I wrote quite awhile ago that I had purchased the book The God Delusion. Among the atheist community, this book is often cited. I thought it would be useful for me to read the book simply to know how they argue against the existence of God. My years in high school debate taught me that you need to explore opposing viewpoints.
I have made my way through almost on half of the book. Did I think the book would convert me to atheism? No. Did I think the book would be challenging for me? Yes. Is it OK for us to have some doubts in our faith? Yes. This book has certainly been challenging for me to read.
So far, this books comes down to science vs. faith. This is not a surprise. Dawkins, at great length, discusses the ability of science to explain how our world works, specifically as it relates to the ideas of evolution, natural selection and the formation of our universe. Through his detailed explanations, he asserts that there can be no other reasonable explanation for how we got here.
When you talk about faith, it is just that. To Dawkins, the Bible is not a legitimate book for argumentation purposes. Thus, the discussion is over. Dawkins simply asks for scientific proof that there is a God. It's not there. Thus, there is no God. Prayer doesn't really work. Creationism has no evidence.
How do you argue faith? I can see a prayer answered. I can see the beauty of creation. I can appreciate my conversations with God. I can see the Holy Spirit at work. I know these things exist, and I look for strength from the Holy Bible. It brings me great confidence and great strength.
While in college, there was a time when I considered myself an atheist. I was miserable and directionless. Since renewing my relationship with God and living a life of doing my best to love God and love one another, I am happier, less worried and find more meaning and joy in life.
I wish that Dawkins and others could have that in their life as well. Yet, I realize that there will be folks with his views and, as a Christian, I am still called to minister to them. While difficult, I realize it is something that we are called to do.
*** Stay tuned for future reflections on this book. ***
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Epiphany
It just two days, we will begin a new year, a new decade. It will be 2010. I don't get too worked up about New Year's Day because it seems like such an arbitrary day. It could be the new year any day that you want. You'd think that those of us in the northern hemisphere would pick a time for New Year's where the weather is warm and we could enjoy it outdoors. But, I digress.
Many of us pick to have resolutions for the next year. We aim to workout more, eat better, be more spiritually disciplined, keep in contact with folks better, overcome bad habits, etc. In some resolutions we succeed, in others we do not. January 1 provides an excellent time to advocate for change.
Epiphany comes on January 3 this year, right around New Year's. Epiphany can signify many things. It can be used to celebrate three things: (1) The wise men visiting Jesus, (2) Jesus' baptism, and (3) Jesus' wedding miracle. Typically, we concentrate on the visit from the wise men.
At the Oakfield and Tabor churches, Epiphany will be an opportunity for us to take on an additional New Year's resolution. The wise men, from a land outside of the Jewish community, show us that Jesus was born for everyone! It was a religion meant for all!
We must resolve, as Christians, to spread the Good News throughout the year. Let's start...now.
Many of us pick to have resolutions for the next year. We aim to workout more, eat better, be more spiritually disciplined, keep in contact with folks better, overcome bad habits, etc. In some resolutions we succeed, in others we do not. January 1 provides an excellent time to advocate for change.
Epiphany comes on January 3 this year, right around New Year's. Epiphany can signify many things. It can be used to celebrate three things: (1) The wise men visiting Jesus, (2) Jesus' baptism, and (3) Jesus' wedding miracle. Typically, we concentrate on the visit from the wise men.
At the Oakfield and Tabor churches, Epiphany will be an opportunity for us to take on an additional New Year's resolution. The wise men, from a land outside of the Jewish community, show us that Jesus was born for everyone! It was a religion meant for all!
We must resolve, as Christians, to spread the Good News throughout the year. Let's start...now.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Post Christmas Reflections
On Christmas Eve, we had a worship service at both the Oakfield and Tabor churches. At the Oakfield church, we decided to try something different. We had a worship service called, "Celebrate the Shepherd." It was a worship service that looked at shepherds in the Bible and specifically the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. There were various bible readings, a poetry reading, two special songs, hymns and a sermon all around the topic of shepherds. We even had a candle light singing of Silent Night. There would definitely be changes that I would make for next year, but it was neat to try something different.
At the Tabor church, we fused together the Children's Pageant with a Service of Lessons and Carols. It went a little longer than I would have expected, but it was great! It was a full house and a big crowd got to see a wonderful performance by the members of the Tabor UMC Sunday School program.
Thankfully, the weather cooperated for the most part. The drive between Oakfield and Eden could have been much worse. Already tomorrow, we will have our Sunday worship service. We will be having John Wesley's Covenant Renewal done at both churches. I think it will be a neat experience for all who attend.
At the Tabor church, we fused together the Children's Pageant with a Service of Lessons and Carols. It went a little longer than I would have expected, but it was great! It was a full house and a big crowd got to see a wonderful performance by the members of the Tabor UMC Sunday School program.
Thankfully, the weather cooperated for the most part. The drive between Oakfield and Eden could have been much worse. Already tomorrow, we will have our Sunday worship service. We will be having John Wesley's Covenant Renewal done at both churches. I think it will be a neat experience for all who attend.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A Few Updates
I would like to take the opportunity to post a few updates in regard to some posts that I have made in the last few weeks:
Marge Blank's Funeral
The funeral for Marge Blank will be taking place on December 18, 2009 at 11:00AM at the Oakfield United Methodist Church. There will be a time for visitation with the family between 9:00-11:00AM. There will be a brief Committal Service afterward, followed by a luncheon.
Tiger Woods Story
A few weeks ago, I posted some comments about the Tiger Woods story. At that time, I wrote that despite the "transgressions" that took place, I would that Tiger and his wife could work things out in peace. As predicted, that did not happen. But, the situation has gotten dramatically worse.
Since my comments, there are fourteen women that now claim that they have had a sexual relationship with Tiger Woods. As much as I would hope that Tiger and Elin could work out this situation, it seems grave. There are already reports that Elin plans on divorcing Tiger. I can understand why. But, I continue to pray for both of them, and the chillden.
Marge Blank's Funeral
The funeral for Marge Blank will be taking place on December 18, 2009 at 11:00AM at the Oakfield United Methodist Church. There will be a time for visitation with the family between 9:00-11:00AM. There will be a brief Committal Service afterward, followed by a luncheon.
Tiger Woods Story
A few weeks ago, I posted some comments about the Tiger Woods story. At that time, I wrote that despite the "transgressions" that took place, I would that Tiger and his wife could work things out in peace. As predicted, that did not happen. But, the situation has gotten dramatically worse.
Since my comments, there are fourteen women that now claim that they have had a sexual relationship with Tiger Woods. As much as I would hope that Tiger and Elin could work out this situation, it seems grave. There are already reports that Elin plans on divorcing Tiger. I can understand why. But, I continue to pray for both of them, and the chillden.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Marge Blank
I received a phone call from Marge Blank's son. He informed me that Marge Blank passed away this morning at 11:00 AM. I do not have a lot of details at this point but funeral arrangements will be made soon.
In the first sixth months that I have been a pastor at the Oakfield Church, Marge has come to church almost every week. Christa and I were able to visit her a few times in her apartment. She shared so many wonderful stories about her times visiting Camp Byron, her job as a cake maker/decorator and her involvement with the church.
She was certainly a beloved member of the congregation and she will be missed. When I have additional information, I will make sure to post a reply to this message.
In the first sixth months that I have been a pastor at the Oakfield Church, Marge has come to church almost every week. Christa and I were able to visit her a few times in her apartment. She shared so many wonderful stories about her times visiting Camp Byron, her job as a cake maker/decorator and her involvement with the church.
She was certainly a beloved member of the congregation and she will be missed. When I have additional information, I will make sure to post a reply to this message.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Pray!
Last week at the Oakfield and Tabor worship services, we celebrated by lighting the candle of Christ, the Way. In the sermon on that particular Sunday, I preached about Paul's excitement in regards to praying for the Philippians. He prayed with excitement!
I sometimes think that prayer is something that we are scared of. We worry about what we should pray for. We worry about how to do it...do we do it with hands clasped, eyes closed. We worry about how often we should do it. The most important thing we can do is pray.
Pray however and whenever you like. Pray when you are stuck at a red light. Pray when you are waiting in line at the store. It may be uncomfortable at times, but at least you are doing it! You'd be surprised how much time comes available for prayer.
I sometimes think that prayer is something that we are scared of. We worry about what we should pray for. We worry about how to do it...do we do it with hands clasped, eyes closed. We worry about how often we should do it. The most important thing we can do is pray.
Pray however and whenever you like. Pray when you are stuck at a red light. Pray when you are waiting in line at the store. It may be uncomfortable at times, but at least you are doing it! You'd be surprised how much time comes available for prayer.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Mountains of Paper
I took today to get my Oakfield UMC office in order. I had stacks of paper everywhere. Some were papers that were already in the office. Some I've inherited at conferences over the last few months...and the rest has been from mailings I've gotten through the mail.
My goodness! I did not realize how much mail I would get as a pastor. I get a lot of catalogs. I get a lot of mailings for various charitable organizations and groups. I also get a lot of mail from the Wisconsin Annual Conference. I also get all the bills mailed to the church. If you let it sit for a few days, or...for a few weeks, it is amazing how much it accumulates.
It is a testament to my ability to get focused on other areas of the job and lose focus on paperwork. But, it is also a testament to the amount of junk that gets mailed. I sadly recycle a great deal of the stuff that I get in the mail. It seems like such a waste. Hopefully over time I can get ourselves off some of the mailing lists that we are on. Needless to say, the recycling bin is full, but the office is clean.
My goodness! I did not realize how much mail I would get as a pastor. I get a lot of catalogs. I get a lot of mailings for various charitable organizations and groups. I also get a lot of mail from the Wisconsin Annual Conference. I also get all the bills mailed to the church. If you let it sit for a few days, or...for a few weeks, it is amazing how much it accumulates.
It is a testament to my ability to get focused on other areas of the job and lose focus on paperwork. But, it is also a testament to the amount of junk that gets mailed. I sadly recycle a great deal of the stuff that I get in the mail. It seems like such a waste. Hopefully over time I can get ourselves off some of the mailing lists that we are on. Needless to say, the recycling bin is full, but the office is clean.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Buried in Snow
It's been many years since I've been in the middle of a snow storm like the one that we had on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. We ended up getting around 10-12 inches of snow in Oakfield with a lot of snow blowing throughout as well.
Thankfully, we took the opportunity on Monday to purchase a couple of shovels for the house. When you come from apartment living, you get used to not needing a shovel. In an emergency, we could grab a shovel from the custodian's closet. We definitely needed them...in fact, I think the snow levels were almost too much for the shovels.
It seems a little futile to have office hours for the remainder of this week. I can't see the weather being conducive to visits with the snow and wind. But, work continues!
Thankfully, we took the opportunity on Monday to purchase a couple of shovels for the house. When you come from apartment living, you get used to not needing a shovel. In an emergency, we could grab a shovel from the custodian's closet. We definitely needed them...in fact, I think the snow levels were almost too much for the shovels.
It seems a little futile to have office hours for the remainder of this week. I can't see the weather being conducive to visits with the snow and wind. But, work continues!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Emotions on the Field
I know, I know...another sports headline on here. Last Saturday, two college football teams faced off in what would be the biggest match-up of the college football season thus far. Florida (#1 in the BCS rankings) and Alabama (#2 in the rankings) faced off in a big game. The winner would solidify their spot in the championship game; the loser would be out of the running for the championship. Most people thought Florida would win. Their quarterback was Tim Tebow, someone who has created some buzz during his time at the University of Florida.
Tebow has a lot of accolades. He has won a national title. He has won the Heisman trophy. He has a long list of awards in many different areas. He may come out of college football the most decorated player ever to play. He is also known for having bible verses on his face using eye black. He is also famous for making an impassioned speech to the media after an early loss in their football season, only to come back and play great the rest of the year.
Tebow got a lot of press after the game between Florida and Alabama. Alabama beat up on Florida and Alabama won the game. After the game was over, cameras caught Tebow crying when the game ended. Many folks in the media have commented on his showing of emotion. Some have said that he shouldn't have cried...
...really? Do we need to make such a big deal of this? Can't we let people share a little emotion? Since when did it become taboo for someone to cry at an emotional moment? Are men not allowed to show emotion? Does it make them less of a man?
Ok...that was a lot of questions at once. I do think that the media can be a little hard on athletes, especially college athletes. Sometimes we need to allow human beings to have human emotions. We can't expect people who put a lot of effort and a lot of emotion into something and see strong emotions come out at the end. We need to lighten up and let people be people!
Tebow has a lot of accolades. He has won a national title. He has won the Heisman trophy. He has a long list of awards in many different areas. He may come out of college football the most decorated player ever to play. He is also known for having bible verses on his face using eye black. He is also famous for making an impassioned speech to the media after an early loss in their football season, only to come back and play great the rest of the year.
Tebow got a lot of press after the game between Florida and Alabama. Alabama beat up on Florida and Alabama won the game. After the game was over, cameras caught Tebow crying when the game ended. Many folks in the media have commented on his showing of emotion. Some have said that he shouldn't have cried...
...really? Do we need to make such a big deal of this? Can't we let people share a little emotion? Since when did it become taboo for someone to cry at an emotional moment? Are men not allowed to show emotion? Does it make them less of a man?
Ok...that was a lot of questions at once. I do think that the media can be a little hard on athletes, especially college athletes. Sometimes we need to allow human beings to have human emotions. We can't expect people who put a lot of effort and a lot of emotion into something and see strong emotions come out at the end. We need to lighten up and let people be people!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Sports News
On my way back from the Eden Church, I was listening to Fox News on XM Radio. Please don't judge me for listening to Fox News! ;) Coming back from a commercial break, the radio host went into a tirade about how obsessive people can be when it comes to sports news. He proceeded to read the headlines from an "unnamed" sports web page. Based on the headlines, I could tell he was reading from espn.com. He made light of each headline, mockingly stating how "important" these stories were. When I heard one of the headlines, I thought about how I needed to check the website to get details. D'oh! I fell right into his trap.
This happened a few weeks ago, but I continue to wrestle with his little tirade. I understand what he was getting at. There are certainly issues in the world more important than sports. There are many local, state, national and world events going on in our world that should command our attention. There are people filled with lots of inane sports trivia, but couldn't tell you anything related to the health care debate or the situations in Afghanistan or Iraq. But, this also has to do something setting limits.
For me, sports is a hobby. It is certainly something that is important to me. I appreciate the camaraderie that comes with talking with fellow fans of the hometown team. I appreciate watching history as records are broken and rivalries unfold. I appreciate the excitement of a big play at a key moment. I sometimes think people that are not into sports are really missing out. I do, however, try to set a limit on it. I have to put sports in perspective to other things that are important to me: God, my family, my responsibilities as a pastor, my responsibilities to our home, hobbies, etc.
Some people do take sports to an excess. Everyone takes something to excess. We all have hobbies and interest that can easily take up a lot of our time. They're fun for us. We lose track of time while doing them. It's more fun than work or life responsibilities. But, we need to learn control. We need to learn boundaries when it comes to these things.
I want to tell the Fox News gentlemen to relax a little bit. I think sports can be an easy scapegoat, especially with tons of website and 24 hour TV channels that constantly feed us with sports. But, he does make a point that transcends the realm of sports. We need to realize the role that hobbies play in our life. They should take a proper place behind those things that truly matter to us. They should take a proper place in what life is really about.
Sports are fun, but they are not our lives.
This happened a few weeks ago, but I continue to wrestle with his little tirade. I understand what he was getting at. There are certainly issues in the world more important than sports. There are many local, state, national and world events going on in our world that should command our attention. There are people filled with lots of inane sports trivia, but couldn't tell you anything related to the health care debate or the situations in Afghanistan or Iraq. But, this also has to do something setting limits.
For me, sports is a hobby. It is certainly something that is important to me. I appreciate the camaraderie that comes with talking with fellow fans of the hometown team. I appreciate watching history as records are broken and rivalries unfold. I appreciate the excitement of a big play at a key moment. I sometimes think people that are not into sports are really missing out. I do, however, try to set a limit on it. I have to put sports in perspective to other things that are important to me: God, my family, my responsibilities as a pastor, my responsibilities to our home, hobbies, etc.
Some people do take sports to an excess. Everyone takes something to excess. We all have hobbies and interest that can easily take up a lot of our time. They're fun for us. We lose track of time while doing them. It's more fun than work or life responsibilities. But, we need to learn control. We need to learn boundaries when it comes to these things.
I want to tell the Fox News gentlemen to relax a little bit. I think sports can be an easy scapegoat, especially with tons of website and 24 hour TV channels that constantly feed us with sports. But, he does make a point that transcends the realm of sports. We need to realize the role that hobbies play in our life. They should take a proper place behind those things that truly matter to us. They should take a proper place in what life is really about.
Sports are fun, but they are not our lives.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Prayer for All
I'm not sure how much you been keeping up to date with the Tiger Woods controversy, but it has gotten to the point where I wanted to offer a few thoughts on this situation. I talked with Christa about it a little last night, but an article that I found on the Drudge Report really put me over the edge.
Last week, there was a report that Tiger was in a car accident. Rumors flew immediately about what happened. Perhaps Tiger was drunk. His wife came at him with a golf club. He got into the accident to get away from his crazy wife. On the accident front, he was issued a citation for the accident and that was done.
On his website, Tiger has admitted to transgressions in his life. We can't be sure what that exactly has to do with the accident, but the media has assumed that he has been involved in some kind of an affair. I would say that is probably a good assumption to make. Now there women coming out saying they were involved in affairs with Tiger Woods. They have some evidence to prove it. It's an ugly situation.
Tiger is arguably the best golfer we have ever seen. He has dominated the sport, has been involved with various endorsements and has accrued a fortune. He does a great deal for charity and is considered a role model. In a time when heroes in our culture are hard to find anymore, this story hits deep. Sure, I have heard that Tiger is a little arrogant and full of himself...but, I sometimes wonder if you need to be like that to be the golfer that he is. His alleged "transgressions" really hurt when you think of what he means to people around the world.
On his website, he says that this is a situation that he would like to work out with his family. Despite his celebrity status, he would like some privacy to be able to work this out.
We don't know for sure if he has had an extra-marital affair, but it would seem that this is the case. If this is the case, I am glad to read that is going to try to work things out with his family. His wife will ultimately decide whether or not to stay with him or not. I am hopeful that they can work it out, and I would be thankful if they would be able to work it out without the media sticking their noses into every part of it. I realize that won't happen.
Being a celebrity comes with its price; you will be hounded. But celebrity or not, we are all capable of making mistakes, hurting others and engaging. I feel like our world progressively moves in a direction where sinning becomes easier and easier. There was a comment on Tiger's website saying that we shouldn't pray for Tiger because he already has plenty of money.
We pray for Tiger so that he might realize the magnitude of his transgression, and that the family can hopefully work things out and stay together. I pray for Tiger. Celebrities need our prayers, too. We must realize that no one is perfect. No amount of fortune or fame can hide us from the capability of sin. It's also not an excuse to sin. But regardless of one's social standing, they need prayer...prayer for healing and prayer for forgiveness.
Last week, there was a report that Tiger was in a car accident. Rumors flew immediately about what happened. Perhaps Tiger was drunk. His wife came at him with a golf club. He got into the accident to get away from his crazy wife. On the accident front, he was issued a citation for the accident and that was done.
On his website, Tiger has admitted to transgressions in his life. We can't be sure what that exactly has to do with the accident, but the media has assumed that he has been involved in some kind of an affair. I would say that is probably a good assumption to make. Now there women coming out saying they were involved in affairs with Tiger Woods. They have some evidence to prove it. It's an ugly situation.
Tiger is arguably the best golfer we have ever seen. He has dominated the sport, has been involved with various endorsements and has accrued a fortune. He does a great deal for charity and is considered a role model. In a time when heroes in our culture are hard to find anymore, this story hits deep. Sure, I have heard that Tiger is a little arrogant and full of himself...but, I sometimes wonder if you need to be like that to be the golfer that he is. His alleged "transgressions" really hurt when you think of what he means to people around the world.
On his website, he says that this is a situation that he would like to work out with his family. Despite his celebrity status, he would like some privacy to be able to work this out.
We don't know for sure if he has had an extra-marital affair, but it would seem that this is the case. If this is the case, I am glad to read that is going to try to work things out with his family. His wife will ultimately decide whether or not to stay with him or not. I am hopeful that they can work it out, and I would be thankful if they would be able to work it out without the media sticking their noses into every part of it. I realize that won't happen.
Being a celebrity comes with its price; you will be hounded. But celebrity or not, we are all capable of making mistakes, hurting others and engaging. I feel like our world progressively moves in a direction where sinning becomes easier and easier. There was a comment on Tiger's website saying that we shouldn't pray for Tiger because he already has plenty of money.
We pray for Tiger so that he might realize the magnitude of his transgression, and that the family can hopefully work things out and stay together. I pray for Tiger. Celebrities need our prayers, too. We must realize that no one is perfect. No amount of fortune or fame can hide us from the capability of sin. It's also not an excuse to sin. But regardless of one's social standing, they need prayer...prayer for healing and prayer for forgiveness.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Emma Conrad (1916-2009)
The previous pastor of the Oakfield United Methodist Church, Rev. Nancy Green, described Emma as one of the saints of the church. In my brief time of knowing her, I would definitely. She was a very sweet and caring woman who will surely be missed, but has joined the company of saints in heaven.
I have placed the obituary below:
Emma Marie Conrad, 93, formerly of Oakfield and a resident at All About Life passed away Monday November 30, 2009 at the home surrounded by her family.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Some Exciting Changes
The last week has been crazy with the Thanksgiving Holiday. It has been a week since I posted, but I do have some news:
(1) Thanksgiving - I was able to participate in my first evening service as a pastor. Members of both congregations gathered together to take Communion, greet one another and give thanks to God for all He provides. We also hosted the Droste Thanksgiving at our home. My Dad cooked the prime rib and I cooked all the fixings. My Mom got a nice break this year :-D. Weaver enjoyed her first Thanksgiving as well!
(2) Second Car - Last night, Christa and I bought a 2003 Ford Escape XLT. The Firebird is not a 12-month car, so we needed something reliable in the winter. We also wanted something that we could transport Weaver in. So, we decided on this SUV. The gas mileage is not the best, but it is in excellent condition and runs very well. We are thankful to have two vehicles that we can both use all year.
(3) Weaver Maturing - On Monday and today, our alarm clock actually woke us up! Weaver is sleeping past 6:00AM. Now we can to be the ones waking her up. This is a pleasant change. This is the next step in getting into a nice daily routine for the three of us. She has also gone almost a week without any household "accidents." Hopefully this lasts...and I didn't curse it. ;)
(1) Thanksgiving - I was able to participate in my first evening service as a pastor. Members of both congregations gathered together to take Communion, greet one another and give thanks to God for all He provides. We also hosted the Droste Thanksgiving at our home. My Dad cooked the prime rib and I cooked all the fixings. My Mom got a nice break this year :-D. Weaver enjoyed her first Thanksgiving as well!
(2) Second Car - Last night, Christa and I bought a 2003 Ford Escape XLT. The Firebird is not a 12-month car, so we needed something reliable in the winter. We also wanted something that we could transport Weaver in. So, we decided on this SUV. The gas mileage is not the best, but it is in excellent condition and runs very well. We are thankful to have two vehicles that we can both use all year.
(3) Weaver Maturing - On Monday and today, our alarm clock actually woke us up! Weaver is sleeping past 6:00AM. Now we can to be the ones waking her up. This is a pleasant change. This is the next step in getting into a nice daily routine for the three of us. She has also gone almost a week without any household "accidents." Hopefully this lasts...and I didn't curse it. ;)
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