If you do not use Facebook, this may not make a lot of sense. I wanted to take a few moments to write my thoughts about all this talk of the "dislike" button.
On Facebook, users have the opportunity to post thoughts, accomplishments and other information on their site. In addition to being able to comment about what other people post of the site, you also have the option to "like" something. You can give something a "thumbs up" so that other people know that you support and like what that person said or did.
I do get a kick out of this function, and I appreciate the positive feelings that come with recognizing others and being recognized as well.
Of course, this begs the questions...why can't you have a "dislike" button? It makes sense. If you can like something, why can't you dislike something? I have read plenty on Facebook about folks that would like to see this function in Facebook. So far, it has no been added. At first I thought it should be added, but now I don't think it should be.
Sadly, it is because of its abuse that I do not support it. I can imagine a variety of sad scenarios. The minute you show disapproval about any issue, negative feelings will emerge. This will cause an individual to say something bad creating a cycle of bad energy. This will cause people to feel less comfortable sharing because they will be worried that others will react negatively. I have seen thumbs up/down functions on news sites and it usually eventually boils down to name calling.
It is certainly not to say that there could be a positive from the "dislike" button. I just think for the overall flow of Facebook, they should avoid adding it. Sadly, this is not the only time when potential abuse makes something that could be constructive, something that we should probably avoid.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thanksgiving Eve Service
I really do enjoy Thanksgiving. :) You can't beat a holiday involving a good meal, time with family and three football games. It is also an opportunity to reflect and remember all the ways that God has blessed us in our lives.
Each year, the Oakfield UMC and Tabor UMC work together to put together a worship service on Thanksgiving Eve. This year, the worship service will be on November 25, 2009 at 7:30PM at the Tabor UMC. I am excited to preside over this worship service and I am looking forward to it.
The service will revolve around the theme of gratitude. There will be Communion during the service and we will be taking an offering of monetary donations and canned food donations. We will also have time in the service for folks to share what they are thankful for.
I am hopeful that there will come a time when this worship service could be ecumenical and would incorporate other churches in the Oakfield and Eden area.
For now, I hope to see you there. If you have yet to check out a service at Tabor, this would be a good opportunity. You can see the new construction going on! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Each year, the Oakfield UMC and Tabor UMC work together to put together a worship service on Thanksgiving Eve. This year, the worship service will be on November 25, 2009 at 7:30PM at the Tabor UMC. I am excited to preside over this worship service and I am looking forward to it.
The service will revolve around the theme of gratitude. There will be Communion during the service and we will be taking an offering of monetary donations and canned food donations. We will also have time in the service for folks to share what they are thankful for.
I am hopeful that there will come a time when this worship service could be ecumenical and would incorporate other churches in the Oakfield and Eden area.
For now, I hope to see you there. If you have yet to check out a service at Tabor, this would be a good opportunity. You can see the new construction going on! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Spirit Check!
Not too long after I started as the pastor for the Oakfield and Tabor churches, I found about the "spirit check." In July, the Oakfield church does some special things to recognize and remember the tornado that went through the community in 1996.
There is a verbal exchange that became a part of the church as a result of that event:
L: Spirit check!
C: Praise the Lord!
There was something about today's worship service that move someone to call out for a spirit check. You could tell that the Spirit was definitely with us for today's service. We had a spirited celebration of Christ the King Sunday. We also have an attendance of around 50 people, many of whom were visitors. It was definitely a time to be excited for Oakfield!
There is a verbal exchange that became a part of the church as a result of that event:
L: Spirit check!
C: Praise the Lord!
There was something about today's worship service that move someone to call out for a spirit check. You could tell that the Spirit was definitely with us for today's service. We had a spirited celebration of Christ the King Sunday. We also have an attendance of around 50 people, many of whom were visitors. It was definitely a time to be excited for Oakfield!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Pamphlet
I wanted to share a portion of a pamphlet that I found from the Concordia Publishing House. It is entitled "Christians Are Not Perfect". I appreciate how these words show that no one is perfect, including Christians...sadly, sometimes, especially Christians. But, it also phrases well the Good News available to everyone.
Christians Are Not Perfect
It is true that Christians:
It is also true that Christians:
Christians Are Not Perfect
It is true that Christians:
- sin;
- are tempted by evil thoughts and desires;
- can be selfish and ask, "What's in it for me?"
- fear death at times and try not to think about it;
- may trust in money, prestige, and power for security;
- can put on a religious front or act insincerely;
- may be tempted to think that God will overlook their faults because they are no worse than other people;
- sometimes consider attending church a Sunday morning religious duty;
- may not always radiate the joy and enthusiasm that faith in Christ brings;
- often fail to demonstrate in their lives in perfect love and forgiveness God has shown in Jesus Christ.
It is also true that Christians:
- are forgiven their sins because Jesus Christ suffered on the cross, died, and rose from the grave as the Savior of the world;
- know and experience a new kind of life;
- grow in grace and produce fruits of the Spirit;
- rejoice in God's abundant forgiveness;
- attend church to hear God's Word and receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion;
- treasure the Bible as God's Word through which God reveals the Good News of everlasting life in Christ;
- are guided through life by the power of the Holy Spirit given them in Baptism;
- serve Christ by serving others;
- demonstrate the love of God by their actions;
- do not despair over their failures and mistakes since God stands ready to forgive and receive them again and again;
- persevere through life's struggles and face even death confident of ultimate victory, because in His resurrection Jesus Christ has won the victory for them;
- by grace bear their crosses patiently, knowing that suffering produces the image of Christ in them.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A Life in Your Hands
Being up at 5:30AM each morning when the dog gets up, Christa and I have found ourselves watching whatever we can find on TV as we get ready in the morning and play with the dog. After watching the Sopranos on A&E, we have gotten into the show American Justice. The show reflects back on previous court cases, mostly from the 90s. After you set aside the fashion of the time, it is an interesting review of our legal history.
Today they were talking about the power that juries are given in trials. Specifically, they were talking about juries deciding between life in prison or the death penalty.
What struck me after I watched the show this morning was how easy it can be to have a stance on the issues without ever being put directly into a situation in which you need to make that decision. My stance on the death penalty has changed a lot over the years. There was a long time in which I am supportive of the death penalty. I am not as supportive of it now.
Maybe someone else would be capable of saying that someone deserves to die. I couldn't do it. I don't think we as human beings have the right to decide who lives and who dies. Our legal system tries its best to punish criminals for all crimes, including murder. But to respond to death with more death is something that I struggle with. The thought of watching over one another in Christian love can be clouded when we talk about criminals.
Do we believe that everyone is capable of redemption? My reading of Wesley would say that God's grace extends to everyone, no matter how far they are from God. I want to hold tightly to the thought that anyone is at least capable of coming back to God. If Paul could turn from someone who at first was killing the first Christians to someone who became our greatest theologian...then with God, all things are truly possible.
I know there are many Christians that are for the death penalty and that's fine with me. I appreciate that we can disagree and still call ourselves brothers and sisters in Christ. I would be curious to know your thoughts on this issue, on either side.
Today they were talking about the power that juries are given in trials. Specifically, they were talking about juries deciding between life in prison or the death penalty.
What struck me after I watched the show this morning was how easy it can be to have a stance on the issues without ever being put directly into a situation in which you need to make that decision. My stance on the death penalty has changed a lot over the years. There was a long time in which I am supportive of the death penalty. I am not as supportive of it now.
Maybe someone else would be capable of saying that someone deserves to die. I couldn't do it. I don't think we as human beings have the right to decide who lives and who dies. Our legal system tries its best to punish criminals for all crimes, including murder. But to respond to death with more death is something that I struggle with. The thought of watching over one another in Christian love can be clouded when we talk about criminals.
Do we believe that everyone is capable of redemption? My reading of Wesley would say that God's grace extends to everyone, no matter how far they are from God. I want to hold tightly to the thought that anyone is at least capable of coming back to God. If Paul could turn from someone who at first was killing the first Christians to someone who became our greatest theologian...then with God, all things are truly possible.
I know there are many Christians that are for the death penalty and that's fine with me. I appreciate that we can disagree and still call ourselves brothers and sisters in Christ. I would be curious to know your thoughts on this issue, on either side.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tabor Construction Project
Each Wednesday I serve office hours at the Tabor Church. It has been exciting each week to see the progress made on the new construction project. I thought that this morning deserved its own special report.
On the outside, the parking lot extension has already been poured and dried. We were lucky to have them do this when they did. They were about to close up shop for the winter. The windows have been installed. While I was getting a tour from Melvin, I was informed that they were also in the process of installing the air conditioner for the pastor's office. I signed a contract this morning to begin work on installing a metal roof over the entire church.
As far as the inside goes, some of the rooms and doorways are beginning to take shape. I found out that the sanctuary will be air conditioned. That should make for for pleasant summer services.
Members of the congregation have already inquired as to how we will celebrate the grand opening of this new addition. It appears that everything could be done in December, but more likely January. I can't tell you how excited I am to see this when it is all done.
I appreciate the blessings that God has given this church. Last Sunday we had 83 folks at worship. Giving toward the construction continues to be strong. Energy continues to build. We have new faces in positions of leadership. I am excited to see where things go at Tabor!
On the outside, the parking lot extension has already been poured and dried. We were lucky to have them do this when they did. They were about to close up shop for the winter. The windows have been installed. While I was getting a tour from Melvin, I was informed that they were also in the process of installing the air conditioner for the pastor's office. I signed a contract this morning to begin work on installing a metal roof over the entire church.
As far as the inside goes, some of the rooms and doorways are beginning to take shape. I found out that the sanctuary will be air conditioned. That should make for for pleasant summer services.
Members of the congregation have already inquired as to how we will celebrate the grand opening of this new addition. It appears that everything could be done in December, but more likely January. I can't tell you how excited I am to see this when it is all done.
I appreciate the blessings that God has given this church. Last Sunday we had 83 folks at worship. Giving toward the construction continues to be strong. Energy continues to build. We have new faces in positions of leadership. I am excited to see where things go at Tabor!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Only Constant is Change?
Being a full-time puppy sitter has not been the most fulfilling for Christa. We love our dog, but spending most of the day with Weaver can get frustrating. Christa had put out applications to a few different positions in the area. She got a call from the Fond du Lac school district in regards to a long term substitute position for a biology and food science teaching position. She interviewed and got the job. She started yesterday! She will be teaching three sections of freshman biology and two sections of food science. From what we can tell, she will have the position until the end of March.
This is wonderful news! Christa will appreciate not only having a job, but a job teaching that which she was trained to do. She was not excited about substitute teaching in a different classroom each day, so this opportunity is truly a blessing. It will also give her an opportunity to try out a full-time teaching position in biology without having to commit to an entire year. It is really the perfect opportunity.
Her job does create another shift in our life. Christa now heads out the door at around 7:00AM in the morning and gets back at 4:00PM in the afternoon. My job provides more flexibility, so I have now taken over daily doggy duties. Hopefully, all three of us can get into a more regular routine...it should work about better for all of us.
This is wonderful news! Christa will appreciate not only having a job, but a job teaching that which she was trained to do. She was not excited about substitute teaching in a different classroom each day, so this opportunity is truly a blessing. It will also give her an opportunity to try out a full-time teaching position in biology without having to commit to an entire year. It is really the perfect opportunity.
Her job does create another shift in our life. Christa now heads out the door at around 7:00AM in the morning and gets back at 4:00PM in the afternoon. My job provides more flexibility, so I have now taken over daily doggy duties. Hopefully, all three of us can get into a more regular routine...it should work about better for all of us.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Convocation Conference
Yesterday, I got back from Senior High Convocation at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. We had five students from the Oakfield church that went to the conference. From everything they've said, they had a really good time. Of course, when your event is taking place at a massive water park resort, it doesn't hurt :).
As a chaperone, I realize that Convo was not geared for me. There was one speaker that I really appreciated. His name was Chris Lahr. He is part of an organization called Mission Year. He currently lives in Philadelphia and spoke a great deal about what it means to be a neighbor. What hit me the most was his call for us to get out from our Christian bubble and get out into the word. He cited the book unChristian, a book that I like that talks about combating Christian stereotypes.
He called these high school students to get out there and experience the world. Find out what it means to be homeless, speak to the destitute. Find out how those who may have less live. That's a tall order; it's something that would definitely make us feel uncomfortable. Jesus calls us to do this. We are called to love everyone. I am thankful that he spoke with this message. It is something that Christa and I are trying to take to heart.
It has inspired me to try harder in my ministry, not only as a pastor, but as a human being.
As a chaperone, I realize that Convo was not geared for me. There was one speaker that I really appreciated. His name was Chris Lahr. He is part of an organization called Mission Year. He currently lives in Philadelphia and spoke a great deal about what it means to be a neighbor. What hit me the most was his call for us to get out from our Christian bubble and get out into the word. He cited the book unChristian, a book that I like that talks about combating Christian stereotypes.
He called these high school students to get out there and experience the world. Find out what it means to be homeless, speak to the destitute. Find out how those who may have less live. That's a tall order; it's something that would definitely make us feel uncomfortable. Jesus calls us to do this. We are called to love everyone. I am thankful that he spoke with this message. It is something that Christa and I are trying to take to heart.
It has inspired me to try harder in my ministry, not only as a pastor, but as a human being.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A Quick Update
I feel liked I have gained a little momentum over the last week as it relates to the blog. Being sick last week didn't help too much; I had little energy for much of anything. I also allowed myself to get too focused on administrative stuff and allowed other components of my job to fade to the background.
I appreciate having the Charge Conference behind us. I had spent a great deal of time over the last few months getting the materials ready for this event. I tried to provide some additional information in the packets this year. Needless to say, it took a lot of work and a lot of frustration at times, but we have a finished product. It took us about 15 minutes to vote for everything and then we were done. I hope people found the packets helpful!
I now focus my attention to the upcoming Thanksgiving service, as well as the services for Advent. I am also packing tonight for this weekend's Senior High Convocation event. I will let you know how that goes when Christa and I get back.
I appreciate having the Charge Conference behind us. I had spent a great deal of time over the last few months getting the materials ready for this event. I tried to provide some additional information in the packets this year. Needless to say, it took a lot of work and a lot of frustration at times, but we have a finished product. It took us about 15 minutes to vote for everything and then we were done. I hope people found the packets helpful!
I now focus my attention to the upcoming Thanksgiving service, as well as the services for Advent. I am also packing tonight for this weekend's Senior High Convocation event. I will let you know how that goes when Christa and I get back.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Yes Man
*** Before I begin today's entry, I did want to take an opportunity to thank all of those military veterans who have server our country. You did so much for the safety of our nation and you did so much for the preservation of freedom throughout the world. Thank you and God bless you! ***
Last night, Christa and I watched the movie Yes Man. When I saw the previews for the movie, it didn't exactly stand out to me. It wasn't a movie I would have seen in theaters, but when it came up as being available on DVD I added it to the queue. Christa and I were both quite surprised by this movie.
First off, Jim Carrey was hysterical in this movie! There were a lot of B level actors that turned in quality performances. It was well-written and well-paced and it kept my attention the whole time. I also thought it had a good message as well.
Carl struggles with life because he says, "No" to everything and everyone. His life wasn't all that good. So he attends a seminar that tells him to say, "Yes" to everything. His life is certainly more exciting, but it still ends up creating a life that is fulfilling. What's the solution? Well, at least be open to possibilities and think about the opportunities involved. You have a choice!
OK...that sounds pretty simple, but I did appreciate the message. You want to avoid the extremes in life and be rational about the decisions that you make. In all decisions, we should be thinking from the perspective of how we can best love God and love one another. It may involves some "yes" and some "no" responses, but it should always involve thought...not blanket responses.
Last night, Christa and I watched the movie Yes Man. When I saw the previews for the movie, it didn't exactly stand out to me. It wasn't a movie I would have seen in theaters, but when it came up as being available on DVD I added it to the queue. Christa and I were both quite surprised by this movie.
First off, Jim Carrey was hysterical in this movie! There were a lot of B level actors that turned in quality performances. It was well-written and well-paced and it kept my attention the whole time. I also thought it had a good message as well.
Carl struggles with life because he says, "No" to everything and everyone. His life wasn't all that good. So he attends a seminar that tells him to say, "Yes" to everything. His life is certainly more exciting, but it still ends up creating a life that is fulfilling. What's the solution? Well, at least be open to possibilities and think about the opportunities involved. You have a choice!
OK...that sounds pretty simple, but I did appreciate the message. You want to avoid the extremes in life and be rational about the decisions that you make. In all decisions, we should be thinking from the perspective of how we can best love God and love one another. It may involves some "yes" and some "no" responses, but it should always involve thought...not blanket responses.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Pictures from the Holy Land
Last night, a member of the Oakfield congregation gave me two albums of pictures from a trip that he and another member of the congregation took to the Holy Land. As I look through these pictures, it re-emphasizes that at some point in my life, I would like to take a trip to this area as well.
I can't help but be moved seeing pictures of key components and places in the Christian faith: the Judas Tree, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Jordan River, etc. Wow!
It's going to take some time to put the money away to make it happen, but I will certainly try!
I can't help but be moved seeing pictures of key components and places in the Christian faith: the Judas Tree, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Jordan River, etc. Wow!
It's going to take some time to put the money away to make it happen, but I will certainly try!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Parking Wars
It doesn't take much for Christa and I to get hooked on a TV show. We specifically enjoy a lot of shows on the Discovery Channel. There is, however, a show on the A&E Channel that we watch quite a bit. It is called Parking Wars. It follows the lives of people who work for the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Wow...
...do I feel for these folks. They issue parking tickets, put boots on cars and work with people in the impound lot. They always interact with people when they are at their worst. They really have a thankless job, but they are only doing their job. I suppose they know going in how people will react to them. But you hear the swearing and see the hand gestures and you can't help but feel for them.
When you go to church tomorrow, please say an extra prayer for those who do jobs that many see as unpopular, especially those who are part of any city's parking authority.
...do I feel for these folks. They issue parking tickets, put boots on cars and work with people in the impound lot. They always interact with people when they are at their worst. They really have a thankless job, but they are only doing their job. I suppose they know going in how people will react to them. But you hear the swearing and see the hand gestures and you can't help but feel for them.
When you go to church tomorrow, please say an extra prayer for those who do jobs that many see as unpopular, especially those who are part of any city's parking authority.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
Having a puppy does not afford us the opportunities we once had to watch movies at home. Recently, our over-active pooch has taken to sleeping more since we (well, Christa really) has been good about exercising her a lot during the day. During one of Weaver's naps, we had the opportunity to watch Slumdog Millionaire.
This movie was adored by the Academy, with it winning a great deal of awards. Christa also wanted to give the movie five stars...I found myself unable to give it more than four stars. I found the movie to be very entertaining. It had a happy ending and did some interesting work with multiple layers of flashbacks. It thought the acting was quite good and the dialogue was good as well. Yet, there was something in the film that was lacking for me.
As with many movies, there is a certain amount of reality that you need to be willing to suspend. For not begin a science fiction movie, I felt as though they were asking you to let a lot go to make the plot fit together. I have also been amazed by the number of people that were saying that the movie portrayed an unrealistic and disturbing view of the country of India.
Regardless of its truth (which I know sounds weird), the images of poverty were hard to watch. Children ripped away from their mothers because they were of a different religion. Children stolen in a life of begging. Children blinded on purpose so that they would bring in more money. Children stealing shoes at the Taj Mahal so that they could sell them to other people for money.
The movie reminds us that poverty is everywhere in many forms. As many churches are in the middle of, or soon will be beginning, stewardship drives I encourage you to think about the ways that you can help out those who are underprivileged. You don't have to look as far as India to see the need in the community.
This movie was adored by the Academy, with it winning a great deal of awards. Christa also wanted to give the movie five stars...I found myself unable to give it more than four stars. I found the movie to be very entertaining. It had a happy ending and did some interesting work with multiple layers of flashbacks. It thought the acting was quite good and the dialogue was good as well. Yet, there was something in the film that was lacking for me.
As with many movies, there is a certain amount of reality that you need to be willing to suspend. For not begin a science fiction movie, I felt as though they were asking you to let a lot go to make the plot fit together. I have also been amazed by the number of people that were saying that the movie portrayed an unrealistic and disturbing view of the country of India.
Regardless of its truth (which I know sounds weird), the images of poverty were hard to watch. Children ripped away from their mothers because they were of a different religion. Children stolen in a life of begging. Children blinded on purpose so that they would bring in more money. Children stealing shoes at the Taj Mahal so that they could sell them to other people for money.
The movie reminds us that poverty is everywhere in many forms. As many churches are in the middle of, or soon will be beginning, stewardship drives I encourage you to think about the ways that you can help out those who are underprivileged. You don't have to look as far as India to see the need in the community.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Taking Stock
Today I turn 33! For the first time in many years, I made some serious transitions since the previous birthday. I have also gotten to a point in my life where birthdays don't have the same level of excitement as they did when I was younger. I don't really think about gifts anymore...I think more about opportunities to spend time with friends and family. It is also an opportunity to take stock in what is important in my life.
In the last few weeks, I have tried to make some better life choices and try to take better care of my body. The birthday will make a good benchmark in which some of this will begin! :)
In the last few weeks, I have tried to make some better life choices and try to take better care of my body. The birthday will make a good benchmark in which some of this will begin! :)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The God Delusion
My parents were nice enough to give me a gift certificate to Amazon.com for my birthday. They hoped that it would help to purchase books to add to my reading list. They were right! There are definitely some books that I would like to purchase to add to my increased stack of books to read.
One of the books on my list that I ordered is The God Delusion. Perhaps you are wondering why a pastor would read a book like this. Well, many of my atheist friends often quote this book and utilize it as a standard for why they choose to be atheist. This fascinates me. I am curious to know what is discussed in this book. I really want to know how Richard Dawkins makes a case against God and for evolution. I know there have already been books written refuting his claims, but I still want to have the opportunity to take them in.
I am not afraid to read the book, nor do I worry that somehow this book will convince me that I made the wrong choice. I have always been taught that to better understand and nurture your own beliefs, it is important to read those beliefs that are contrary to your own. To not do so puts you on an island and can lead to ignorance.
One of the books on my list that I ordered is The God Delusion. Perhaps you are wondering why a pastor would read a book like this. Well, many of my atheist friends often quote this book and utilize it as a standard for why they choose to be atheist. This fascinates me. I am curious to know what is discussed in this book. I really want to know how Richard Dawkins makes a case against God and for evolution. I know there have already been books written refuting his claims, but I still want to have the opportunity to take them in.
I am not afraid to read the book, nor do I worry that somehow this book will convince me that I made the wrong choice. I have always been taught that to better understand and nurture your own beliefs, it is important to read those beliefs that are contrary to your own. To not do so puts you on an island and can lead to ignorance.
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