Light Breaks Through the Darkness

What follows is the transcript from the sermon I preached this past weekend in response to the CT shooting.

Peace,
Chris

Dec 15, 2012

“Light Breaks Through the Darkness”

For me, Fridays mean a day off and a day off typically means one thing: grocery shopping. I know, I lead an exciting life. This Friday was typical; got the kids off to school and headed off to run some errands and do the grocery shopping. Little did I know during that time what was transpiring in CT. It wasn’t until early afternoon after the groceries were unpacked that I first heard of the shooting. I quickly looked up an article online and began to read the horrifying news. The TV was changed to a national news outlet. I watched the recounting of the tragedy that had unfolded. I looked at the pictures and videos that were coming forth. I listened to the interviews. Through it all, I felt as if someone had kicked me in the gut. My heart began to ache. Like many other parents I’m sure, my thoughts were drifting to my own children and I wanted them to be home from school so desperately. I needed to see them. More than that, I needed to hug them and tell them I loved them.

In the midst of the many thoughts that flooded my mind, I also thought about our worship gatherings this weekend. There was no debate, I just knew: the sermon would be different. I simply felt compelled, as pastor of this congregation, to speak to the tragedy that has unfolded. I didn’t know what to say. I really didn’t know HOW I would say it.  Every time I began to think about speaking to you, my emotions would begin to take hold of me. I didn’t know how I would be able to hold back the tears. Perhaps I shouldn’t try. A good cry together may be what we all need.

So, here we are on this 3^rd Sunday of Advent. Ironic or not, my message was about how Christmas invites us to become like children once again. In the end, that message may remain, albeit differently. It is also of note that the candle we lit today was the candle of joy. I don’t think we are feeling much joy right now.

Today, the message is different. For one, when do you ever see me with notes? No, today there is no nice story to pull it all together. Today, I have much to reflect on. I want to share thoughts on faith, tragedy, humanity, and where we go from here. I hope what I say is coherent and helpful. I am speaking to you both bluntly and vulnerably.

I want to begin with this: there is no making sense of this. I repeat, there is no making sense of this. We all want to. We search for some answer, some line of reasoning. But we can’t find any. Often in times of tragedy we can point our fingers at some cause, at some awful answer, whether it is a natural disaster or a tragic accident, anything that at the least helps us regain some sense of control, some sense of sanity. But as we consider someone opening fire on a classroom full of children, ending 20 precious, innocent lives and the adults who cared for them, there is no answer. For us to begin to move forward, we have to accept that there are times when we just can’t make sense of something. This is one of those times.

The next thing I want to say is that whatever your feeling is now, whatever your reaction might be, it’s normal because there is no “normal” at times like this. I have found myself filled with sorrow and anger. I have felt emptiness and overwhelming love and compassion. We will not all react and respond alike. Some will want to talk and others will remain silent. Both are acceptable. We need to be patient and understanding with those around as we work through this.

Among the many “normal” reactions at a time like this is questioning God, even being angry with God. We ask questions like, “How could God let this happen?” and “Why didn’t God stop this from happening?” Our faith is called into question. Others seize times like these as evidence that God doesn’t exist. How do we reconcile a loving God with such tragedy? But let me be clear, this tragedy and others like it, say far more about us, about the state of humanity, than it does about God. I have preached often about issues of the promise of our salvation. I’ve preached about free will, about how we are not puppets on a string. We have the freedom to choose, even when those choices are wrong, when those choices sometimes have devastating results. They are still OUR choices and OUR responsibility. I’ve preached about God’s presence with us in the most trying times of our lives. In scriptures it is made clear that suffering is indeed a part of this world. Faith never promises an escape from that. But, the promises of God do tell us that this suffering is not the end. God has indeed overcome the suffering, overcome evil, overcome the grave, and God will wipe away our tears. In new life in Jesus Christ, we realize these promises and we are freed to experience real and lasting hope, peace, joy, and love.

No, I believe that it is time for us to reflect upon… us. We want to question God, but we should be questioning ourselves. We attempt to dissect the behavior of a crazed man shoots children in a classroom. It would be more fruitful to examine our own behaviors. Everyone stop for a moment. Now, think about this past week. What are the things you have complained about or criticized in that time? In what ways have you been more selfish than generous? How were you negative rather than positive? How much have you taken for granted? How many people have you invited to Christ? Need I go on?

We find more reasons to divide ourselves than we do to come together. We fight over parking spaces and belittle each other over politics. Already the political rhetoric is flying over issues like gun control and separation of church and state. Social media is once again filled with accusations and finger pointing. We scream about fiscal cliffs and stock market reports. Emotional and physical violence is rampant throughout our communities. Throughout all of our arguments and shouts and finger pointing and name calling and complaining, people need help. There are millions in this world without enough to eat. Children are being bullied in our schools, some to the point of taking their own lives rather than face it another day. And yes, there are many people struggling with mental disorders that we would rather ignore than help.

Do you think this is want God wills? Do you believe this is what God wants for His people? Is this what it means to be a church, to be a people of faith? Have we become more concerned with the instruments we use in worship or church budgets or committee meetings? Where do you believe God’s heart truly lies? As a pastor, a father, a husband, and as a friend, I am here before you and I am tired. I am frustrated. I am concerned. I am struggling. But, I am hopeful.

It is time to quit pretending that we have all the time in the world. The time to act is now. It is time to love more and stronger. It is time to work to come together in mutual encouragement and support rather than focusing on that which divides us. It’s time to understand that saying “I’m sorry” is more powerful than saying “I’m right!” It’s time to quit turning a blind eye and to look at what is happening all around us. It’s time to get involved and make a difference. It’s time set aside our convenience and help one another. It’s time for young and old alike to focus on being the people God asks us to be; to be God’s hands and feet in this broken world. It is time for the church to once again be known for what it is for rather than what it is against.

It is fairly common during this 3^rd Sunday of Advent for churches to have a “Blue Christmas” service. This is a service that acknowledges that there is often sorrow in the midst of the supposed most joyous time of the year, especially as memories of loved ones come flooding into our minds and the stress of the Christmas expectations come close to overwhelming us. Sometimes it is referred to a “Longest Night” service. This is because Dec. 21 is the day of the year with the least amount of daylight, thereby making it the “darkest” day of the year. Do you see the symmetry of the longest night, the most darkness, occurring just before Christmas? Christmas, when we celebrate the Light coming into the world. Christmas, when we anticipate Christ our light returning once again. Today, it feels as if the darkness has overtaken the light, but the light breaks through the darkness. You, people of God, you who dare to take the name Christian, you are to be bearers of Christ’s light in this world.

I began by telling you that my message this weekend was about how Christmas serves as an invitation to be more like children. In Matthew, Jesus tells us that we must become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven. In the beginning of John we are told that Christ came and gave us the power to become children of God. Be like children? Perhaps it’s because children have yet to learn to hate. Children have yet to become so jaded that they focus on our differences and the things divide us. Instead, there is an eagerness to learn, an eagerness to love. Children don’t have to have everything figured out. Children know how to laugh and enjoy life. Children have a faith that has yet to be tainted by our adult cynicism. Children look beyond the practical. Children aren’t afraid to dream.

Right now we mourn the loss of 20 dreamers. Again, the time is now. It is time to say “I’m sorry.” It is time to say “I love you.” It is time appreciate each day more fully. It is time to get involved and help others. It is time to get clear about what is really important in life. It is time to come together. It is time to be a church that is concerned with transforming lives, ALL lives, in the name of Jesus Christ. It is time to PRACTICE this faith we talk about.

I want to share with you this prayer from Max Lucado written in response to the tragic shooting:

Dear Jesus,

It's a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.

The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?

Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.

Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won't you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.

This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.

Hopefully,
Your Children

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being ⁴ in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
Amen

The Real New Year

Today marks the 1st day of a brand new year. How can that be, considering that it is Aug 15? It's because today is the first day of school. While the calendar tells us the new year begins on Jan. 1, for most people our year revolves around the school year. I find this to be true even if you don't have kids. Your schedule will in some way be affected by school happenings. So, today (at least in my area) a new year has begun.

New years bring new possibilities. They also bring routine. It's amazing how much we complain about routine on one hand and yet find such comfort in it. I'm sure you can see a correlation to church in that. Trust me, it's there. Speaking of church, it used to be that back to school time meant back to church. Not so much anymore.Lately it seems as if the holidays are "back to church time." You know, Christmas to Easter is the "church season." I'm going to quietly step away from this one.

For the most part I pray God's blessings on all of the teachers and students as school begins. I pray that it is a wonderful year.

And, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Chris

An Olympic Reflection

I was swept away this weekend. I got caught up in the moment and truly felt inspired. I am also big enough to admit that I had tears well up in my eyes. What could move me like this you ask? It was the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games 2012. Please allow me to reflect.

I want to pause first and say thank you to the inventor of the DVR. Without it, I would not have had the opportunity to witness the opening ceremony. I got to watch the first 2 hours late Friday night, right up to the procession of the athletes. Finally, I got got to finish watching last night.

Most opinions that I have heard have been positive. While I could nitpick an item or two, I loved the approach. I thought the journey through history was absolutely brilliant. Was it as flashy as Beijing? No, but it felt more meaningful to me. Historic (for some reason I just love this word: historic). Here is another word: generational. I believe that aptly applies as well. I loved the idea of one generation handing off to the next. It was wonderful to see the handing off of the former Olympians to the possible future ones. Although, I wish they would have lit the torch together. Still, very cool. Speaking of the torch, I understand the criticism of it not being visible outside the stadium. That issue aside, I love the 200+ individual flames representing each country then coming together as the Olympic flame. I found all of it moving.

From time to time as I watched the opening ceremony I found myself thinking, "This is a glimpse at what could be." Think about: the diversity of the world together under one flag and one goal. The hopes, the dreams; all together. the passing of the torch from generation to generation. The admiration, respect, and honor given to those who have paved the way. People laughing and singing together. Thousands joined in holding hands under the night sky. What a scene. What a dream.

It stands in stark contrast to the great divisiveness we are experiencing in the world, in our country. Just look at the vileness being hurled back and forth over politics right now. Everyone pointing a finger at the next person. People that I know and love, people I know to be good, caring human beings, engaging in insults and slander and attacks of all kinds. It's not enough to voice our opinion. We feel the need to couch it in derogatory and hateful ways. I could go on. It only gets amplified when we look at the world. In this age of technology when the world is getting smaller, we seem to be getting more divided.

But for this weekend I dreamed: this is what could be. Honoring the diversity of this incredible world, in all it's beauty, but still able to come together as one. Do we have differences? Yes. But we all can dream. We all hope. We all can be something more.

The Olympics put on display the physical possibilities that we possess. They set the standard of achievement. I find that inspiring.

Then I look around at what's going on in the world. I look at how we are treating one another. And I have this thought...

WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS.

Chris

Dying Better

Yesterday marked the 10 year anniversary of my father dying. It was a difficult day as we sat in the ICU room with him. The doctors had done all that they could and we had made the decision to remove support. He was a very proud, hard working man. He wouldn't want to continue as he was. Along with family, I sat by his side as he took his last breath.

I miss you dad.

Yesterday, on this 10 year anniversary, I spent the afternoon meeting with a family planning a funeral for a loved one; a husband and father to 2 sons. He was almost the same age as my father was when he passed. And, like my father, the family had removed support and sat by his side as he passed.

But this post is not so much about the process of dying. That's another thing altogether. No, this is more about what happens next.

As I sat with the family at the funeral home, I became frustrated and disheartened. The funeral director poured over all of the details, and more specifically costs, and all of the options. The family looked at caskets and vaults and print packages and flowers and on and on... As you likely know, dying is expensive. One family recently commented that for the most basic burial service it cost $10,000. This doesn't even take into account medical bills and other care. Dying is expensive. It is also complicated

This is not a rail against funeral homes. I'm not sure what it is, only I kept thinking over and over that it should be different. Somehow, some way.

Two more little examples that I have pondered. For one, why is it that the interiors of caskets are always so frilly? I don't know how many times I've thought to myself, "That is not what that person was about." My dad, for example, was a simple, plain, no frills kind of guy. I joked that I want a flat screen installed with ESPN highlights running. I don't know, maybe I'm just ranting. But another thought somewhat related; why must we dress our loved ones the way we do for burial? I'll again use my dad as an example. My dad was buried in a suit, just as most men are. My dad NEVER wore suits. To be more like him, he should have had on blue jeans, a work shirt, and his work boots. Oh, and a coffee thermos. Definitely a coffee thermos.

I usually like to make some connection to the church in my posts. I wonder if there isn't a better way for churches to die as well. And less expensive. And less complicated. Maybe, but I've gone on long enough.

It should be different. Somehow, some way. That's all I know.

Chris

Needed Perspective

Yesterday, I was  once again reminded of how we really need some perspective in our lives.

To say that there is a negative, adversarial attitude running through our culture is probably and understatement. With the presidential election coming later this year, it is really being magnified. Then you add in this drive for more; more stuff and more consumption...

Now, let's talk church. I never cease to be amazed at some of the things we complain about and argue about in churches. And, being honest, there can be some really close-minded, judgmental, entitlement attitudes from church-going Christians. Ok, that was pretty blunt. True, but blunt. And no church is immune. I was just shared a story from someone who had visited Church of the Resurrection on Easter weekend. Yes, I'm talking about that mega church in Leawood. It is a great church. But this person was approached by a member and told, "You're sitting in our seats." And we thought that only happened in small churches.

Now for that perspective I mentioned. Yesterday I spoke with a member of my congregation. She has been a member for many years and quite an interesting lady. She recently got some difficult news as doctors told her that they believed she had cancer. After all of the tests, she got her prognosis yesterday: 3 months. She has been told that she likely has 3 months to live. And they won't be good 3 months. She will be moving into nursing care. She wants to meet to plan her funeral. My heart sank. It's still sinking.

Of course, I continued to deal with "brush fires" and issues. The world keeps plowing forward. *Sigh* 

There is a great song from Tim McGraw called "Live Like You Were Dying." Isn't that what Jesus told us to do? When he was questioned about the end times, Jesus responded by telling us that know one knows the day or the hour. Instead, he calls us to live as if it could be any moment. Maybe 3 months. maybe not.

Funny how perspective can change things.

I'll close with this from someone I used  to work with. He had visited his brother-in-law who was on his death bed. I believe it was cancer as well. His brother-in-law requested a wet cloth for his lips. Then he said, “We start off wanting $1,000,000. Over time, that keeps getting pared down until all we want is a little water on our lips.” 

Perspective.

Chris

Struggling With Worship

Ok, it's confession time: I've been struggling with worship services. Maybe that sounds weird coming from a pastor. Maybe its even bad coming from a pastor. But, its true. Let me explain.

First, traditional worship. While this might surprise some, I do find value and meaning in a traditional worship setting... sometimes. I really like the hymns (when they don't drag too much) and I love a choir. That's the good news. However, there are things that just don't work for me. For one, there is a formality often to traditional worship that creates a rigidness. Whether it is the robes or the suits, it often feels like the formalities become more important than the worship. Further, I've never been a big fan of pre-printed prayers and calls to worship. While the communal aspect of our worship is important, it has always felt forced, those weren't "my" words of worship.

Now to contemporary. I have been a big proponent of contemporary worship. I helped start a contemporary service at my home church. My primary role at my last appointment was leading the contemporary service. I have loved the energy and music. I have loved the informality of it, where no one looks down on you if you are wearing jeans. I have loved  more creative elements, like dance, drama, and videos that have fit better and been better accepted in contemporary settings. Still, something is missing. It has begun to seem more and more that contemporary is becoming as routine and predictable as, dare I say it, traditional. Where traditional can become more focused on the formality, contemporary often is more about the entertainment. There is a richness, a deep authenticity that seems to be missing.

I wish I had the answer, but if I did, this wouldn't be titled "struggling" with worship. I am drawn to something ancient, yet modern. But what does that look like. I have a few things I am going to try in the services I lead. I am contemplating using an affirmation of faith in all services. While not big on the pre-printed stuff, these are statements of what we believe. We are lacking in that. I have encouraged my praise band to work up more contemporarized versions of hymns. Perhaps we will bring in some more of the contemporary elements into the traditional setting.

I will say, that unlike many, I have enjoyed blended services. But those tend to upset the traditional and contemporary alike.

I'm still reflecting and searching. Oh, and definitely praying. For now, I simply quote those great theologians known as U2: "I still haven't found what I'm looking for."

Chris

Dis-Connected Church

I write this as I sit in one of the business sessions of the MO Annual Conference. Not that I am bored (clears throat), but rather I just feel compelled by recent events. The focus of this conference has been (long overdue) on youth and young adults. We have had some great messages and workshops that lead us, as the bishop says, to "remember the future." better late than never that we get serious about this. However, there is one thing painfully clear: there is a disconnect between the message of our leaders, our intentions, and what is actually being loved out. Big surprise, I know. A couple of examples.

This morning began with a learning time with Bishop Schnase. He spoke on the challenges of reaching new generations. In his talk, he shared a story of encountering a young lady outside of a mall. This young lady had some serious ink (tattoos for the uninformed), along with a number of piercings. His point was 1) there was nothing wrong with her appearance, but 2) that how her appearance was in part an effort to "belong" to a group, something more. During this time, a young lady was in the crowd, a young lady with some serious ink of her own. She was connecting to the Bishop's message and perhaps feeling like she belonged here. But, and isn't there always a but, her welcome feeling was short lived. Sitting next to her was an older, long time United Methodist. This person was audibly disagreeing with the bishop and being very judgmental. Talk about a disconnect. The young lady became so upset that she left in the middle of the talk crying. My wife encountered her in the bathroom trying to pull herself together.

Later, In our worship service, we continued to lift up ur youth and young adults. One youth had his iPad open during the service. Was he taking notes? Perhaps researching a topic; who knows. I mean, I'm writing this blog on my iPad. It's part of our culture. However, an older, long time United Methodist sitting behind the youth leaned forward and, wait for it, told him to put it away. Yep, pretty bold.

I wish these were isolated incidents, but they are not. These kind of experiences and far worse ones happen regularly. On the one hand, our leaders tell us to " remember the future." We applaud and say "amen" and even let our youth and young adults have some token leadership in our conference and churches. But, on the other hand, there is a generational struggle ongoing.

Everyone is losing. I repeat, WE ARE ALL LOSING!

We United Methodists pride ourselves on being a connectional church. But a dis-connect clearly remains.

Chris

Mission Statement

For those of you that have read my posts lately, you know that I recently wrote about "the main thing" that we should be focused on in our churches. I many ways, this builds upon that. This is actually something I've thought about before, but it came up again yesterday after listening to another conversation and perspective on the now infamous General Conference 2012.

If you know me then you you know how much I push simple. I believe we make things in life, and especially church, way too complicated. And maybe, maybe I'm being too simplistic here. Stay with me.

As a denomination, our mission statement is "To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." Pretty straight forward. That would be the "main thing" as found in the great commission. So I ask the question: why do all of our churches spend hours and debates to come up with their own mission statement, and often bad ones at that. Shouldn't this be the mission statement for all of our churches; for The Church?

Here are 2 definitions of a mission statement: 1) A summary of the aims and values of a company, organization, or individual. 2) a statement of the purpose of a company or organization. Hmmm, shouldn't the purpose of every church be to make disciples?

Maybe I am being to simplistic here. I understand context varies greatly. Maybe you might include your community in the statement. For example at my church: "As a United Methodist Church in eastern Independence, the mission of Christ UMC is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." I'm not sure that location is important. It might be a detriment. But you get my point.

How do we live that message out? Well, I often say that Jesus gave us His mission statement in Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. he sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." If it was good for Jesus...

I hear again and again about the importance of alignment. I happen to agree with this. Is a common mission statement that bad of an idea? Or does it refocus us on the main thing?

What do you think?

Chris

The Main Thing, Part 2

Well, if you are reading this you are either a glutton for punishment or you love The Church, particularly The UMC. Welcome back. We can get through this.

In my previous post I lifted up the concern, frustration, and challenges before us. As a denomination we are divided, fearful, skeptical, and entrenched in the dark side of the church: politics. I can hear people everywhere, "Yeah, sign me up for that!" But here is the truth that we all know: the answer does not lie with General Conference, with denomination structure, or with the boards and agencies; it lies with the local church. Therein lies the problem: many of our local churches are messes also. They are entrenched and filled with fear, skepticism, division, and negativity. And we wonder why people aren't flocking to our doors?

At the denominational level we argue about everything from incandescent light bulbs to gay marriage. In our local churches we argue about everything from carpet colors to drums and coffee in the sanctuary. We mire ourselves in committee meetings and parking lot gossip. We have forgotten/lost touch with the main thing.

I remember back in 2002. This was the year that the MO East and MO West Annual Conferences were proposed to merge. As you might imagine, conference was filled with debates, questions, and skepticism. Then, I remember this older woman who stood up and made this statement: "the Main Thing is to keep the Main Thing the Main Thing." Profound, I know. But also true.

What is the Main Thing? I'm glad you asked. We often refer to it as "The Great Suggestion." Oh, sorry; my mistake. I mean "The Great Commission." Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt 28:19 NRSV). When and how did we as Christians forget this?

Look, I'm no Adam Hamilton and I don't have all of the answers. I'm still trying to get a grip on things in the church I serve. But I know that if we want a place to start, the Great Commission seems pretty foundational. Can we at least be unified about this? Can we lift up Jesus over our agendas? Or is it more likely that we begin arguing over what constitutes a disciple or what 10 step program we need to implement to make disciples. Worse yet, we form a committee to study for the next 4 years.

Maybe we can do it. Maybe we can turn things around and The UMC doesn't cease to exist in less than 50 years as is currently predicted. Maybe we can get back to the main thing.

I am hopeful.

I am a pastor in The United Methodist Church.

As the expression goes, "If I'm going down, I'm going down swinging."

Chris

The Main Thing, Part 1

Ok, here is your chance to stop while you can. If you're in a good mood, you might want to read something else. Plus, this is going to be long. In this blog is some of my sadness, frustration, and anger when it comes to the church. But also hope. Yes, I do still have hope...

Like many others, I followed the UM General Conference over the last couple of weeks. It was like a terrible wreck: it was terrible to see, but you just can't look away. The endless debates and bickering, the lack of any substantial change, the divisiveness; it was all just frustrating. Here's the kicker: it shouldn't have been so bothersome. All of it was exactly what I EXPECTED to happen. I have seen and experienced the same stuff in the local church. Still, there was a small part of me...


I have had many conversations, read various blogs and articles. Many colleagues of mine, such as Jeremy Vickers, Matt Miofsky, and Andy Bryan, have written some great pieces.  I have also studied all of the statistics and they paint a very grim picture for the UMC. It's all very disheartening.Then, last night I read an article from a Boston theological professor reflecting on gen conf. the article was WAY off base. In a nutshell, it's his stance that all of the talk around restructuring, and pretty much all legislation, centered around the issue of homosexuality. The article bothered me, but it was what I read next that twisted me up inside. I read the comments that people had posted on the article. There were numerous attacks on The UMC and posts from persons who had left The UMC. There were misquotes and bickering between those making the posts. Right or wrong, perception becomes reality.

It hurts. It's sad and frustrating. I love The United Methodist Church. I believe in The UMC. I know I shouldn't, but I tend to take all of the negativity, the derogatory posts, the people leaving, etc; I tend to take it personally. I probably shouldn't, but I do. Not only am I a part of the UMC, I am a leader in the UMC. I help shoulder the responsibility of where we are at and where we are going.

So, where do we go? Good question. I'm not completely sure, but I know where I believe we should start. Stay tuned for part 2.

Chris

Weird Moment For A Pastor

This coming weekend I face a moment that is both a privilege, and well... weird. The big occasion? I will officiate a wedding. Normally, that's not a big deal. In my time in ministry thus far I have officiated at over 50 weddings. I have been involved with some very routine weddings and some pretty unique ones, but nothing like this.Why? This Saturday I officiate the wedding for... my mom. I know, weird.

A little back story. My father passed away about 10 years ago. He is still greatly missed by all of us, yes, including my mom. we love him dearly. Since his death, things have been very difficult for my mom with a great deal of grieving and difficult circumstances. Even with her 3 kids and multiple grandchildren, life was lonely for her.

Enter Marty.

I won't even go in to how it all began. There was lunch, fireworks (apparently both kinds), and here we are. The most important thing I can say about Marty is that he makes my mom happy. He is beyond good to her. That makes me happy.

Back to the wedding. It didn't begin to feel odd until we were in our planning meeting. An example: as pastors we walk the bride and groom through the vows; they repeat after us. But, for me the bride is "mom" and not Roberta. Also, I am marrying my mom to a man who is not my father. I just can't say it any other way... weird. But also kind of cool. How many people can say that they officiated a wedding for a parent?

Should be an interesting experience.

Chris

Venting

Ok, it's been a long time since I posted. Way too long. But I feel the need to right now. I think I need to vent a bit

This afternoon I went with my family to go see the latest Dr. Seuss story brought to the big screen: The Lorax. Incredible movie, IMO. More on that later. It was something else that happened that I want to address first, something that is just a reflection of something I have been experiencing and feeling lately. It seems lately I have been frequently saying to my wife, "I don't understand people today." That comment usually comes after witnessing or hearing about things that just don't make sense. for example, somebody cuts you off in traffic and then suggests that you are "number one." Or, hearing about a needless crime. Today was another example.

Just prior to the movie beginning, a large group of adults and children sat down next to me. Let's just say that they were "unsettled" as things began. If you've been to the movies, you know that they always show a segment encouraging people to turn off their phones and to not text, talk, etc during the show. This one actually used a bit featuring the Lorax to make the point. In the bit, the Lorax has a person on one side chowing down with food flying and on the other someone texting. You know the message. Cue the movie.

Can you guess what happened next? The lady next to me starts texting. Yep, less than a minute after the Lorax asking us not too. You know what else? She texted throughout the movie. The group talked. They chowed down on popcorn (quite loudly). You get the picture.

It got worse. It's not giving anything away to say that The Lorax has a strong message about caring for the environment. It was a great movie and the message was powerful. So, as my family gets ready to leave, we grab our cups and prepare to go. As I look to where the group was, all of them left their cups, popcorn all over the seats, trash on the floor. It wasn't just that group. As we looked around, there was a similar scene throughout the theater. It... was... sad. We just watched a moving movie about caring and folks left as if they didn't. All I could do was turn to my kids and say, "Don't be like that, please."

I say again, I just don't understand people. More on that post which will be entitled "Unless." Some of you will understand.

Chris