet today it seems that most of our leaders--political, corporate, and even some spiritual--would have us believe that "what's wrong" is almost always someone else or "them." Of course, it's not just our "leaders"--we all tend to do it, don't we?

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." A song-prayer from the 60s says, "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me." For all talk about peace, I hear very little "Let it begin with me." For all the sharp and self-righteous rhetoric about personal responsibility, I hear very little "Let it begin with me." For all my own preaching and teaching about prayer, I sometimes forget the refrain, "Let it begin with me."

So once again, this gentle reminder: What are we called to do on Memorial Day? To pray for peace.

Independence Day--it seems to me--ought to be the holiday for "busting our buttons" in pride and thanksgiving for our nation, for rejoicing and big fireworks displays. But Memorial Day ought to be more solemn and reflective. It is the holiday to remember the sacrifice of those who have given their lives. We honor them and honor their service by turning our hearts to God in prayer, especially heartfelt prayers for peace.

In 1906, Chesterton wrote the following hymn--it amazes me to think this was written over 100 years ago for the words ring so true today. May this hymn be our prayer for peace on Memorial Day 2010. More than anything, the humble prayer of a penitent heart is a tribute to the memory of true heroes.

O God of earth and altar, bow down and hear our cry;
our earthly rulers falter, our people drift and die;
the walls of gold entomb us, the swords of scorn divide;
take not thy thunder from us, but take away our pride.

From all that terror teaches, from lies of pen and tongue;
from all the easy speeches that satisfy the throng;
from sale and profanation of honor and the sword;
from sleep and from damnation, deliver us, good Lord.

Tie in a living tether the prince and priest and thrall;
bind all our lives together, smite us and save us all;
in ire and exultation aflame with faith, and free;
lift up a living nation, a single sword to thee.

Presidential Proclamation: Memorial Day

May 28th, 2010

Since our Nation’s founding, America’s sons and daughters have given their lives in service to our country. From Concord and Gettysburg to Marne and Normandy, from Inchon and Khe Sanh to Baghdad and Kandahar, they departed our world as heroes and gave their lives for a cause greater than themselves.

On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price to defend the United States and the principles upon which America was founded. In honor of our country’s fallen, I encourage all Americans to unite at 3:00 p.m. local time to observe a National Moment of Remembrance.

Today, Americans from all backgrounds and corners of our country serve with valor, courage, and distinction in the United States Armed Forces. They stand shoulder to shoulder with the giants of our Nation’s history, writing their own chapter in the American story. Many of today’s warriors know what it means to lose a friend too soon, and all our service members and their families understand the true meaning of sacrifice.

This Memorial Day, we express our deepest appreciation to the men and women in uniform who gave their last full measure of devotion so we might live in freedom. We cherish their memory and pray for the peace for which they laid down their lives. We mourn with the families and friends of those we have lost, and hope they find comfort in knowing their loved ones died with honor. We ask for God’s grace to protect those fighting in distant lands, and we renew our promise to support our troops, their families, and our veterans. Their unwavering devotion inspires us all — they are the best of America.

It is our sacred duty to preserve the legacy of these brave Americans, and it remains our charge to work for peace, freedom, and security. Let us always strive to uphold the founding principles they died defending; let their legacy continue to inspire our Nation; and let this solemn lesson of service and sacrifice be taught to future generations of Americans.

In honor of their dedication and service to America, the Congress, by a Joint Resolution, approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 31, 2010, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time to unite in prayer. I also ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

I request the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

The Pink Rose

2010-05-06T22:41:00.002-05:00

The sermon, “The Pink Rose,” was originally preached by Jeanne Stevenson Moessner at a Service for Wholeness in Birmingham, Alabama, May, 1997. The service was jointly sponsored by Edgewood Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and Resolve, a national network of support for women and men dealing with infertility and loss. The sermon was later published in the Easter 1998 edition of Journal for Preachers. Rev. Dr. Stevenson Moessner taught courses in pastoral care at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary for a number of years. She is a friend, mentor, and colleague… and I am grateful for her gifts! Last year our church's worship service on Mother's Day was fashioned around the thematic of "The Pink Rose" and, with Jeanne's permission, I preached an adaptation of her original sermon.

“The Pink Rose”

May 2010 Church Newsletter Preview

2010-04-27T10:23:00.002-05:00

CUTE, CUDDLY CHRISTIANITY

There has never been a shortage of inspirational stories and sayings—at least not in any of our lifetimes. With the advent of the internet, the words of advice are now only a mouse-click away, for almost all of us have friends who click “forward” on their e-mail and send them to us, and other friends who post these “good words” on their facebook statuses.

Just one problem. Based on my own experience, most (yes, most) of the stories Christians e-mail to other Christians are either untrue or embellished to the point of misrepresentation. And many—perhaps most—of the sayings or adages are more false than true. And the “moral of the story” is oftentimes almost completely opposite to the radical gospel of Jesus. They are all very nice, very sweet. But often they are just plain wrong!

Here’s one example, a posting from facebook:

God Knows Best, that's why He says NO!

At first glance, this seems true enough, right? Or at least harmless enough, don’t you think? But think about what it says and implies, based on what we believe about prayer. What does this adage say about prayer? In what ways might the saying imply that prayer is mostly “asking for stuff for ourselves” instead of “the most important way we say thank you to God” as taught by the Heidelberg Catechism? If you pray, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me,” does God ever say no?
How would you respond to this facebook posting? Would you just click “like” and forget about it?

Think for a moment…

Hypothetically, do you think your friend be offended if you challenged the adage? Would it be best to just ignore it? Is it best to just let it go?

I wonder…

And I’d be curious to know what you think about it, too…

Sometimes I just let it go. There’s not enough time to write about everything, after all. But sometimes, especially with a close friend, I will formulate my thoughts and take the risk of trying to do as the Bible teaches, “to speak the truth in love.”

I’d be curious to know how you would respond.

But anyway, for what it’s worth, here’s how I answered:

RE: “God Knows Best, that's why He says NO!”

I understand the sentiment, I think, but I don't think we should be teaching that sentiment to our children. Seems to me there's very, very little in the Bible about God saying no. And lots and lots about yes.

Just a few quotes from Jesus on this subject... "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:14); "Ask and it will be given to you... (Matthew 7:7); "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" (John 15:7).

In my own family's life, we might very well ask, Did God say no to our prayers for healing? What do you think?

As we explained to our kids about a year ago, God said yes and yes and yes. Carolyn's many surgeries and four years of chemo and numerous "little miracles" were all YES answers to prayer. Even in dying there was healing and wholeness. And through the grieving process and in our "new normal" God continues to heal us. God says yes!

Finally, and just as important in our understanding of God, I do not believe God looks down on all the families of the world (all of them praying for protection and good health) and says, "Hmmm, Father Knows Best so I think I'll give this family an adventure with cancer. Like green veggies, they won't like it but it will be good for them! Ha-ha!" No, that is not how God works in the world. Whenever the Bible talks about God's Mighty Acts, the actions are acts of salvation in the fullest sense of that word. Cancer is part of the broken and hurting world in which we live—it is not something “given” by God.

The world is filled with mystery and ambiguity, with unanswered and unanswerable questions. God is far beyond our understanding and yet fully revealed in the face of Jesus, the Lamb, on the cross. And yet ambiguity is okay because Jesus has promised, "I will be with you always...." Mystery is okay because Jesus has promised, “No one can snatch them out of my hands.” God is beyond our understanding. Yet God is Emmanuel—God with us. And that, my friend, is God’s grand and glorious Yes!

CUTE AND CUDDLY CHRISTIANITY: ADDENDUM

There is no shortage of “cute and cuddly” quotes and stories. There is a time and a place for them. But “cute and cuddly” is not an accurate portrayal of the “tragedy, comedy, and fairy tale” (Frederick Buechner) of the Good News. God did not send his Son into the world to bring us a cute and cuddly religion. The crucified One is Lord. Our faith and hope and transformation is shaped by the cross. There is nothing cute and cuddly about the cross.

Jesus died—not to bring comfort to people who are already “pretty-darned-good” and who are already quite comfortable—but to save sinners. We are all poor and needy; we are all shipwrecked and in desperate straits. God did not send Jesus to condemn this hurting and broken world, but that the world through him might be saved.

A POSTSCRIPT: “IN SEARCH OF… HAPPINESS”

Poets agree, happiness cannot be bought, neither can it be sought after. Happiness comes in the midst of not seeking after it, arrives in the midst of mopping a floor, shows up uninvited while emptying the in-basket. The deepest happiness always comes as a surprise party. "Seek God, not happiness--this is the fundamental rule of all meditation" (Dietrich Bonhoeffer).

Happiness surprises. Joy surprises. Grace surprises; the Spirit surprises! Poet Edward Hirsch says, "The stars surprise the sky." I like that. I like surprises.

A POEM (BY WENDELL BERRY): “WHY”

Why all the embarrassment
about being happy?
Sometimes I’m as happy
as a sleeping dog,
and for the same reasons,
and for others.

Glad to be on the journey with you…
Pastor Randy

Not an Option: a sermon for Maundy Thursday

2010-04-07T00:08:00.003-05:00

“A new mandate: Love one another!”

Scripture readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; John 13:1-17, 31b-35

SERMON
“Not an Option”
by Randy Lubbers

That’s “Not an Option!” Every heard that? It’s a phrase used to describe something that “just ain’t gonna happen.” For example:

“Dad, can we skip school today?”
“Sorry, that’s not an option.”

There are some things so out-of-bounds, so impossible for whatever reason… they are… just simply… not an option.

However, there’s another way to read this phrase…

In football there’s a play called the “triple option” – the quarterback takes the ball and can (1) keep the ball, (2) hand it off to the fullback, or (3) pitch it to the tailback. Lots of options.

And we all like options, unless there are too many; like in some restaurants:

“Baked, au gratin, mashed with gravy, hash browns, American fries, French fries, rice pilaf, or veggies…”
“Ummm could you repeat that?”

Every car now has something like 275 options with multitudes of combinations making it possible to line up 100,000 red Mustang convertibles and yet all of them are slightly different. Lots of options.

We sometimes say, “I’d like to keep my options open.”
Generally, options are a good thing.
Options make us feel like we’ve got some choice in the matter.

People without options are imprisoned. Sometimes literally. In prison bedtime (“lights out”) is predetermined. Then the lights go back on and the horns blare when it’s time to get up. Breakfast is scrambled eggs… or scrambled eggs. No options for prisoners and slaves and workers treated like slaves.

Free people have options.

Now for the children of Israel living in slavery in Egypt, there were not a lot of options. But in anticipation of Pharoah changing his mind one last time, the Lord gave Moses and Aaron instructions for the Passover. The blood of the sacrificed, slaughtered Pascal lamb would be a sign and the angel of death would pass over those houses. But even in their deliverance there were not a lot of options. The instructions are clear—ignoring them is… not an option.

We sometimes fail to remember the connections between the first Passover and our Holy Week and Easter observances. Christ, the Lamb of God, is our Passover. Christ took bread and wine and said this is my body and blood freely given for you. Christ offered himself up to be the unblemished, wholly-sound Lamb to be slaughtered.
But before any of that, the gospel of John tells us Jesus offered himself up in another way. He took the towel, filled the bowl, and washed the feet of his friends. As we sang, he suffers and serves ‘til all are fed… and “shows how grandly love intends to work….”

Jesus takes the role of servant, of slave. And Jesus calls us to “go and do likewise.” Jesus calls us to be servants.

Now this idea of being a servant doesn’t feel quite right to many of us. After all, weren’t the children of Israel set free from being servants? Aren’t we set free in Christ?

I think a big part of the problem with the idea of servanthood relates to the mistreatment of some Christians over the last 2000 years by bigger and more powerful Christians. Examples abound— Christians with guns took away the lands of Native Americans while others were trying to convert the so-called heathen Indians into becoming servants of Christ. Christians justified slavery and preached, “Servants, obey your masters in the Lord.” Theologians in Latin America have been reminding North American Christians for decades of God’s “Great Requirement”: To act justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with God. Too often the richest people and cultures respond to the cries for justice by recalling Christ’s call to servanthood. Well it’s pretty easy for CEOs to tell people about being “a servant to all.” But the servants don’t really need reminding. Even today in many churches, only men can vote and preach and make the rules—and the women… do women’s work… the women… serve. So it should be no surprise, really, when the idea of being a servant doesn’t ring true.

Not to mention: We live in a world where serving isn’t very high up on the bucket-lists. In our culture, winning is almost everything. Greed is good. Violence is tolerated—even exalted—it’s cool to be tough, cool to be a gansta. Church youth groups shoot each other up with paint balls—“it’s just for fun.” And the kids rightly point out, “Hey, even my dad plays MafiaWars on facebook… it’s just for fun, right? What’s the big deal?”

I thought it was an April Fool joke at first, but it was headline news in the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the April Fool jokes are usually at least below the fold.

Strapped for cash, schools and boosters bring in professional wrestling to raise money. A school administrator says, it might have been in bad taste, but it happened nevertheless. In one match “…a wrestler playing an Iranian made a show of unrolling a rug and kneeling to pray…” as the crowd booed and jeered.

We live in a world where the strongest are rewarded and the weakest left behind. We live in a culture that doesn’t merely tolerate “me-first”—it’s promoted. We live in a time when it is not really so difficult to imagine a crowd of thousands—urged on by an irrational, screaming voice—to turn on someone and shout, “Crucify Him!”

Being a servant? Not an option.
Serving? Pastor, aren’t there better words you could use?

But “serve” is a big word in Exodus.

The deliverance of the people out of servitude to Egypt was the Deliverance of God’s people into the freedom of… serving the one true God. Freedom. Without serving God…. Is just… not an option.

And Jesus… in a world where everyone is striving to get served first… takes the towel… and puts LOVE into action… serving the disciples… washing their feet.
And this is what love looks like:

Caring for people you love when they’re sick—not always pretty or fun;
Patience with people who you might not even like;
Listening when you’d rather be doing anything else.

Love is not always pretty. As Christ demonstrates, love is the humble act of a servant. “And this is my new mandate,” Jesus says. “Love one another. As you have seen me put love into practice by being a slave to all, that’s what I want you to be doing. Love one another. That’s how people will know that you are my followers.”

Love one another.

For those of us set free from servitude to evil to serve God and God alone: love-one-another is what we must do. It is Christ’s command.

It’s not an "option."

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all God’s benefits. We praise you, O God, for making your divine truth real to us in Jesus Christ. We ask that what we do, how we love, and the way we love, may increasingly become a worthy response. Amen.

East-a-whaaat?

2010-04-04T21:02:00.003-05:00

Jesus said, “Nobody lights a lamp and then covers it with a basin or puts it under the bed. You put it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see the light” (Luke 8:16). The After-School Bible Class and I were talking about what it means to “let your light shine” and one of the answers was something along the lines of “coming to church.” We talked a bit about “when” and “why” people come to church.... Sundays for worship and Sunday school, special meals to be with people they know in the church, weddings, and so forth. And especially during Holy Week....

We talked about Easter and Good Friday and two of their comments and questions stuck with me. One, about Good Friday, after we talked about the crucifixion of Jesus: “Why do they call it Good Friday, if he died?” The other, about Easter, after I explained how Jesus’ death conquered death for all time because Jesus rose from the dead: “He did whaaat?”

The comment reminded me of the funny E*Trade television commercial—“milk-a-whaaat?!”

Most adults in the church know that Jesus rose from the dead. Many understand that the resurrection of the Lord is why Easter is the biggest day of feasting and celebration in the church year. Yes, bigger than Christmas.

But on Easter morning almost no one is astonished. Almost no one is amazed.

But we ought to be.

“He did whaat?”

He rose from the dead.

“How?”

Well, the Bible doesn’t tell us exactly how. The New Testament book of Romans says Christ was raised “through the glory of the Father”—that is, by the glorious power of God.

But we don’t know how.

All we know is that it happened. As Frederick Buechner wrote, “He rose. A few saw him briefly and talked to him. If it is true, there is nothing left to say. If it is not true, there is nothing left to say. For believers and nonbelievers both, life has never been the same again. For some, neither has death…”

Christ arose!
“East-a-whaaat?”

We ought to be
amazed,
flabbergasted,
confused,
lost in wonder,
speechless.

Christ arose!

There is nothing left to say.

Ash Wednesday Mini-Retreat

2010-02-10T22:35:00.004-06:00

ASH WEDNESDAY ORDER OF PRAYER

Centering Yourself in God:
I belong to you, O God; I belong to you;
I belong; I belong; I belong. I belong to you. Amen.
Silence
Reading: John 3:16-17
Prayer:

O God the Father, creator of heaven and earth—
Have mercy on me.
O God the Son, redeemer of the world—
Have mercy on me.
O God the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide—
Have mercy on me.
Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity—
three persons and one God—
Have mercy on me.
Loving God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: I confess that I have gone astray from your ways and I humbly ask for your mercy. Bring me again with a penitent heart and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son. I acknowledge my need for repentance and my need for the love and forgiveness shown to me in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Self-examination:
• In what specific areas of my life have I failed to invite God?
• In what things do I need to “die” so that I might really live?
• Am I sharing time, talents, and treasure in the church?
• Listen for God’s voice. Not a voice of accusation, but of voice welcoming you home. Listen for the Savior’s kind voice through the Holy Spirit, assuring you, “Do not be afraid; I am with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you; I will never let you down, and never let you go!”

Confession and Assurance of Pardon:
• Psalm 51
• Silence
• And then read this psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating the good news of God’s steadfast love: Psalm 103

Prayer in your own words… and then, go in the peace of Christ!

BACKGROUND: For all the years I've been at First Presbyterian Lake Crystal we've observed Ash Wednesday with some sort of Service of Ashes, even though my first year here it was almost completely new to most of the congregation. (Or, thought of as something "only Catholics did" to begin Lent.) But attendance hasn't been... Well, let me preface that thought: I'm not one to stop doing a good thing just because only a few attend or find it meaningful. I'm a great believer in the idea, "where two or three are gathered..." That said, I just really felt this was a good year to give the "new tradition" a rest. I don't know, just to see if anyone misses it. I know I will. And I've already heard from my son, Luke, who--come to think of it--has participated in the service of ashes for about half his life. Luke will miss it, too. Maybe we'll do it at home. But anyway, this service of prayer was designed to encourage members of the church to observe Ash Wednesday with a discipline of personal prayer. The inspiration comes from "An Order of Worship for Ash Wednesday" written by John Paarlberg, pastor of First Church in Albany, New York. The written prayer is a direct quote from his service. The rest of the stuff is mostly written by me.

Blessings as you begin your Lenten journey.

Peace Love & Coffee....... Randy

A prayer for Valentine's Day

2010-02-09T12:01:00.002-06:00

We're observing the Feast of St. Valentine with worship focused on the theme, 'Be Mine': We love because God first loved us. Here's the intercessory prayer I wrote by adapting two prayers, one from the Liturgy of the Feast of St. Valentine from the Irish Province of the Order of Carmelites and one from a prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson (Book of Common Worship: Daily Prayer, p. 440).

Eternal God, whose steadfast love endures forever, we praise and worship you as Lord of our lives on this, the feast of St Valentine.
We ask you to listen and to grant our prayers:

We pray for all who have promised to love, honor and cherish each other in marriage, that they may be strengthened through prayer and the sacraments; that they may be a witness to the world of the joy of their lives together.

We pray for those who have recently become engaged: we thank God for them and pray for them that the Lord will help them in practical ways as they prepare for their lives together and that they will be blessed with good health and material blessings. And though their eyes may be bright with love for each other, keep in sight a wider world, where neighbors want and strangers beg, and where service is a joyful sacrifice of praise.

We hear of many for whom marriage has broken down or where sickness or sadness seems to be their lot: Lord, you have promised we are never on our own…… Be with those who suffer and grant them your healing…. Be with those who go separate ways and grant them restored confidence, new understandings, healing and hope.

We pray for our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace given us this day,
for the hope with which we look for tomorrow,
for the health, the work, the food, and the bright skies
that make our lives delightful,
for our friends in all parts of the earth.
In our journey together as sisters and brothers,
Give us courage and laughter, patience and quietness.
Bless us on our journey together
and in the mission of Christ you have given us.
And grant us the strength to endure and persevere
whatever may come our way, whether of good or ill.
And in all things, keep us loyal and loving to one another.

Like the seed that falls to the ground and dies,
may we die daily to our own selfishness
so that the true wheat of love may grow in our lives
for others to see and take to heart.

All this we ask through the powerful name
of the one who loves us to the uttermost…
who taught us to pray with each other and for each other… praying…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

An Order of Worship incorporating a congregational meeting

2010-02-03T23:02:00.002-06:00

THE SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

We are a “Community-of-Belonging” that gathers together each week to celebrate the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"A House of Prayer for All Peoples"
LAKE CRYSTAL, MINNESOTA
REV. RANDAL K. LUBBERS, Pastor & Teacher

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
10:00 PM • FEBRUARY 7, 2010

THE APPROACH TO GOD
Welcome, Announcements, Joys & Concerns, Prayer of Preparation
CENTERING OURSELVES IN GOD: Prelude
GOD WELCOMES US INTO WORSHIP: Psalm 100:1-2, 5
Leader: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
People: Amen.
Leader: Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come into God’s presence with singing!
People: For the Lord is a gracious God,
whose mercy is everlasting;
and whose faithfulness endures to all generations.
OPENING HYMN: “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty" (LOBE DEN HERREN)
PRAYER OF ADORATION
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: What we believe about the Church from the Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 54
I believe that the Son of God through his Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living member. Amen.
CHOIR ANTHEM: "Song of Fellowship"
CALL TO CONFESSION: Based on Hebrews 4:14-16
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
God of light,
we have been so blind when truth has been so clear.
When we could have looked ahead, we fell behind.
When we could have viewed the wider picture, we saw only a part.
When we could have sensed the Spirit leading, we missed the way.
Forgive our dim apprehension of love’s clear leading.
Give us faith that trusts when it cannot see,
through the light that lingers when all else fails,
even the bright Morning Star of our faith, Jesus Christ, the Savior. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON: 1 Tim. 1:15; 1 Peter 2:24
THE PEACE
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you all.
People: And also with you.
Please stand, if you are able, and greet one another with signs of Christ’s peace
GLORIA PATRI (sung in unison)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

THE WORD OF GOD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Isaiah 6:1-8
Leader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
PSALTOR: Psalm 138
GOSPEL LESSON: Luke 5:1-11
SERMON: “Deep Waters” (Rev. Randal K. Lubbers)

THE RESPONSE TO GOD
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OFFERING / OFFERTORY MUSIC
DOXOLOGY: OLD HUNDREDTH
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
HYMN: “Built on the Rock”
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION
CALL TO ORDER WITH PRAYER
AGENDA
CLOSING PRAYER
CLOSING HYMN: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" (HYMN TO JOY)
CHARGE & BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE

Some of my favorite women...

2010-01-27T11:25:00.003-06:00

In a fairly recent survey of clergy, woman authors do not fare well. In fact, that's an understatement. In the research project commissioned by the Duke Divinity School's Pulpit and Pew, clergy in three traditions (Catholic, Mainline Protestant, Conservative Protestant) were surveyed regarding reading habits. There is only one woman, Barbara Brown Taylor, in any the "top twelve" lists. Taylor shows up as #12 on the Mainline list. For Conservative Protestants and Catholics no women -- not a one -- made it into the top 12. Going even beyond the top 12, there are women read by Catholics and Mainline Protestants. But not a single woman made the author list of conservative clergy. Not a single one!

In my humble opinion, that is totally outrageous, scandalous, and very sad.

Is it any wonder the people in the pews are hungry?

So here is a list of "some of my favorite women" for pastors and spiritual leaders and others looking for breadth and depth of spirituality. These are spiritual (and some not-so-spiritual) writings by women: a brief and subjective list of good stuff from my own library......

From my Church History class in seminary: In Her Words: Women's Writings in the History of Christian Thought. Edited by Amy Oden. Abingdon Press, 1994.

Oneness in the Eucharist: On a certain Pentecost.... My heart and my veins and all my limbs trembled and quivered with eager desire... so that dying I must go mad, and going mad I must die. On that day my mind was beset so fearfully and so painfully by desirous love that all my separate limbs threatened to break, and all my separate veins were in travail.... (Hadewijch of Brabant, c. 1200s)

From my pastoral care professor: The Spirit of Adoption: At Home in God's Family. Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner. Westminster John Knox Prsss, 2003.

We need a new image of God as Adopting Parent. If the church can develop the Christian anthropological view of human being as "adopted child of God," then God can be viewed more centrally in our liturgy, preaching, and teaching as Adopting Parent as well as Birth Parent.... God's merciful compassion is God's womb-love.

From a shelf of books which could be labeled, "Books I could never write but I'm glad I could read": Great with Child: reflections on faith, fullness, and becoming a mother. Debra Rienstra. Putnam, 2002.

The world is different, for a new person has arrived in it. He is here, he is real, he has a name and a birth date. Each of us is different, too. I, the mother, given over completely from dark clouds to light and joy. Ron, a buoyant father now of two sons. Miriam and Jacob, feeling their bigger-than-ever status as sister and brother. This tiny infant will go on changing us, God willing, for the better. Philip Aaron, born July 10, 1999.

From my poetry shelves: Women in Praise of the Sacred: 43 Centuries of Spiritual Poetry by Women. Edited by Jane Hirschfield. HarperPerennial, 1995.

At last free,
at last I am a woman free!
No more tied to the kitchen,
stained amid the stained pots,
no more bound to the husband
who thought me less
than the shade he wove with his hands.
No more anger, no more hunger,
I sit now in the shade of my own tree.
Meditating thus, I am happy, I am serene.
(Sumangalamata, 6th c. B.C.E.)

From a shelf reserved for edgier memoirs: The Horizontal World: growing up wild in the middle of nowhere. Debra Marquart. Counterpoint, 2006.

And no matter how far from that uncompromising land we drift, a long, sinewy taproot summons us, always, home.

And, add to the list, these more well-known contemporary writers...

Barbara Brown Taylor - (it's all good)
Kathleen Norris - A Cloister Walk & The Quotidian Mysteries
Annie Dillard - Teaching a Stone to Talk & Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
Mary Oliver (her poems are all good!)
Alice Walker - Her Blue Body Everything We Know
Anne Lamott - Operating Instructions
Naomi Shihab Nye - 19 Varieties of Gazelle (poetry)
Lucille Clifton - Blessing the Boats (poetry)

And three more...

Singular Intimacies: Becoming a Doctor at Bellevue. Danielle Ofri. Beacon Press, 2003.

Not Counting Women and Children: Neglected Stories from the Bible. Megan McKenna. Orbis, 2001.

Coven. Susan Deborah King. Folio Bookworks, 2006. (poetry)

My challenge to men: In 2010, read at least book by a woman each month. Of course, for some this will be more of a challenge than others. The survey reported just over 10% of clergy read less than one hour per week. Unbelievable!

Peace Love & Coffee,
Randy

Prayers for Haiti

2010-01-23T16:35:00.003-06:00

For those of you unable to be with us in person... Forgive the formatting (or lack thereof)... I didn't take much time to fix it up... just basically "cut and paste." I was able to insert links to the two new hymns written within just within the last few days. Thank you for joining us in prayers for Haiti. Peace of Christ... Randy

PRAYERS FOR HAITI:
OUR HEARTS UNITE IN LAMENT AND PRAYER
An Ecumenical & Interfaith Candle Lighting Service of Prayer

First Presbyterian Church • Lake Crystal, Minnesota
Rev. Randal K. Lubbers, Pastor & Teacher

PRELUDE Mary Ann Norman, organist
CALL TO PRAYER Based on Psalm 90
Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord;
People: who made heaven and earth.
Leader: Lord, you have been our refuge from age to age.
Before the mountains were born,
before the earth and the world came to birth,
from eternity to eternity you are God.
People: Lord, you are our strength; hasten to help us.
Leader: Lord, teach us to count up the days that are ours,
and we shall come to the heart of wisdom.
People: Lord, you are our strength; hasten to help us.
Leader: Come back, O Lord! How long? How long must we wait?
Take pity on your servants.
People: Lord, you are our strength; hasten to help us.

HYMN
“O God, Our Help in Ages Past”
ST. ANNE
Words: Psalm 90:1-2, 4-5; vers. Isaac Waats (1719)
Music: William Croft (1708)
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home:
Under the shadow of your throne your saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is your arm alone, and our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame,
from everlasting you are God, to endless years the same.
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
still be our guard while troubles last, and our eternal home!
PSALM 46
PRAYER by David Gambrell (2010)
God, our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,
when the mountains shake, when the earth trembles, you are our shelter, our safety.
Give peace to those in turmoil, give refuge to those in danger,
give comfort to those who mourn, and strength to those who offer aid,
until all may dwell secure in your eternal city of peace that can never be shaken.
THE SITUATION IN HAITI
SILENCE

HYMN
“In Haiti There Is Anguish”
ST. CHRISTOPHER
Words: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (2010)
Music: Frederick C. Maker (1881)

In Haiti, there is anguish that seems too much to bear;
A land so used to sorrow now knows even more despair.
From city streets, the cries of grief rise up to hills above;
In all the sorrow, pain and death, where are you, God of love?

A woman sifts through rubble, a man has lost his home,
A hungry, orphaned toddler sobs, for she is now alone.
Where are you, Lord, when thousands die-the rich, the poorest poor?
Were you the very first to cry for all that is no more?

O God, you love your children; you hear each lifted prayer!
May all who suffer in that land know you are present there.
In moments of compassion shown, in simple acts of grace,
May those in pain find healing balm, and know your love's embrace.

Where are you in the anguish? Lord, may we hear anew
That anywhere your world cries out, you're there-- and suffering, too.
And may we see, in others' pain, the cross we're called to bear;
Send out your church in Jesus' name to pray, to serve, to share.

PRAYER: a congregational lament by Calvin Seeveld (1986)
A READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 40:28-31
A READING FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT: Matthew 5:3-10
A PRAYER WITH THE PEOPLE OF HAITI by Taylor Burton-Edwards (2010)
Leader: Again the ground shakes,
Earth heaves, buildings rumble
and more fall.
People: How long, O Lord?
Leader: The dead unnamed, uncounted,
some yet living; still not rescued,
and now more traps are sprung.
People: How long, O Lord? How long?
Leader: Help scrambles in,
soldiers, doctors, food, water, dogs, money,
supplies of every kind from every nation,
and more will surely come.
People: Your mercy is on all your creatures, O God.
Leader: Let this be but beginning,
not of rescue only, but deliverance,
not simply to restore, nor to rebuild,
but build anew.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Leader: These are our sisters, brothers,
not projects for a time,
but family for our lifetimes.
When others leave, call us to stay.
People: Christ, have mercy.
Leader: And keep our hearts stirred,
not satisfied until these
and all our family, in every place,
can live with joy and dwell in peace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
With all who live and die in Port-au-Prince,
in the name of Jesus, Prince de la Paix,
we continually pray.
Leader: Amen, and amen.
CANDLE LIGHTING
“I Light This Candle”
Words and Music: Paul Jaansen (2010)

CLOSING PRAYER
“O Lord, Hear My Prayer”
HEAR MY PRAYER
Words: Psalm 102:1-2; adapt. The Community of Taizė
Music: Jacques Berthier (1982)
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: when I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: come and listen to me.

A Prayer for Haiti by Bruce Reyes-Chow, Gradye Parsons and Linda Valentine (2010)

God of compassion,
please watch over the people of Haiti,
and weave out of these terrible happenings
wonders of goodness and grace.
Surround those who have been affected by tragedy
with a sense of your present love,
and hold them in faith.
Though they are lost in grief,
may they find you and be comforted.
Guide us to find ways of providing assistance
that heal wounds and provide hope.
Help us to remember that when one of your children suffers
we all suffer;
through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives
and rules this world with you. Amen.

O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: when I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: come and listen to me.

DISMISSAL
Leader: Let us go forth to be light in the darkness,
to be compassion in the suffering,
to be loving hands and feet to all those in need.
People: Amen.
Leader: Peace be with you.
People: And also with you.

Being a "community-of-belonging"

2010-01-20T23:16:00.002-06:00

Have there been persons in your life who have touched you deeply, even though your paths may have crossed ever-so-briefly? I have. There are places like that, too, I think—these are the places where I can think back and remember moments and feelings as if they were yesterday. Can you think of places like that? For me, these are places like the campgrounds on Lake Okoboji where I went to church camp for at least five years in a row; and the library at Dubuque Seminary; and the back seat of our Ford LTD on family vacations some 40 years ago. Vivid feelings, somewhat blurry on the details, but yet the moments feel as if it were yesterday.

Central Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, Iowa is a place like that for me. I only attended there regularly for a relatively short time—I was "recently divorced" at that time and years away from meeting Carolyn. But I remember the feeling of being welcomed, of belonging. I remember the adult Sunday school class; it was a discussion on social issues. I remember the Sunday school teachers who made sure my son John was included when they gave the second-graders Bibles during worship (even though we had been attending for only a month or two at the time). And I remember the music: the congregational singing, the choir, and especially the organ.

Funny, now that I think of it; I do not remember a single sermon. Not one.

You see, the indelible impression came from the people and the place and the “warmth” I felt there... and all of those things working together to work the miracle of feeling welcome, of feeling at home.

It wasn’t the preaching, it was the place.

It wasn’t the pastor, it was the people.

Celtic Prayer

2010-01-15T09:22:00.002-06:00

Celtic Prayer:

Here's a short bibliography of resources from my own library:

Celtic Daily Prayer: Prayers and Readings From the Northumbria Community. (HarperOne, 2002) (Hardcover) Introduction by Richard J. Foster.

Celtic Prayers from Iona. J. Philip Newell. (Paulist Press, 1997) (Hardcover)

Sounds of the Eternal: A Celtic Psalter. J. Philip Newell. (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002) (Hardcover)

The Celtic Way of Prayer: The Recovery of the Religious Imagination. Esther De Waal. (Image, 1999) (Paperback)

Every Earthly Blessing: Rediscovering the Celtic Tradition. Esther De Waal. (Morehouse Publishing, 1999) (Paperback)

And one more by Esther De Waal -- perhaps her best! -- although not in the Celtic tradition:

Living With Contradiction: An Introduction to Benedictine Spirituality. Esther De Waal. (Morehouse Publishing, 1998) (Paperback)

And in the Celtic tradition, but not specifically about prayer:

The Celtic Way of Evangelism: How Christianity Can Reach the West...Again. George G. Hunter. (Abingdon Press, 2000) (Paperback)

Hope this helps you on your journey in Christ.

Peace Love & Coffee,
Randy

Christmas Eve Sermon

2010-01-08T15:21:00.004-06:00

“Room for Christ”
A Christmas Eve Sermon by Rev. Randal Lubbers
First Presbyterian Church ▪ Lake Crystal, Minnesota
December 24, 2009

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Rejoice! Your God Reigns: Isaiah 52:7-10
GOSPEL LESSON: The Word Became Flesh: John 1:1-14

Oh come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for you.

There’s a quiet, peaceful Christmas Eve I remember. I remember sitting in the quiet and in solitude for nearly 30 minutes—maybe longer—just looking at the lights of the tree. It wasn’t the “perfect Christmas.” It wasn’t “the hap-happiest Christmas ever.” And yet I remember thinking of how peaceful and quiet it was, I remember sensing God’s presence, and I remember thinking, “Ah, yes, this is what Christmas is all about.”

Of course the truth is you really don’t need me to preach to you about making room in your hearts for the Christ child at Christmas. You may not hear the message in the midst of the commercials for diamonds or in the conversation at a company Christmas party, but you’ll hear about “Keeping Christ in Christmas” often enough. Thanks to the internet and emails, many of you have heard plenty about the True Meaning of Christmas. Over the years I’ve received dozens—maybe hundreds of sweetly worded stories reminding me to keep Christ in Christmas; and, interestingly, maybe just as many tirades about the evils of saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”

So you really don’t need me to preach about keeping Christ in Christmas. You don’t need a preacher to tell you about the importance of family and friends, of making sure you’re not overwhelmed by a multitude of parties and cookie-making duties and trying to make things perfect. There are plenty of movies and articles in popular magazines making that very point. There is joy and true satisfaction in living simply, in sharing, in giving money to the Food Shelf and the Salvation Army, in doing things for others without asking for recognition. But you don’t need to come to church to find out about that.

In fact, may I share a secret? All this talk about “Keeping Christ in Christmas” makes me a bit uncomfortable. I believe it betrays a lack of theological understanding about the Incarnation. What do we mean, after all, when we say "Immanuel, God with us"? More about that in a moment...

Keeping Christ in Christmas? Really now, let’s think about that for a bit. There is really no serious risk, even in our contemporary post-Christian world, of someone taking the Christ out of Christmas. The baby in the manger, the angels, the shepherds are all ingrained in our cultural vision of Christmas. Good deeds, good tidings, good wishes, and everything else: All these things are as much a part of the contemporary idea of Christmas as Santa, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph; as much a part of Christmas as Charlie Brown, the Griswolds, and the phrase “You’ll shoot your eye out.”

Christ... along with Christmas trees and gifts and all the rest... CHRIST IS and ALWAYS WILL be a PART of Christmas. The church is NOT necessary to keep it that way. Many others with vested interests in Christmas will make sure of it…

But my concern is not “Keeping Christ in Christmas.”

I’m not even sure that “Keeping Christ in Christmas” is a truly Christian concept.

I think we ought to be more concerned about keeping Christ out of Christmas.

Yes, OUT of Christmas…
"out of Christmas" and IN OUR EVERYDAY, ORDINARY DAILY LIVES.

CHRIST IN OUR LIVES—24/7. That’s the meaning of the Incarnation.
Immanuel. God is WITH US.

The question is not whether we make room for Christ in our celebration of Christmas,
but do we make room for Christ—period.

Is there room for Christ at your table—every day?
Is Christ welcome at your celebrations of birthdays and weddings and job promotions?
Is there room for Christ in your marriage and your friendships?

One of my favorite Christmas songs is from the musical “Mame”—it goes something like this—

Haul out the holly;
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stocking,
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas….

Much of our contemporary, popular culture does TOO GOOD a job at keeping Christ in Christmas—
but it’s just a little Christmas—
with just a little-bitty baby Jesus—
and the Lord Jesus Christ is kept in Christmas—
kept safely in Christmas—

But yet there is no room in the inn of political dialogue for Christ’s message of peacemaking, forgiveness, or loving enemies, or of patience and kindness and respect even among those with whom we disagree. Christ is kept safely in Christmas but is unwelcome when we talk about issues concerning feeding the hungry and providing health care for all persons; unwelcome when we consider the way we deal with differences of values or opinions; unwelcome from Monday through Friday dealings because… well… you know, “This is business.”

Too often in our lives there is no room for the Christ who is kept safely in Christmas.

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for you….

Dorothy Day wrote…

It is no use saying that we are born two thousand years too late to give room to Christ…. Christ is ALWAYS with us, always asking for room in our hearts. But now it is with the voice of our contemporaries that he speaks, with the eyes of store clerks, factory workers, and children that he gazes; with the hands of office workers, slum dwellers, and suburban housewives that he gives. It is with the feet of soldiers and tramps that he walks; and with the heart of ANYONE in need that he longs for shelter. And giving shelter or food to ANYONE who asks for it or needs it, is giving it to Christ.

It would be foolish to pretend that it is always easy to remember this. If everyone were holy and handsome… it would be easy to see Christ in everyone. If Mary had appeared in Bethlehem clothed… with the sun, a crown of twelve stars on her head, and the moon under her feet, then people would have FOUGHT to make room for her. But that was not God’s way for her, nor is it Christ’s way for himself, now when he is disguised under every type of humanity that treads the earth.

What do I do, or what have I done, when a beggar stops at my home asking for food? Do I serve leftovers on a paper plate? Or do I throw a feast? A glass of water given to the one who is thirsty is a cup of water given to Jesus himself. Jesus’ teachings made heaven itself hinge on the way we act toward him in his disguise of the commonplace. And, lest you think I’m prescribing a new LAW or RULE that we are duty-bound to keep or risk falling out of favor with God… No, No, Not at all… Indeed, just the opposite. For a follower of Christ, the prodding of “duty” is not needed. It is not a duty to serve, but rather, it is a privilege and honor. Do you think Mary and Martha sat back and congratulated themselves on doing “all that was expected” of them? Dorothy Day, talking about Peter’s mother who fixed a meal for Jesus and the disciples, says, “Is it likely she GRUDGINGLY served the chicken she had been saving til Sunday because she thought it was her DUTY? She did it GLADLY—she would have served 10 Chickens if she had had them.” And that is the way we are called to show compassion and hospitality to Christ. That is how we are called to give room to Christ.

Not for humanity’s sake.
And not because… well, you know,
“maybe” it might be Christ who stays with us,
comes to see us, takes up our time.
And not because these people REMIND us of Jesus Christ…
But because they ARE Christ…
THEY ARE CHRIST…
asking us to find room…
exactly as he did at the first Christmas…

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

HYMN OF RESPONSE: “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” (with text adapted for worship by Randy Lubbers, 2009)

Christ did leave his throne and his kingly crown
when he came to this earth for me;
but in Bethlehem’s home there was found no room for his holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus; there is room in my heart for you.
Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang,
proclaiming Christ’s royal degree;
but of lowly birth did he come to earth, and in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus; there is room in my heart for you.

Prayers of the People

Eternal God, we bow before the mystery of your incarnation.
You have chosen weakness to confound the strong
and poverty to send the rich empty away.
We remember the millions in our world today
who are hungry, who receive no hospitality—
all with whom your Son has become one by being born in a manger.

[Silence]

Merciful God, we call upon you
for all who have fled their homes in the darkness of night.
We remember the millions in our world who have been made refugees,
who have sought asylum in lands not their own,
who are displaced, homeless, landless, or lost—
all whose experience you have made your own in the life of your Son.

[Silence]

Loving God, our hearts are heavy
with the sufferings of this world.
We remember the many victims of political power and greed:
the innocent killed in war and violence,
all those who are tortured or put to death,
those who languish in prison and camps,
those missing or taken hostage—
all whose lot your Son shared by being born when Herod was king.
[Silence]

Gracious God, you placed yourself in the care of Mary
to show to the world your will to save.
Give us grace to follow her example:
to become instruments of your grace,
servants of your will, and channels of your love.
May it happen to us as you have willed.

O God of peace, you fill our hearts with hope at every Christmastide,
for we remember again that this is the world you have loved.
May hope, peace, and joy fill our hearts this night.

Amen.

Dorothy Day's essay, "Room for Christ," was the inspiration for this sermon.

Winter Solstice

2009-12-21T17:25:00.004-06:00

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day" (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

"There comes a moment when attention must be paid.... A time to embrace mystery as my native land. And silence as my native tongue" (John Kirvan)

Every day is a new life. If that be true, then every night is a new death. Is not sleep an act of faith? If it God in whom we trust to carry us through each day, then how much more is it not God who keeps us in his love, keeps us safe, keeps us breathing, all through the night?

"I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety" (Psalm 4:8).

And even if the breathing stops, we know that God will carry us through the night. And this is not a morbid reflection. Jesus said, the one who wants to save his life will lose it, the one who loses her life for me will save it. Joy comes in the morning.

So if every night be a type of death and every morning a resurrection, then tonight -- the Winter Solstice -- the longest night -- is a night when it is even more appropriate to pray the prayers of Compline or "The Great Silence" as Macrina Wiederkehr describes it in Seven Sacred Pauses.

Here are some prayers from that book:

Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep,
that awake, we may keep watch with Christ,
and asleep, rest in his peace.

(The Liturgy of the Hours)

O Most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

(Psalm 56)

Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee,
all through the night.
Guardian angels Love will send thee,
all through the night.
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
hill and dale in slumber sleeping,
I, my constant vigil keeping,
all through the night.

While the moon, her watch is keeping,
all through the night.
While the weary world is sleeping,
all through the night.
O'er thy spirit gently stealing,
visions of delight revealing,
Breathes a pure and holy feeling,
all through the night.

(Traditional Welsh)

And to close, one of my own favorites, which we often sing to the same Welsh tune as "All through the night." In Welsh, AR HYD Y NOS.

Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own.
In my love's baptismal river,
I have made you mine forever.
Go, my children, with my blessing, you are my own.

(Jaroslav J. Vajda)

January 2010 Reading List

2009-12-21T10:20:00.002-06:00

For quite a while I've been thinking it's time to return to visit some old friends. I've always been a list-maker, sometimes starting a new year with a list of 100 or more books I hope to read, figuring, "...well even if I just read half...." But the list sometimes gets lost and good intentions turn into feelings of "I should have..." and that's not healthy or productive or God's intention for me at all. So this year... maybe one month at a time. Ha. Anyway, beginning around December 27, I plan on enjoying the company and wisdom and humor of...

Seven Saints (all women) and One Sardonic Sedaris

Flannery O'Connor. A Good Man is Hard to Find and other stories
Annie Dillard. Teaching a Stone to Talk: Expeditions and Encounters
Anne Lamott. Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year
Kathleen Norris. A Cloister Walk
Mary Oliver. Why I Wake Early: New Poems
Naomi Shihab Nye. 19 Varieties of Gazelle
Alice Walker. Her Blue Body Everything We Know: Earthling Poems: 1965-1990 Complete
David Sedaris. Me Talk Pretty One Day

A Prayer for Chili & Cornbread

2009-12-10T00:13:00.004-06:00

At our snow-day, Advent dinner table, after the first nibble of the cornbread muffins, and after the first complaint about them, Luke prayed, "God is great, God is good, and we thank him for our food. Amen." To which Dad added, "For the chili and for the cornbread. Amen." To which Elyse added, "Even if the muffins aren't as good as the last time. Amen."

Comfort Food for a Snow Day

2009-12-08T18:27:00.003-06:00

I am always looking for a good excuse, especially in the fall and winter, to make a really good soup. And, yes, I know, perhaps the phrase "looking for a good excuse" is a commentary on my often-too-full, often-too-fast pace of living. But snow days -- the blizzard warning for our area runs through midnight tomorrow night -- have a way of slowing us down. And I needed it.

Elyse and I made this soup together this afternoon using a recipe from Twelve Months of Monastery Soups.

Potato and Cheese Soup

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
2 leeks, thinly sliced
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
5 cups water
2 cups milk
1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
salt and white pepper to taste
paprika

Melt the butter in a soup pot. Add the sliced leeks and saute them for about 2 minutes on low heat. Add the diced potatoes and continue sauteing for another minute while stirring continually.

Add the water and cook over moderate heat, covered, for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.

Add the milk, cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika, and bring the soup to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the soup stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Serve hot.

Serves 4-6.

I couldn't find leeks before the blizzard so we substituted minced garlic and a whole white onion, chopped but not finely chopped. We used skim milk but I think 2% or whole milk would be better. Or, one cup skim and a one cup Half & Half. For the cheese I used Vermont Sharp White Cheddar. Really good!

The monks never make their soups too thick or rich. This is a pleasant mix of potato and cheese. You can actually taste the potato, not just the cheese or cream. Follow the recipe, and don't overcook.

Joy in simplicity. Just another lesson we can learn from the monks.

Celtic Advent

2009-11-17T00:20:00.001-06:00

Celtic Advent, a full 40 days of prayerful preparation for Christmas, began yesterday (Nov 16). So, from this point on, I promise to bite my lip and stop complaining about all the early Christmas advertising. And just pray, "Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel's Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art; dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart" (Charles Wesley).

It Would Be Easier to Pray...

2009-10-08T22:07:00.002-05:00

It Would Be Easier to Pray if I Were Clear

O Eternal One, it would be easier to pray
if I were clear
and of a single mind and a pure heart;
if I could be done hiding from myself
and from you, even in my prayers.

But, I am who I am,
mixture of motives and excuses,
blur of memories,
quiver of hopes,
knot of fear,
tangle of confusion,
and restless with love; for love.

I wander somewhere between
gratitude and grievance,
wonder and routine,
high resolve and undone dreams,
generous impulses and unpaid bills.

Come, find me, Lord.
Be with me exactly as I am.
Help me find me, Lord.
Help me accept what I am,
so I can begin to be yours.
Make of me something small enough to snuggle,
young enough to question,
simple enough to giggle,
old enough to forget,
foolish enough to act for peace;
skeptical enough to doubt
the sufficiency of anything but you,
and attentive enough to listen
as you call me out of the tomb of my timidity
into the chancy glory of my possibilities
and the power of your presence.

Ted Loder
Guerrillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle

One of the most honest prayers I've ever read. I could say that prayer (which I did not write) and it would still be more honest about me than most of the prayer I have written. Does that make any sense at all?

Obviously, Ted Loder wasn't thinking of me when he wrote that prayer. It seems that one has a much better chance of "connecting with others" when one's words are more honest, more specific, more concrete. One might think relating to everyone requires generalities, but that's not the case at all. Generalities end up connecting with no one. On the other hand, specific, concrete words -- even when they don't "exactly" fit one's own situation -- seem to make a connection with almost everyone. That's the beauty of Ted Loder's prayer.

Peace Love & Coffee... Randy

Sharing a Gift

2009-08-21T12:38:00.003-05:00

This is a poem by John O’Donohue which was read at a remembrance service this week at Dartmouth for patients in Palliative Care. This poem was shared with me yesterday by Dr. Cory Ingram, M.D., who was present during Carolyn's time in Hospice Care at ISJ-Mankato. Cory is a graduate of Central College, Carolyn's alma mater in her hometown of Pella, Iowa. Cory is on a one year Palliative Care Fellowship at Dartmouth under the tutelage of Ira Byock, M.D., the author of Dying Well: Peace and Possibilities at the End of Life and The Four Things That Matter Most.

Beloved ones,
Though we need to weep your loss,
You dwell in that safe place in our hearts
where no storm or night or pain can reach you.

Your love was like the dawn
brightening over our lives,
awakening beneath the dark
a further adventure of color.

The sound of your voice
found for us
a new music
that brightened everything.

Whatever you enfolded in your gaze
quickened in the joy of its being;
you placed smiles like flowers
on the altar of the heart.
Your mind always sparkled
with wonder at things.

Though your days here were brief,
your spirit was alive, awake, complete.

We look toward each other no longer
from the old distance of our names;
Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,
as close to us as we are to ourselves.

Though we cannot see you with outward eyes,
we know our soul’s gaze is upon your face,
smiling back at us from within everything
to which we bring our best refinement.

Let us not look for you only in memory,
where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
beside us when beauty brightens,
when kindness glows
and music echoes eternal tones.

When orchids brighten the earth,
darkest winter has turned to spring.
May this dark grief flower with hope
in every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us:
to enter each day with a generous heart.
To serve the call of courage and love
until we see your beautiful face again
in that land where there is no more separation,
where all tears will be wiped form our mind,
and where we will never lose you again.

John O’Donohue
To Bless the Space Between Us (pp. 170-1)

A night prayer...

2009-08-10T00:13:00.002-05:00

This and every night
seems infinite with questions,
and sleep as elusive
as answers.

Pain and longing are always present,
dulled only a little
by the distractions of the day.
I am weary; I am angry.
I am confused.

Circle me, Lord;
keep despair and disillusionment without.
Bring a glimmer of hope within.

Circle me, Lord;
keep nightmare without.
Bring moments of rest within.

Circle me, Lord;
keep bitterness without.
Bring an occasional sense of your presence within.

Adapted from CELTIC DAILY PRAYER from the Northumbria Community
HarperSanFrancisco, 2002

Shrimp and Corn Chowder

2009-07-20T22:59:00.003-05:00

Luke and I spent an evening in the kitchen a few nights ago, making shrimp and corn chowder. We mostly followed a recipe from Twelve Months of Monastery Soups by Brother Victor-Antoine d'Avila-Latourrette. I'll pass the recipe along here, a nifty (and accurate) quote from the same book, and a few notes from our own experience...

Ingredients:

5 cups water
2 onions, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 small chopped green pepper
1 finely diced carrot
2 large potatoes, diced
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1 17-ounce can creamed corn
1 cup whole-kernel corn
1 pound shelled shrimp, cooked
salt and pepper to taste
finely chopped parsley and paprika (as garnish)

1. Pour the water into a large soup pot. Add the onions, celery, pepper, carrot, potatoes, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and then simmer slowly, covered, for about 20 minutes.

2. Dilute the flour in milk and add to the soup.

3. Add the corn, cooked shrimp, and seasonings. Blend and stir the soup, cooking for a few minutes over low-medium heat. Remove the bay leaf. Serve the soup, garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and paprika. Serves six.

"In 15 intervening years I had forgotten how delicious was this shrimp and corn chowder. I have since made it with both fresh and frozen corn--and can hardly tell which is which. I have also used frozen shrimps with excellent results.... The thin white sauce that gives the chowder its special creaminess is made separately and brought together with the other ingredients in the preparation."
-Bernard Clayton, Jr., The Complete Book of Soups and Stews

Well, as is so often the case with soups, I expanded the quantities of ingredients as I went along, and ended up with a big, big batch! It started with the onions, which, like most of the ingredients, came from a trip to the Mankato Farmer's Market. I had three onions and decided to use them both. I used three stalks of celery instead of just two. I had a large--not small--green pepper. I used two small carrots which were very, very fresh. Luke cleaned the whole basket of small red potatoes. So we added another 3/4 cup of water. We kept the milk at 2 cups and used skim. Whole or 2% might have been better, but it was wonderful just the same. Creamy but not too rich. We had two ears of corn from the market which we boiled for just a few minutes and then sliced off the ear. We used the creamed corn as called for but also a can of whole corn. The shrimp was frozen and uncooked. We put it in a hot frying pan with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, sprinkled on some of Emeril's "Essence" and then let it cook for about seven or eight minutes. We skipped the bay leaf and the garnish. It was a huge batch. And it was wonderful. It was wonderful served immediately after making it. It was excellent warmed up the next two days. And we still have more.

There is something wonderful about cooking with someone. "The Luker" and I had a great time. He even helped clean up!

Schedule for Ball Games

2009-06-24T16:01:00.003-05:00

June/July 2009 – Softball & Baseball for Elyse & Luke

29-June
Elyse to Pella

30-June
Luke
6:15 (H)

2-July
Luke
6:15 (Mankato)

3-July
Elyse camping w/ friends

7-July
Luke
6:15 (H)

8-July
Elyse
6:00 (H)

9
Luke
6:15
(St Clair)

13-July
Elyse
7:30 (H)

14-July
Luke
6:15 (Mapleton)

15-July
Elyse
6:00 (Mankato)

16-July
Luke
6:15 (H)

18-July
Elyse
Tourney in Lake Crystal

20-July
Elyse
6:00 (Mankato)

21-July
Luke
6:15 (H)

22-July
Elyse
6:00 (Mankato)

23-July
Luke
6:15 (Mankato)

27-July
Elyse
6:00 (St. Peter)

2-August
aWelcomingChurch.org
CHURCH BUS TRIP
Twins vs. Angels

Stitch by Stitch, Day by Day

2009-06-22T12:05:00.004-05:00

With gratitude and love for my sister (in-law) Lisa, who wrote this eulogy and read it at the Memorial Service for Carolyn two weeks ago in Pella. In fact, as I post this, I realize that it was exactly two weeks ago almost to the minute that I was praying these words at the cemetery:

O Lord, support us all the day long
until the shadows lengthen
and the evening comes
and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over,
and our work is done.
Then, in your mercy,
grant us a safe lodging,
and a holy rest,
and peace at the last;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Stitch by Stitch, Day by Day
A Tribute to Carolyn Jaarsma Lubbers

Carolyn loved to stitch. You can see before you some of the many beautiful pieces she created with her hands. The dates on the pieces show that even through the last four years, Carolyn continued to stitch. It was her passion and perhaps even her therapy. She created her pieces in the same way she lived her life, stitch-by-stitch, day-by-day.

Mom has called Carolyn “God’s special creation”. There is no doubt God designed the beautiful, intricate pattern of Carolyn’s life; Carolyn brought God’s creation to life through her living.

Anyone whoever watched Carolyn stitch knows she could stitch two-handed. You could see one hand working on top of the piece swiftly forming the Xs, but the other hand below deftly guided the needle back to the top. Carolyn was more like that left hand, getting things done quietly behind the scenes, never calling attention to herself. The backs of Carolyn’s pieces are as almost as neat as the fronts. Carolyn lived in such a way that nothing needed to be hidden from view.

A friend of Carolyn’s, Cyndi Boertje, noted that Carolyn was often the thread that held so many of us together. She valued relationships and worked hard to keep friends, family, and even this church held together through good times and bad times.

The threads she most commonly used in her life were love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Self-Control – Carolyn did not like foul language. When things surprised her or frustrated her, you could hear say such things as holy moley, jeepers creepers, holy smokes, by golly george, fiddlesticks, fudgecicles, and, a favorite, “holy buckets of soup!”

Gentleness – Carolyn always put others first and never wanted recognition for what she did.

Faithfulness – Carolyn was a faithful friend, and ever devoted to her family.

Goodness and Kindness –Carolyn could be the living definition of these words.
In the past few days we have heard so many comments about Carolyn’s radiant smile. Her smile reflected her goodness. Carolyn’s first thought was always how she might help someone. Carolyn’s domain was the kitchen at home and at church. Carolyn fed the body while Randy fed the soul.

"Gezelligheid" is a Dutch word that means cozy, togetherness; Carolyn was “gezellig.” Our Dutch “sister”, Miriam, sent a tribute to Carolyn via e-mail:

“It is hard to think of what to say to you Carolyn because words can never express how special you were…your unlimited love and interest in others. You always made everybody, including me, feel very special without wanting anything in return. When I think about you I think about 'gezelligheid', cross-stitching away with Tom Cruise and popcorn balls, zipping up the Swiss hills in the ‘Suzuki way too small', and you running through the sprinklers at the wooden shoe pond on a hot summer day. Carolyn thank you so much for being you, I'm so happy you were in my life and you will always be in my heart.”

Carolyn had an uncanny way of knowing when to give support and encouragement. A phone call often came at just the right time. Even as she battled cancer herself, she gave comfort and encouragement to women newly diagnosed. Her advice was, “just take it one day at a time.”

Patience – Throughout her entire illness, Carolyn maintained a positive attitude. When asked how she was doing even on bad days, her answer was “all right.” She stitched during the long hours at the hospital getting chemo and the long days recuperating at home.

She patiently taught her step-son John how to cross stitch. She patiently put up with my piano and flute practicing, even though she and Kristi occasionally yelled, “Mom, make her stop!” Carolyn obviously had to have patience to put up with Randy through marriage. ☺

Peace – Carolyn valued peace above almost anything. She didn’t like it when the world wasn’t spinning quite right. During our weekly Sunday dinners at Mom & Dad’s, Randy and I would sometimes argue politics at the dinner table. She never liked that, but one day she put her hands over her ears and yelled, “Just stop it!” We did.

Joy – The stories we have heard over the last few days have almost all involved Carolyn’s joy and love as well as fun and silly memories. Carolyn made everyday life a celebration for those around her, especially children. Carolyn was the favorite “silly” aunt. Elyse and Luke, Aric and Alli spent many hours together in Pella. They looked forward to macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets and lemonade for Saturday lunch. They remember the endless crafts Carolyn came up with (the messier the better). They remember picnics under the tree, climbing trees, lemonade stands, walking to Big Rock Park, and playing outside no matter the weather. Even last Christmas, Carolyn was the “car” on the floor for my two boys. No child was exempt from Carolyn’s tickling fingers and big bear hugs.

Carolyn had a way of turning lemons into lemonade. Rainy days became an opportunity to run in the puddles along the street. Carolyn even encouraged Alli to find worms to torment the boys. When Elyse had chicken pox, Carolyn gave Aric and Alli paintbrushes and had them paint Elyse with calamine lotion. As Carolyn started losing her hair after her first round of chemo, she let the kids shave her head. Lemonade.

Love – Above all, Carolyn allowed all of us to experience unconditional love. She accepted us as we were. She never held a yardstick we had to measure up to. I think 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 is very appropriate for Carolyn. Please forgive the liberty I have taken to change it a little:

Carolyn was patient and kind. Carolyn was not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Carolyn did not demand her own way (very often). She was not irritable (usually) and kept no record of when she had been wronged. She was never glad about injustice but rejoiced whenever the truth won out. Carolyn never gave up, never lost faith, was always hopeful, and endured through every circumstance. Carolyn will last forever.

Carolyn has left behind a legacy far greater than her stitching. Her handiwork will live on in her children, her family and friends in the ways she touched each of us and made our lives better.

Shortly after her cancer diagnosis, Carolyn told Mom, “I am going to live until I die.” She lived well…and she did it her way…stitch-by-stitch, day-by-day.

Lisa Jaarsma Zylstra
June 8, 2009

Images of Love

2009-06-02T21:21:00.001-05:00

My favorite images of love, at least today, are...

(1) Psalm 103
(2) My daughter Elyse "mothering" her little brother...
(3) the gospel of Luke, chapter 15
(4) the beatitudes in Matthew 5
(5) notes from classmates of Elyse on the Caring Bridge
(6) three women from church doing spring cleaning for us
(7) the hug of a friend
(8) making Christmas cookies on Dec 24
(9) holding hands
(10) and this great story...

An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put her by his side, and said to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the least among all of you is the greatest" (Luke 9:46-48).

Leisure

2009-04-30T11:34:00.002-05:00

This was one of Garrison Keillor's featured poems on today's edition of The Writer's Almanac.

Leisure

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

Leisure. By William Henry Davies

Space for God by Don Postema

2009-03-26T21:07:00.002-05:00

There are a few books which are so significant and so full of depth, books which, for me, have been life-changing and transformational, books that are sometimes difficult to explain, describe, or discuss with a friend who hasn’t read them, other than to say, “You need to read this book!”

Are there any books like that for you? (Hey, this might make a good Facebook list.)

Anyway, by way of example, here are four very different books which have been transformational for me, books of significance, books I will read again sometime soon:

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
Bread for the Journey by Henri Nouwen
Teaching a Stone to Talk by Annie Dillard
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

And then there is Space for God by Don Postema. I am so glad our church has a Saturday morning small group walking through the book together. They will be changed. I cannot review this book adequately, at least not today. The best I can do is to let Don Postema speak for himself by sharing a brief quotation from each of the first four chapters:

Making Space

If we are to live with any authenticity, we must join those “saints and poets” who grasp life at depth. To live so deeply is a special challenge, for it is so easy to be superficial. We are so busy….

Perhaps we need to flop into a chair more often—before we are exhausted. We need more leisure time to touch those inner dimensions of our lives, to ask some fundamental questions, or just to be.

I Belong

Most of us know that feeling of being alone, isolated. It’s not the same as choosing to be alone once in a while, or being independent at times. It’s the feeling that no one is near, that no one remembers….

Even when events and people say, “You don’t belong,” God’s gentle voices reassures us: “You do belong—to me.” Knowing that [we belong to God] does not solve all our problems, but it can give us a perspective on loneliness. It can help us understand that we do not have to be greedy for attention as a solution to loneliness, we do not have to cling to people for our identity. We get our identity from God.

Gratitude Takes Nothing For Granted

Greed grabs. Gratitude receives….

Gratitude takes nothing for granted. When you are truly grateful, you recognize not only the dinner someone prepared as a gift, but also become aware of the person who prepared it. You are cognizant of the concern it took for someone to call, to send a card, to give a compliment. You are aware of the love involved in a routine offer to do the dishes, fix a leaky faucet, take out the garbage. You may get a glimpse at the wonder of friends and family….

Gratitude is the appropriate response to belonging.

Gestures of Gratitude

Gratitude recognizes that a gift has been given, a favor has been done by someone. There is a gift and a giver. But there is more. Gratitude also calls for a response to that gift. We thank the giver with an expression of appreciation—a handshake, a hug, a note. A gesture of gratitude completes the exchange, closes the circle, lets the love flow back to the giver…..

Actually, the exchange is more like a spiral than a circle—a spiral in which the giver gets thanked and so becomes the receiver, and the joy of giving and receiving rises higher and higher.

Your life is a sacred journey

2009-03-10T13:55:00.004-05:00

Reading this was a blessing to me...
It was one of those things you sometimes come across, that, almost immediately, rings true.

Blessings to you and all those who love you.

Peace Love & Coffee,
Randy

Your life is a sacred journey
And it is about change, growth, discovery, movement, transformation, continuously expanding your vision of what is possible, stretching your soul, learning to see clearly & deeply, listening to your intuition, taking courageous risks, embracing challenges at every step along the way.
You are on the path
exactly where you need to be right now...
And from here, you can only go forward, shaping your life story into a magnificent tale of triumph, of healing, of courage, beauty, wisdom, power, dignity & love.

-Caroline Joy Adams

Dancing with Joy

2009-03-04T12:53:00.003-06:00

I will begin what I know will feel like a "short" three-day retreat tomorrow morning after driving the kids to school and dragging the garbage and recycling out the curb. If you know me at all, you probably can understand how it is often a temptation for me to take along more than I could ever read, to take along a dozen books when it would be more profitable to focus on one. Or to focus just on a page or two. So this time I've been striving to be minimalistic in my planning. And I'm taking along just one book, a compilation of 99 poems edited by Roger Housden, Dancing with Joy. Just one, thin book. Quite something for me.

Along with the book, just these supplies: a journal with plenty of blank pages, two fountain pens, a one-page printout of John 3:14-21 in two versions, and a photocopy of one of my favorite, joyful poems (which isn't in the book)--Naomi Shihab Nye's poem "So Much Happiness."

So Much Happiness
for Michael

It is difficult to know what to do with so much happiness.
With sadness there is something to rub against,
a wound to tend with lotion and cloth.
When the world falls in around you, you have pieces to pick up,
something to hold in your hands, like ticket stubs or change.

But happiness floats.
It doesn't need you to hold it down.
It doesn't need anything.
Happiness lands on the roof of the next house, singing,
and disappears when it wants to.
Even the fact that you once lived in a peaceful tree house
and now live over a quarry of noise and dust
cannot make you unhappy.
Everything has a life of its own,
it too could wake up filled with possibilities
of coffee cake and ripe peaches,
and love even the floor which needs to be swept,
the soiled linens and scratched records...

Since there is no place large enough
to contain so much happiness,
you shrug, you raise your hands, and it flows out of you
into everything you touch. You are not responsible.
You take no credit, as the night sky takes no credit
for the moon, but continues to hold it, and share it,
and in that way, be known.

From Words Under the Words: Selected Poems. Naomi Shihab Nye. Far Corner Books, 1995.

Maybe I'll just leave the book at home and take the poem and the scripture and the blank notebook, and see what might flow out of my pen. Or maybe I'll just spend three days thinking about the night sky and the moon, and about being truly known... and loved.

Peace Love & Coffee,
Randy

New in Town

2008-12-09T00:19:00.003-06:00

Well, thanks to Tom for passing this trailer along to me. I've been sharing it with family and friends and laughing every time I watch it. I think it's gonna be a great movie. Of course, I loved FARGO and AMERICAN BEAUTY, too, so some of you might not trust my judgment. :) Anyway, check out this trailer for a good laugh. And if you're from around our neck of the woods, watch for the "Welcome to New Ulm" sign.

Live like you were dyin'

2008-10-09T12:51:00.004-05:00

Only recently a really, really good friend -- who, like me, has eclectic tastes in music, art, food, exercise, and life in general -- reminded me that Tim McGraw is the son of former Phillies baseball pitcher Tug McGraw, and introduced me to some music that I've really fallen in love with. True confession time... I've always told folks I like all good music... but in my mind I've always made an exception for rap and country. Please don't take offense NASCAR fans, but I'd rather read a book. Same goes for watching golf on TV, if that makes a difference. :)

Anyway, I may still prefer Minnesota Public Radio to the "new country station," but I will now accept any Tim McGraw CD for Christmas! If you're so inclined.

Peace, love, and coffee,
Pax, agape, and java,
Randy

Undercover Angel at the Lockspot

2008-08-15T23:13:00.007-05:00

During July we were blessed with the trip of a lifetime: an Alaska cruise with Carolyn’s family. On the Monday after the cruise (during our five days in Seattle), we spent the better part of the morning and early afternoon at the Woodlawn Park Zoo. Snacks at the zoo were too pricey for our liking, so we spent the last 90 minutes “running on empty.” Our good friend Sue Meyer had previously pointed out the Lockspot Café at the entrance to the park which leads to the locks dividing Lake Union from Puget Sound. A big sign outside highlighted their specialty, Fish ‘n Chips. Perfect late lunch fare for a hungry family after a day at the zoo!

The Lockspot Café was everything we’d hoped for and more. Luke had Fish ‘n Chips, Carolyn ordered Clam Strips ‘n Chips, and I opted for Halibut ‘n Chips. Elyse, who is the only seafood-averse person in our family, went with the Bacon Cheeseburger. But even Elyse tried the fish and the clam strips and had to admit they were fabulous. I tried to trade a bite of mine for a bit of Luke’s but no dice. No leftovers for Luke either. It was good food, reasonably priced, with good service. Only later would we fully realize how good the service really was.
It was the morning of our flight back to MSP when we finally realized where Luke’s Alaska cap had been left. Yes, you’re way ahead of me. Yes, it had been left at the Lockspot three days earlier.

Gotta tell you about Luke’s cap.

Carolyn and I had given the kids an allowance for souvenirs. Totally discretionary spending for them. We’d done the same thing last summer, passing two envelopes (each filled with $35) back to Elyse and Luke in the back of the van to brighten up the long, flat, and sometimes (often?) boring trip across the middle of South Dakota on our way to the Black Hills. It was a hoot to see the contrast between Luke and Elyse. Elyse had spent almost everything after the first two or three days. But Luke—oh, my word, has the world ever seen such a careful, frugal spender?! He would agonize over every potential purchase, usually deciding, “No, not yet, not this, not now….” And on the Alaska Cruise, even with bigger allowances, Luke was just as careful this year. He looked at hundreds of tee-shirts and caps, always choosing to wait for a better deal or for something he liked better. We took a train ride along the “Trail of ’98” from Skagway to the Yukon border. Luke thought a long time about getting the cap they were offering on the train. But no, “not for fifteen bucks, Dad.” And then, back in town, he struck gold! This one wasn’t on sale for $12 or $10—not even for $5. Luke had found the perfect Alaska cap for two bucks!

So it was all the worse to discover the two-dollar cap had been left at the Lockspot Café. It was hopeless anyway, so I waited to make the obligatory phone call until after getting back home. It’s Friday or Saturday morning—nearly a full week after leaving this fairly unremarkable (but invaluable) Alaska cap at the Lockspot. A busy employee answered, listened to a briefer version of the story, and said, “Oh, I think I remember where we put that.” And then assured me she would send the cap and that I need not worry about sending her postage. I don’t remember her exact words, but it was something along these lines.

For eight-year-old boys from halfway across the country, we send lost Alaska caps back for free. Especially when it was the perfect Alaska cap. For only two bucks.

As the silent leaven works its secret way,
Or as grows the seed grain through the night and day;
Lord, so be the increase peaceable but sure,
Of thy word within us, and thy kingdom’s power.

(Norman Elliott, 1951)

The growth of the kingdom of heaven—the reign of God’s peace—is most often hidden from our view. Grace comes into our lives from the most unexpected places. Grace happens when, through a miracle, ordinary folk “…offer all that faith can do… while love is making all things new” (B. Wren).
Strangers are sometimes angels. And angels are sometimes waitressing at our favorite place for Fish ‘n Chips in Seattle.

Isn't life wonderful?

2008-08-06T21:34:00.003-05:00

Carolyn and the kids left for Pella earlier this week, leaving me to "hold down the fort" and spend some quality time with Cannon. Dog days? We're officially in the dog days of summer (I think) but the weather hasn't felt like dog days at all. It has been absolutely gorgeous lately. Today was warm, but hardly humid, and this evening it is positively and perfectly pleasant. As Luke said to me a few days ago, it feels like Seattle. Seattle, by the way, is not at all dreary and rainy during July. At least that's the secret we were told not to share with everyone. The days we spent in Seattle were all sunny and 70s.

Holding down the fort and trying to use up a little more of my vacation, I spent more than half the afternoon cleaning house. Honestly, I don't do this enough. I tend to take the dog for a walk or -- more often -- visit a coffee shop with a book and/or crossword and/or a journal. And those things are therapeutic for me. But so was cleaning the house. I need to do it more often. Not that Carolyn needs my help in this department. Don't let me even imply such a thing! (And certainly not on the eve of our 15th wedding anniversary!)

Most men would rather fix something. I'm not good at that. I can write stuff, but I can't "right" stuff. (Play on words there.) Kathleen Norris wrote a book about the healing power of the ordinary stuff, like doing laundry and picking up the basement and dusting furniture.

Anyway, I could usually write something cohesive. Tonight I feel like I'm just going on and on without any destination in sight. At least as far as this post is concerned.

But in life, I feel a strong sense of purpose. The Westminster Confession says our highest purpose is simply to know God and enjoy -- yes, ENJOY -- God forever. I sense that one of my highest callings is to simply live in an attitude of gratitude, to say thank you more often, and to encourage others to discover the incredible joy of living both "on a journey" and, at the same time, "at home" in God. Henri Nouwen says we can be "at home on the journey" -- or something to that effect. Don Postema, author of Space for God," says this simply means affirming -- every day, every hour, every moment -- that "I belong to God." Or, as I learned in catechism classes, that "I belong... body and soul... in life and in death... to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ..." who loves me to the uttermost.

How did I get so theological all of a sudden? Sorry if that caught you by surprise. I think what really prompted it was thinking about all the things I am thankful for! Making that list is an easy exercise on the eve of August 7, the date -- 15 years ago -- when I married the beautiful woman who makes me happier than I could ever deserve.

It is now officially summer

2008-07-25T21:28:00.003-05:00

OK, where did the week go? :) As I shared with my buddy-since-second-grade, David Vander Laan, I started the week in first gear. Put in the clutch and slid into second gear on Tuesday. Third gear on Wednesday. Fourth and fifth gear on Thursday...
Well, you get the idea.
It's officially summer. I bought a few ears of sweet corn at the Mankato Farmer's Market on Tuesday. And tomatos! And new potatoes. And more. Luke and I found some more sweet corn today at the Lake Crystal Farmers Market and it was even better than what we had earlier in the week. So bring it on! Fresh sweet corn means it's finally summer!

Finally

2008-07-21T23:41:00.001-05:00

Finally, nearly four years in the planning, comes the online version of the weekly column which amazed and confused the good (and other) Dutch folks in Pella, Iowa. And beyond. If I were you I'd expect more, but this is it. Like the sign on the path to the castle: "I'd turn back if I were you." I'm kidding. Anyway, just as I wrote the original Still Up in the Air many years ago as some sort of a wild and futile attempt to keep my sanity as an accountant, now I write it to keep my sanity as a pastor. And to remind myself of what I've always believed: "Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts."

True to form...
This first post was originally NOT my first post, but rather the description of the blog. But, oh, bother, the blogger gods will only allow 500 words or less as a description. At least I'm smart enough to cut and paste... Big Eight CPA work at least taught me a few useful skills. :)

Anyway...
We just returned from our longest family vacation since our move to Minnesota. Actually, longest since 2001 when I started seminary. Actually, longest ever. We had a great time, and if I was more savvy I'd share some of our photos. Maybe later, if that's alright with you. (Heck, it's my blog, what am I asking YOU for?) Must be I've gotten so darn Minnesota Nice over the last four years. (I'm smiling, I'm kidding, I'm laughing out loud and refusing to use the abbreviation.)

But as I was saying, the vacation was great. Cruising from Seattle up to Alaska and back including Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, and Victoria. And 4+ days in Seattle with two road trips through Mount Rainier National Park, a visit to (and up) the Space Needle, two great walks through Pike Place Market, a day at the zoo, watching the sunset over the city while eating dinner at the Golf Club at Newcastle, and much more! Stay tuned for details.