Another mandala from my colored collection.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Lent Photo Day #16 "Earthly"
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NRSV
Another mandala from my colored collection.
Another mandala from my colored collection.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Lent Photo Day #15 "Hear"
Let anyone with ears listen! Matthew 11:15 NRSV
"Do you hear what I hear?"
"Do you hear what I hear?"
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
GGM Group 2 Test run
This is a test run to see if it is possible to use this video from "The Work of the People"
Testing testing 1, 2, 3
Testing testing 1, 2, 3
Lent Photo Day #14 "Lift"
I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121 NIV
Photo taken on January 1, 2013 in Antigua, Guatemala by photographer Oscar Palencia. Click here to see more of Oscar's work.
Photo taken on January 1, 2013 in Antigua, Guatemala by photographer Oscar Palencia. Click here to see more of Oscar's work.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Lent Photo Day #13 "Cover"
he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
Psalm 91:4
This is a photo of one of my good friend Deb Westerberg's quilts. Isn't it amazing!! When I think of the word cover a handmade quilt came to mind. They are so meaningful, full of hard word, warm, comforting, filled and made with love! I asked Deb if I could post a photo of one of her quilts today. This quilt is made up of 2,401 2.5 inch squares. WOW! Deb is an amazing artist! Thanks Deb for letting me share your beautiful work with on my blog!!
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
Psalm 91:4
This is a photo of one of my good friend Deb Westerberg's quilts. Isn't it amazing!! When I think of the word cover a handmade quilt came to mind. They are so meaningful, full of hard word, warm, comforting, filled and made with love! I asked Deb if I could post a photo of one of her quilts today. This quilt is made up of 2,401 2.5 inch squares. WOW! Deb is an amazing artist! Thanks Deb for letting me share your beautiful work with on my blog!!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Lent Photo Day #12 "Vision"
For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come, it will not delay.
Habakkuk 2:3 NRSV
it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come, it will not delay.
Habakkuk 2:3 NRSV
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Lent Photo Day #11 "Live"
Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. John 14:19 NIV
Friday, February 22, 2013
Lent Photo Day #10 "Spirit"
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Acts 2:1-4 NRSV
This is another of the mandalas that I have colored. This is one of my favorites and it came to be something I didn't set out for it to be. The Spirit is such a big part of my mandalas, their creation, the healing they bring about and the prayers that are voiced in and through them. Come Holy Spirit Come!
This is another of the mandalas that I have colored. This is one of my favorites and it came to be something I didn't set out for it to be. The Spirit is such a big part of my mandalas, their creation, the healing they bring about and the prayers that are voiced in and through them. Come Holy Spirit Come!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
TED talk on Social Media
I was intrigued by Professor Hess' blog post from Wednesday found here. As we have been exploring social media, how we use it, when and with who. What it means to be participatory knowers. We have heard questions about whether or not a meaningful relationship can be built online. Parents frustrated with their children's insistence on communication by text. I love TED talks and decided tonight to search and see what TED talks have to say about social media. This video caught my eye after having responded to Hess' blog about how I feel about texting, "I would rather text than talk." I found Sherry Turkle has some intersting things to say concerning the use of social media in her TED talk found here:
What do you think? I found myself wanting to say, "yes, but..." several times. I think she has a solid general point, but I don't necessarily think it pertains to everyone. So just as with anything else, there are limits and boundaries to all activities we choose to participate in; social media isn't any different.
What do you think? I found myself wanting to say, "yes, but..." several times. I think she has a solid general point, but I don't necessarily think it pertains to everyone. So just as with anything else, there are limits and boundaries to all activities we choose to participate in; social media isn't any different.
Lent Photo Day #9 "Love"
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." John 3:16 NRSV
These are my kids and the love I have for my children doesn't even compare to the love God has for us as His children, but it is the closest I can get to even begin to be able to comprehend the endless, never ceasing, always giving, forgiving and loving love of our God!
These are my kids and the love I have for my children doesn't even compare to the love God has for us as His children, but it is the closest I can get to even begin to be able to comprehend the endless, never ceasing, always giving, forgiving and loving love of our God!
"Participatory knowing"
This week for The Gospel and Global Media Class our key question is, "How might we understand “participatory knowing” in communities of faith?" I have so much floating around in my head that I want to say about this question and the general topic of social media and ministry I don't even know where to begin. I also feel extremely vulnerable in making my opinions, thoughts and ideas known here. You see for the last three years I have been occassionaly blogging here about my seminary journey, life and general wonderings, but there is no one that has known (or at least very few) that I even have a blog. It is safe place for me to dabble in blogging. Maybe a couple of random people have stumbled on my blog, but certainly not to my knowledge. Not knowing who stops by here makes this place safe for me. Now I know that only a few people from this class of 25 or so will actually make their way here, BUT there is a potential for 25 people (that I really don't know, but am slightly connected to and more and more connected to as we pray and engage with one another each day) to stop by here. Suddenly my anxiety and awareness of my vulnerability sky rockets. I know I am not alone in this feeling.
For anyone that is stopping by and not part of the class if you are interested we watched this YouTube video my Michael Wesch this week and if you have about 55 minutes you might find this very interesting to watch: “An anthropological introduction to YouTube”
What really grabbed my attention in the video was the lengthy quote by Gary that Michael share in the video:
"... these kids because they are replicating and spreading his happiness. They are following a ritual that's meaningful if not yet vernerable. Learning to dance, lip syncing the song, documenting their performance just so, making if available for the world to see."
This was intriguing to me because we are not talking about anything with real significance, just fun and interesting, engaging and catchy. I then wondered what it look like if we were saying these exact things about Jesus, our faith and God. That we were so excited and energized to be following such a ritual that is meaningful and venerable. That people were so engaged they were replicating and spreading the happiness. Why does this not work for us in ministry? Or does it? Is it? How do we spread this participatory engagement with in and for the Word of God?
I then found myself sort of day dreaming about what a YouTube church service might look like. Now I am not talking about video taping a typical worship service and putting it on YouTube, but actually creating a worship service for YouTube viewers. It could be quite participatory with prayer responses, hymns, scripture, etc... written on the screen. The worship could be lead by one or a few people, but there would be a lot of space for the viewers to take roles in the worship. The audience could also then be one alone in a room somewhere or a group of people. I know this sounds a bit far fetched, but it also makes me really curious on if it would work, who might watch it and what it actually might look like. What do you think?
The Click 2 Save Book by Elizabeth Drescher and Keith Anderson promotes pastors having a presence on Facebook and other social media sites. I have heard a lot of talk about pastors having a personal Facebook page and a private one. This has never felt right for me and in the book Drescher and Anderson make a point that as ministry leaders we shouldn't have anything on our personal sites that need or should be hid from anyone. They also take a stand against the common advice - don't make friends in your parish. Year's ago this may have good advice, but today we live in a world were people are looking for, craving and in need of connections. Personal connections. As Michael Wesch put it, it is "not just about the information but about linking people."
Drescher and Anderson say, "Sharing your story and your passions, being present and active in social media, humanizes you." (39) Of course just as in our "face-to-face" life in a congregation we have boundaries, these also apply to our social media face. I really enjoyed the advice Click 2 Save has given about encouraging a presence on social media and not having to feel as though we need to hide who we are from our congregations. I think we are living in a time more than ever where people just want to feel a connection, be a part of something. "Dan Zarrella, a social media analyst, summarizes it this way: the best way to approach social media participation is to 'stop talking about yourself....But start talking as yourself and show us how the world looks through your eyes.'" (CLick 2 Save pg. 39)
Well that is it for now. Like I said at the beginning, there is so much to say about all of this. The reading and posting work is quite rigorous and time consuming. It is all good, but doesn't seem to be enough time to not only "keep up" but to process and post as well. Thanks for stopping by!
For anyone that is stopping by and not part of the class if you are interested we watched this YouTube video my Michael Wesch this week and if you have about 55 minutes you might find this very interesting to watch: “An anthropological introduction to YouTube”
What really grabbed my attention in the video was the lengthy quote by Gary that Michael share in the video:
"... these kids because they are replicating and spreading his happiness. They are following a ritual that's meaningful if not yet vernerable. Learning to dance, lip syncing the song, documenting their performance just so, making if available for the world to see."
This was intriguing to me because we are not talking about anything with real significance, just fun and interesting, engaging and catchy. I then wondered what it look like if we were saying these exact things about Jesus, our faith and God. That we were so excited and energized to be following such a ritual that is meaningful and venerable. That people were so engaged they were replicating and spreading the happiness. Why does this not work for us in ministry? Or does it? Is it? How do we spread this participatory engagement with in and for the Word of God?
I then found myself sort of day dreaming about what a YouTube church service might look like. Now I am not talking about video taping a typical worship service and putting it on YouTube, but actually creating a worship service for YouTube viewers. It could be quite participatory with prayer responses, hymns, scripture, etc... written on the screen. The worship could be lead by one or a few people, but there would be a lot of space for the viewers to take roles in the worship. The audience could also then be one alone in a room somewhere or a group of people. I know this sounds a bit far fetched, but it also makes me really curious on if it would work, who might watch it and what it actually might look like. What do you think?
The Click 2 Save Book by Elizabeth Drescher and Keith Anderson promotes pastors having a presence on Facebook and other social media sites. I have heard a lot of talk about pastors having a personal Facebook page and a private one. This has never felt right for me and in the book Drescher and Anderson make a point that as ministry leaders we shouldn't have anything on our personal sites that need or should be hid from anyone. They also take a stand against the common advice - don't make friends in your parish. Year's ago this may have good advice, but today we live in a world were people are looking for, craving and in need of connections. Personal connections. As Michael Wesch put it, it is "not just about the information but about linking people."
Drescher and Anderson say, "Sharing your story and your passions, being present and active in social media, humanizes you." (39) Of course just as in our "face-to-face" life in a congregation we have boundaries, these also apply to our social media face. I really enjoyed the advice Click 2 Save has given about encouraging a presence on social media and not having to feel as though we need to hide who we are from our congregations. I think we are living in a time more than ever where people just want to feel a connection, be a part of something. "Dan Zarrella, a social media analyst, summarizes it this way: the best way to approach social media participation is to 'stop talking about yourself....But start talking as yourself and show us how the world looks through your eyes.'" (CLick 2 Save pg. 39)
Well that is it for now. Like I said at the beginning, there is so much to say about all of this. The reading and posting work is quite rigorous and time consuming. It is all good, but doesn't seem to be enough time to not only "keep up" but to process and post as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Lent Photo Day #8 "evil"
This was a hard photo for me to come up with, but the verse was not...
"Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all."
Romans 12:17
I chose this mandala for evil today. I painted this mandala in May 2012 the last day of my CPE experience. For me the black at the time represented all the dark, heavy and difficult ministry situations that accompanied the CPE. It also points to the evil and darkness that surounds us in the world today, yet on the inside we can be filled with Christ, love, color and noble thoughts and actions for all!
"Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all."
Romans 12:17
I chose this mandala for evil today. I painted this mandala in May 2012 the last day of my CPE experience. For me the black at the time represented all the dark, heavy and difficult ministry situations that accompanied the CPE. It also points to the evil and darkness that surounds us in the world today, yet on the inside we can be filled with Christ, love, color and noble thoughts and actions for all!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Lent Photo Day #7 "Wonder"
Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today. Luke 5:26 NIV
Photo taken in Guatemala October 2011
Photo taken in Guatemala October 2011
Monday, February 18, 2013
Lent Photo Day #6 "World"
"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," Matthew 28:19 NRSV
Mandala colored by me.
Mandala colored by me.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Lent Photo Day #5 "Settle"
"There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 NRSV
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Lent Photo Day #4 "injustice"
"Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds." Habakkuk 1:3, NIV
People live here on this garbage dump as they sort through others trash looking for recyclables to make a few pennies.
You can see the "houses" they live in here.
Photos taken by Oscar Palencia at the Escuintla Garbage Dump in Guatemala.
People live here on this garbage dump as they sort through others trash looking for recyclables to make a few pennies.
You can see the "houses" they live in here.
Photos taken by Oscar Palencia at the Escuintla Garbage Dump in Guatemala.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Lent Photo Day #3 "See"
How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Luke 6:42
Mandala I colored during Lent 2012.
Mandala I colored during Lent 2012.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Day #2 Lent Photo "return"
"so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11
Picture taken by Oscar Palencia
Picture taken by Oscar Palencia
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Lent Photo Day #1 - Who am I?
I decided for today's Lenten photo titled "Who am I?" I am going to use Piper's photo. She is a week old today and fits the "Who am I?" image so well. Who is she? Who will she be? What will she look like? I can't wait to watch Piper discover the answer to the question, "Who am I?"
One thing we know for sure Piper Rosa Bundy is that God has called you by name! You are a beloved child of God!
One thing we know for sure Piper Rosa Bundy is that God has called you by name! You are a beloved child of God!
I wonder when...
I wonder when things will start to settle down a bit? I find myself a bit overwhelmed right now. Classes for another semester have just started. I wonder whose bright idea it was to start the semester on the week of Ash Wednesday? Well, I suppose it wouldn't be so bad, but it has been a full week of preaching for me. Tomorrow the week draws nearer to its end and I will just start to find time to dig deep into this weeks assignments and readings. I have managed to work ahead in a couple classes knowing the schedule for this week, but still am overwhelmed.
I found myself this morning in a conversation in the teacher's lounge with a staff member about what she gave up for Lent. I was caught off guard. I think that I am so sensitive to and of my pastoral identity now that I am working as a long term sub in the high school, that I find I try to avoid "God talk" because I don't want to be accused of well, "God talk." I know this sounds silly and feels hypocritical, and it is a weird place to be. I guess it is kind of like the reading from Matthew tonight - what God really wants from us is to pray, and fast and give in secret. That our responses to God be for and about God and not about drawing attention to ourselves. So at school I really try not to draw attention to who I am as a Christian, while all the while I pray for our school, the faculty and staff and the students who think it is ok to walk into my classroom as say, "YOU FUCKING BITCH!" Anyway, way off on a rabbit trail here. Back to the teacher's lounge conversation. She told me that she had given up chocolate and a lovely looking chocolate cake sat on the table in front of us. She looked at me and said, "What did you give up for Lent?" I must of looked like a deer in the head lights. I didn't know what to say. I was not prepared for that question. I hadn't even considered it for myself. It must have been a long enough silence because then she says to me, "Or do you take some thing on and do something good?" My reaction was, "yeah that is what I do, I do something good." WOW! How ready and prepared are you for Lent to start? Do you fast, or give something up? Do you take on a project or give or do good deeds? You see for me, Lent isn't about giving something up or doing good deeds. This kind of behavior and way of thinking shouldn't me reserved for six weeks during Lent. This is the way God wants us to act, behave, respond, pray, give and fast our whole lives not just now.
I did see a neat 40 day challenge on Facebook yesterday though and it might be something I give a try. It is taking a picture everyday that reflects the given word. Today's word(s) are Who am I? I guess the photographer can interpret the word(s) how they want in the form of a picture.
I hope that I can recover this weekend. Get caught up on school work. Pass my first Hebrew quiz. Visit my new baby niece Piper. Get some rest. I just remembered that I won't have to teach on MOnday because school is closed for President's Day! Yeah! Now I think for sure I can make it through the week!
Blessings to you this Lenten Season may you find whatever it is you are looking for.
I found myself this morning in a conversation in the teacher's lounge with a staff member about what she gave up for Lent. I was caught off guard. I think that I am so sensitive to and of my pastoral identity now that I am working as a long term sub in the high school, that I find I try to avoid "God talk" because I don't want to be accused of well, "God talk." I know this sounds silly and feels hypocritical, and it is a weird place to be. I guess it is kind of like the reading from Matthew tonight - what God really wants from us is to pray, and fast and give in secret. That our responses to God be for and about God and not about drawing attention to ourselves. So at school I really try not to draw attention to who I am as a Christian, while all the while I pray for our school, the faculty and staff and the students who think it is ok to walk into my classroom as say, "YOU FUCKING BITCH!" Anyway, way off on a rabbit trail here. Back to the teacher's lounge conversation. She told me that she had given up chocolate and a lovely looking chocolate cake sat on the table in front of us. She looked at me and said, "What did you give up for Lent?" I must of looked like a deer in the head lights. I didn't know what to say. I was not prepared for that question. I hadn't even considered it for myself. It must have been a long enough silence because then she says to me, "Or do you take some thing on and do something good?" My reaction was, "yeah that is what I do, I do something good." WOW! How ready and prepared are you for Lent to start? Do you fast, or give something up? Do you take on a project or give or do good deeds? You see for me, Lent isn't about giving something up or doing good deeds. This kind of behavior and way of thinking shouldn't me reserved for six weeks during Lent. This is the way God wants us to act, behave, respond, pray, give and fast our whole lives not just now.
I did see a neat 40 day challenge on Facebook yesterday though and it might be something I give a try. It is taking a picture everyday that reflects the given word. Today's word(s) are Who am I? I guess the photographer can interpret the word(s) how they want in the form of a picture.
I hope that I can recover this weekend. Get caught up on school work. Pass my first Hebrew quiz. Visit my new baby niece Piper. Get some rest. I just remembered that I won't have to teach on MOnday because school is closed for President's Day! Yeah! Now I think for sure I can make it through the week!
Blessings to you this Lenten Season may you find whatever it is you are looking for.
Ash Wednesday sermon
Ash Wednesday
February 13, 2013
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Grace and peace to you my brothers and sister in Christ, from God our Father, Christ our Savior and the Spirit that sustains us, Grace and peace to you. Amen
Dazzling white clothes, appearance of two dead men, a talking cloud, Peter wanting to build three booths all on the top of a mountain… Really? Oh yeah and don’t forget the foreshadowing and the flash backs, the silent insinuations and the comparisons. This sounds like it could be right out of a sci-fi movie or some teenagers dream.
Well, we all know it is not a dream nor a scene from a movie, instead what we have here is a significant piece of our story. God’s story, Jesus’ story all taking place in a few short seconds.
I have become slightly obsessed with watching TED talks on the Internet. TED stands for technology, entertainment and Design. The videos are no more than 20 minutes each. The topics vary, but the messages are so good.
Anyway.. the other day I was surfing TED talks and came across one titled: One Second Everyday by Cesar Kuriyama. I was curious so I clicked play.
It turns out this 30 year old decided that he was tired of forgetting the things that had happened to him in a day or the month before or what he did a year ago. He embarked on a project to record just one second each day of his life.
The moments he records are random, but they capture his life – in just one second a day. I think he said when he is 80 he will have something like 8 hours of non-stop video of his life.
Some of these moments are certainly glory moments – a sunset camping in the mountains, wedding day, but some of these moments are not so full of glory, but instead show suffering, hurt and brokenness.
He talks about how at first a bad day was hard to record, but then realized quickly that these days are a part of who we are too. These moments that are hard to rewatch, to talk about, to see, have shaped us even more than the good ones.
And after ten years of recording a second of every day - we would watch it and say “WOW what just happened.” We would see days on top of the mountain and days on the ground. We would see God revealing himself in some of the simplest of ways.
This reminded me of this Transfiguration moment we hear of in our gospel text this morning– maybe it all happened in one second and it was a good thing someone had their video camera out!
The Transfiguration has uniquely and precisely been placed for us in our church calendar as the last Sunday in Epiphany and the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Epiphany started with the Baptism of Jesus also with a voice. A voice that proclaims, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
The stories we heard throughout Epiphany continued to reveal to us and to the disciples, Jesus’ true identity. I am one of the first people to accuse the disciples of being of little faith and not so smart and just plain ‘ol not getting it. After reading this text over and over this last week and studying it, it dawned on me that of course the disciples didn’t get it.
They have been on a whirlwind a roller coaster of healings, and exorcisms, and parable tellings and resurrections that I wonder if they really have had time to process it all? It really is easy for us to sit back and judge the disciples – but only because we know the rest of the story.
We study, read, hear and apply these stories always having known what comes next, the rest of the story. The disciples don’t know , they are in the midst of the story as it unravels before their eyes. There is no proof or witness at this point in the story. I am not sure if I wouldn’t actually be asking Jesus the same question as Peter up on the mountaintop.
“Hey Jesus it seems like this might be a good place to stay for while, should I set us up some tents so we can get comfortable?”
I think it is safe to say that most to all of us have had experiences in our lives that we didn’t want to have come to an end. It doesn’t take much prompting to go to that place of joy and happiness does it? I go to Guatemala in Oct. of 2011 where after 11 awesome days of building and serving God, of God revealing himself to us day after day, moment after moment, I had four 16 year olds begging me to lose their passports… trust me told, I wanted our passports to be lost just as much as they did so we could stay a few days longer.
So you know those kinds of experiences. I think it is easy for us to hear this passage of the dazzling white clothes, the appearance of Moses and Elijah and God’s voice proclaim Jesus as his Son the Chosen one and think of it as the same as those times we found ourselves not wanting something to come to and end. But really it isn’t quite the same.
This mountain top experience is quite extraordinary! God speaks through a cloud; Moses and Elijah appear and have a conversation with Jesus. This is quite an epiphany! What a finale to Epiphany. It is no wonder Peter, John and James don’t talk about it – they are probably still in awe.
Some of you probably have had powerful extraordinary experiences where you have heard God’s voice loud and clear or had an Epiphany that is just unexplainable. Those experiences are more like this one we hear about today on the mountain. Those experiences also come out of the blue and last just a moment. IT isn’t an 11-day trip, it is, more like one second and “Wow what just happened.”
So what did just happen on that mountaintop? Well, in a quick moment, Jesus’ identity is confirmed, the last part of his time on Earth is set as he embarks on his journey to Jerusalem. For us, we are reminded of God’s awesomeness, we are reminded of God’s ability to transform, God reveals to us a glimpse, and a second of glory, and in this moment God’s future breaks into the present. But now we need to turn our hearts and minds as we look to the cross.
The reality for us is that when we go to the mountaintop to pray and find closeness with God, when we live in the glory moments from time to time, we understand that we can’t be on the mountaintop without facing the cross. We can’t just be Easter people - we need the cross too.
We eventually have to come down- we are not called to a place of glory. Jesus’ call is the way of the cross and so is ours. So what does that mean for us? I think we start by hearing God’s voice one more time: This is my Son the Chosen One, Listen to Him!” Jesus says, listen – I am the Way the Truth and the Life, Follow me.
So we do, we follow Jesus right back down the mountain. Jesus spends way more time down here than he does up there. For me, coming face to face with God, experiencing’s a real presence of Jesus doesn’t usually happen when I go to the mountaintop to pray or be alone –
it usually happens when I greet someone I don’t know.
It usually happens when I share a hug with an old friend.
It usually happens when a stranger offers me a hand.
It usually happens when I give and when I receive.
This is where we are called to be – this is the way of the cross – with each other, crying together, laughing together, suffering together, eating together. Living a life that shines Christ’s light in a world that is broken, hurting, suffering, and dark. This is where we meet Jesus. This is holy ground.
We experience just that in the second part of our text today.
Jesus and the disciples make there way back down the mountain and immediately encounter a large crowd. The other disciples have been there among the crowd, but for whatever reason they have been unable to heal a man’s only son. Jesus once again frustrated with the disciples lack of understanding sort of snaps at them – you faithless and perverse generation- how much longer do we really need to be together?
Well, yes, Jesus is frustrated, but remember Jesus and you and I know what is coming next. It is easy for us to loose our patience simply because we know what happens next. It is just like when I have to teach 1st graders a math lesson – I can hear in my voice sometimes a bit of frustration that often turns to sarcasm – because adding 5+4 is SO SIMPLE for ME – why can’t you understand that 5+4 is 9???? We can understand both Jesus’ side of frustration, but we can also give the disciples (& first graders) a break too.
I think that this healing episode isn’t as much about Jesus as it is about God’s ability, God’s willingness, God’s necessity to be with us and Jesus on this holy ground, in this broken and suffering world. The text ends and verse 43 declares, “And all were astounded at the greatness of God.”
Where does God’s greatness show itself to you? Where will you catch a glimpse of God’s future breaking into the present this week? Where will Jesus show up and what will you do to help him show up? As you step out onto holy ground this week, I pray that you take one second everyday to record God’s voice, to see Jesus in a stranger, to let the Holy Spirit move you in ways that prepares your heart and mind for what is to come on the cross.
This is my Son, the Chosen One, Listen to him!
Amen!
February 13, 2013
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Grace and peace to you my brothers and sister in Christ, from God our Father, Christ our Savior and the Spirit that sustains us, Grace and peace to you. Amen
Dazzling white clothes, appearance of two dead men, a talking cloud, Peter wanting to build three booths all on the top of a mountain… Really? Oh yeah and don’t forget the foreshadowing and the flash backs, the silent insinuations and the comparisons. This sounds like it could be right out of a sci-fi movie or some teenagers dream.
Well, we all know it is not a dream nor a scene from a movie, instead what we have here is a significant piece of our story. God’s story, Jesus’ story all taking place in a few short seconds.
I have become slightly obsessed with watching TED talks on the Internet. TED stands for technology, entertainment and Design. The videos are no more than 20 minutes each. The topics vary, but the messages are so good.
Anyway.. the other day I was surfing TED talks and came across one titled: One Second Everyday by Cesar Kuriyama. I was curious so I clicked play.
It turns out this 30 year old decided that he was tired of forgetting the things that had happened to him in a day or the month before or what he did a year ago. He embarked on a project to record just one second each day of his life.
The moments he records are random, but they capture his life – in just one second a day. I think he said when he is 80 he will have something like 8 hours of non-stop video of his life.
Some of these moments are certainly glory moments – a sunset camping in the mountains, wedding day, but some of these moments are not so full of glory, but instead show suffering, hurt and brokenness.
He talks about how at first a bad day was hard to record, but then realized quickly that these days are a part of who we are too. These moments that are hard to rewatch, to talk about, to see, have shaped us even more than the good ones.
And after ten years of recording a second of every day - we would watch it and say “WOW what just happened.” We would see days on top of the mountain and days on the ground. We would see God revealing himself in some of the simplest of ways.
This reminded me of this Transfiguration moment we hear of in our gospel text this morning– maybe it all happened in one second and it was a good thing someone had their video camera out!
The Transfiguration has uniquely and precisely been placed for us in our church calendar as the last Sunday in Epiphany and the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Epiphany started with the Baptism of Jesus also with a voice. A voice that proclaims, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
The stories we heard throughout Epiphany continued to reveal to us and to the disciples, Jesus’ true identity. I am one of the first people to accuse the disciples of being of little faith and not so smart and just plain ‘ol not getting it. After reading this text over and over this last week and studying it, it dawned on me that of course the disciples didn’t get it.
They have been on a whirlwind a roller coaster of healings, and exorcisms, and parable tellings and resurrections that I wonder if they really have had time to process it all? It really is easy for us to sit back and judge the disciples – but only because we know the rest of the story.
We study, read, hear and apply these stories always having known what comes next, the rest of the story. The disciples don’t know , they are in the midst of the story as it unravels before their eyes. There is no proof or witness at this point in the story. I am not sure if I wouldn’t actually be asking Jesus the same question as Peter up on the mountaintop.
“Hey Jesus it seems like this might be a good place to stay for while, should I set us up some tents so we can get comfortable?”
I think it is safe to say that most to all of us have had experiences in our lives that we didn’t want to have come to an end. It doesn’t take much prompting to go to that place of joy and happiness does it? I go to Guatemala in Oct. of 2011 where after 11 awesome days of building and serving God, of God revealing himself to us day after day, moment after moment, I had four 16 year olds begging me to lose their passports… trust me told, I wanted our passports to be lost just as much as they did so we could stay a few days longer.
So you know those kinds of experiences. I think it is easy for us to hear this passage of the dazzling white clothes, the appearance of Moses and Elijah and God’s voice proclaim Jesus as his Son the Chosen one and think of it as the same as those times we found ourselves not wanting something to come to and end. But really it isn’t quite the same.
This mountain top experience is quite extraordinary! God speaks through a cloud; Moses and Elijah appear and have a conversation with Jesus. This is quite an epiphany! What a finale to Epiphany. It is no wonder Peter, John and James don’t talk about it – they are probably still in awe.
Some of you probably have had powerful extraordinary experiences where you have heard God’s voice loud and clear or had an Epiphany that is just unexplainable. Those experiences are more like this one we hear about today on the mountain. Those experiences also come out of the blue and last just a moment. IT isn’t an 11-day trip, it is, more like one second and “Wow what just happened.”
So what did just happen on that mountaintop? Well, in a quick moment, Jesus’ identity is confirmed, the last part of his time on Earth is set as he embarks on his journey to Jerusalem. For us, we are reminded of God’s awesomeness, we are reminded of God’s ability to transform, God reveals to us a glimpse, and a second of glory, and in this moment God’s future breaks into the present. But now we need to turn our hearts and minds as we look to the cross.
The reality for us is that when we go to the mountaintop to pray and find closeness with God, when we live in the glory moments from time to time, we understand that we can’t be on the mountaintop without facing the cross. We can’t just be Easter people - we need the cross too.
We eventually have to come down- we are not called to a place of glory. Jesus’ call is the way of the cross and so is ours. So what does that mean for us? I think we start by hearing God’s voice one more time: This is my Son the Chosen One, Listen to Him!” Jesus says, listen – I am the Way the Truth and the Life, Follow me.
So we do, we follow Jesus right back down the mountain. Jesus spends way more time down here than he does up there. For me, coming face to face with God, experiencing’s a real presence of Jesus doesn’t usually happen when I go to the mountaintop to pray or be alone –
it usually happens when I greet someone I don’t know.
It usually happens when I share a hug with an old friend.
It usually happens when a stranger offers me a hand.
It usually happens when I give and when I receive.
This is where we are called to be – this is the way of the cross – with each other, crying together, laughing together, suffering together, eating together. Living a life that shines Christ’s light in a world that is broken, hurting, suffering, and dark. This is where we meet Jesus. This is holy ground.
We experience just that in the second part of our text today.
Jesus and the disciples make there way back down the mountain and immediately encounter a large crowd. The other disciples have been there among the crowd, but for whatever reason they have been unable to heal a man’s only son. Jesus once again frustrated with the disciples lack of understanding sort of snaps at them – you faithless and perverse generation- how much longer do we really need to be together?
Well, yes, Jesus is frustrated, but remember Jesus and you and I know what is coming next. It is easy for us to loose our patience simply because we know what happens next. It is just like when I have to teach 1st graders a math lesson – I can hear in my voice sometimes a bit of frustration that often turns to sarcasm – because adding 5+4 is SO SIMPLE for ME – why can’t you understand that 5+4 is 9???? We can understand both Jesus’ side of frustration, but we can also give the disciples (& first graders) a break too.
I think that this healing episode isn’t as much about Jesus as it is about God’s ability, God’s willingness, God’s necessity to be with us and Jesus on this holy ground, in this broken and suffering world. The text ends and verse 43 declares, “And all were astounded at the greatness of God.”
Where does God’s greatness show itself to you? Where will you catch a glimpse of God’s future breaking into the present this week? Where will Jesus show up and what will you do to help him show up? As you step out onto holy ground this week, I pray that you take one second everyday to record God’s voice, to see Jesus in a stranger, to let the Holy Spirit move you in ways that prepares your heart and mind for what is to come on the cross.
This is my Son, the Chosen One, Listen to him!
Amen!
Transfiguration Sermon
Transfiguration Sunday. February 10th, 2013
Luke 9:28-43
Grace and peace to you my brothers and sister in Christ, from God our Father, Christ our Savior and the Spirit that sustains us, Grace and peace to you. Amen
Dazzling white clothes, appearance of two dead men, a talking cloud, Peter wanting to build three booths all on the top of a mountain… Really? Oh yeah and don’t forget the foreshadowing and the flash backs, the silent insinuations and the comparisons. This sounds like it could be right out of a sci-fi movie or some teenagers dream.
Well, we all know it is not a dream nor a scene from a movie, instead what we have here is a significant piece of our story. God’s story, Jesus’ story all taking place in a few short seconds.
I have become slightly obsessed with watching TED talks on the Internet. TED stands for technology, entertainment and Design. The videos are no more than 20 minutes each. The topics vary, but the messages are so good.
Anyway.. the other day I was surfing TED talks and came across one titled: One Second Everyday by Cesar Kuriyama. I was curious so I clicked play.
It turns out this 30 year old decided that he was tired of forgetting the things that had happened to him in a day or the month before or what he did a year ago. He embarked on a project to record just one second each day of his life.
The moments he records are random, but they capture his life – in just one second a day. I think he said when he is 80 he will have something like 8 hours of non-stop video of his life.
Some of these moments are certainly glory moments – a sunset camping in the mountains, wedding day, but some of these moments are not so full of glory, but instead show suffering, hurt and brokenness.
He talks about how at first a bad day was hard to record, but then realized quickly that these days are a part of who we are too. These moments that are hard to rewatch, to talk about, to see, have shaped us even more than the good ones.
And after ten years of recording a second of every day - we would watch it and say “WOW what just happened.” We would see days on top of the mountain and days on the ground. We would see God revealing himself in some of the simplest of ways.
This reminded me of this Transfiguration moment we hear of in our gospel text this morning– maybe it all happened in one second and it was a good thing someone had their video camera out!
The Transfiguration has uniquely and precisely been placed for us in our church calendar as the last Sunday in Epiphany and the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Epiphany started with the Baptism of Jesus also with a voice. A voice that proclaims, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
The stories we heard throughout Epiphany continued to reveal to us and to the disciples, Jesus’ true identity. I am one of the first people to accuse the disciples of being of little faith and not so smart and just plain ‘ol not getting it. After reading this text over and over this last week and studying it, it dawned on me that of course the disciples didn’t get it.
They have been on a whirlwind a roller coaster of healings, and exorcisms, and parable tellings and resurrections that I wonder if they really have had time to process it all? It really is easy for us to sit back and judge the disciples – but only because we know the rest of the story.
We study, read, hear and apply these stories always having known what comes next, the rest of the story. The disciples don’t know , they are in the midst of the story as it unravels before their eyes. There is no proof or witness at this point in the story. I am not sure if I wouldn’t actually be asking Jesus the same question as Peter up on the mountaintop.
“Hey Jesus it seems like this might be a good place to stay for while, should I set us up some tents so we can get comfortable?”
I think it is safe to say that most to all of us have had experiences in our lives that we didn’t want to have come to an end. It doesn’t take much prompting to go to that place of joy and happiness does it? I go to Guatemala in Oct. of 2011 where after 11 awesome days of building and serving God, of God revealing himself to us day after day, moment after moment, I had four 16 year olds begging me to lose their passports… trust me told, I wanted our passports to be lost just as much as they did so we could stay a few days longer.
So you know those kinds of experiences. I think it is easy for us to hear this passage of the dazzling white clothes, the appearance of Moses and Elijah and God’s voice proclaim Jesus as his Son the Chosen one and think of it as the same as those times we found ourselves not wanting something to come to and end. But really it isn’t quite the same.
This mountain top experience is quite extraordinary! God speaks through a cloud; Moses and Elijah appear and have a conversation with Jesus. This is quite an epiphany! What a finale to Epiphany. It is no wonder Peter, John and James don’t talk about it – they are probably still in awe.
Some of you probably have had powerful extraordinary experiences where you have heard God’s voice loud and clear or had an Epiphany that is just unexplainable. Those experiences are more like this one we hear about today on the mountain. Those experiences also come out of the blue and last just a moment. IT isn’t an 11-day trip, it is, more like one second and “Wow what just happened.”
So what did just happen on that mountaintop? Well, in a quick moment, Jesus’ identity is confirmed, the last part of his time on Earth is set as he embarks on his journey to Jerusalem. For us, we are reminded of God’s awesomeness, we are reminded of God’s ability to transform, God reveals to us a glimpse, and a second of glory, and in this moment God’s future breaks into the present. But now we need to turn our hearts and minds as we look to the cross.
The reality for us is that when we go to the mountaintop to pray and find closeness with God, when we live in the glory moments from time to time, we understand that we can’t be on the mountaintop without facing the cross. We can’t just be Easter people - we need the cross too.
We eventually have to come down- we are not called to a place of glory. Jesus’ call is the way of the cross and so is ours. So what does that mean for us? I think we start by hearing God’s voice one more time: This is my Son the Chosen One, Listen to Him!” Jesus says, listen – I am the Way the Truth and the Life, Follow me.
So we do, we follow Jesus right back down the mountain. Jesus spends way more time down here than he does up there. For me, coming face to face with God, experiencing’s a real presence of Jesus doesn’t usually happen when I go to the mountaintop to pray or be alone –
it usually happens when I greet someone I don’t know.
It usually happens when I share a hug with an old friend.
It usually happens when a stranger offers me a hand.
It usually happens when I give and when I receive.
This is where we are called to be – this is the way of the cross – with each other, crying together, laughing together, suffering together, eating together. Living a life that shines Christ’s light in a world that is broken, hurting, suffering, and dark. This is where we meet Jesus. This is holy ground.
We experience just that in the second part of our text today.
Jesus and the disciples make there way back down the mountain and immediately encounter a large crowd. The other disciples have been there among the crowd, but for whatever reason they have been unable to heal a man’s only son. Jesus once again frustrated with the disciples lack of understanding sort of snaps at them – you faithless and perverse generation- how much longer do we really need to be together?
Well, yes, Jesus is frustrated, but remember Jesus and you and I know what is coming next. It is easy for us to loose our patience simply because we know what happens next. It is just like when I have to teach 1st graders a math lesson – I can hear in my voice sometimes a bit of frustration that often turns to sarcasm – because adding 5+4 is SO SIMPLE for ME – why can’t you understand that 5+4 is 9???? We can understand both Jesus’ side of frustration, but we can also give the disciples (& first graders) a break too.
I think that this healing episode isn’t as much about Jesus as it is about God’s ability, God’s willingness, God’s necessity to be with us and Jesus on this holy ground, in this broken and suffering world. The text ends and verse 43 declares, “And all were astounded at the greatness of God.”
Where does God’s greatness show itself to you? Where will you catch a glimpse of God’s future breaking into the present this week? Where will Jesus show up and what will you do to help him show up? As you step out onto holy ground this week, I pray that you take one second everyday to record God’s voice, to see Jesus in a stranger, to let the Holy Spirit move you in ways that prepares your heart and mind for what is to come on the cross.
This is my Son, the Chosen One, Listen to him!
Amen!
Luke 9:28-43
Grace and peace to you my brothers and sister in Christ, from God our Father, Christ our Savior and the Spirit that sustains us, Grace and peace to you. Amen
Dazzling white clothes, appearance of two dead men, a talking cloud, Peter wanting to build three booths all on the top of a mountain… Really? Oh yeah and don’t forget the foreshadowing and the flash backs, the silent insinuations and the comparisons. This sounds like it could be right out of a sci-fi movie or some teenagers dream.
Well, we all know it is not a dream nor a scene from a movie, instead what we have here is a significant piece of our story. God’s story, Jesus’ story all taking place in a few short seconds.
I have become slightly obsessed with watching TED talks on the Internet. TED stands for technology, entertainment and Design. The videos are no more than 20 minutes each. The topics vary, but the messages are so good.
Anyway.. the other day I was surfing TED talks and came across one titled: One Second Everyday by Cesar Kuriyama. I was curious so I clicked play.
It turns out this 30 year old decided that he was tired of forgetting the things that had happened to him in a day or the month before or what he did a year ago. He embarked on a project to record just one second each day of his life.
The moments he records are random, but they capture his life – in just one second a day. I think he said when he is 80 he will have something like 8 hours of non-stop video of his life.
Some of these moments are certainly glory moments – a sunset camping in the mountains, wedding day, but some of these moments are not so full of glory, but instead show suffering, hurt and brokenness.
He talks about how at first a bad day was hard to record, but then realized quickly that these days are a part of who we are too. These moments that are hard to rewatch, to talk about, to see, have shaped us even more than the good ones.
And after ten years of recording a second of every day - we would watch it and say “WOW what just happened.” We would see days on top of the mountain and days on the ground. We would see God revealing himself in some of the simplest of ways.
This reminded me of this Transfiguration moment we hear of in our gospel text this morning– maybe it all happened in one second and it was a good thing someone had their video camera out!
The Transfiguration has uniquely and precisely been placed for us in our church calendar as the last Sunday in Epiphany and the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Epiphany started with the Baptism of Jesus also with a voice. A voice that proclaims, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
The stories we heard throughout Epiphany continued to reveal to us and to the disciples, Jesus’ true identity. I am one of the first people to accuse the disciples of being of little faith and not so smart and just plain ‘ol not getting it. After reading this text over and over this last week and studying it, it dawned on me that of course the disciples didn’t get it.
They have been on a whirlwind a roller coaster of healings, and exorcisms, and parable tellings and resurrections that I wonder if they really have had time to process it all? It really is easy for us to sit back and judge the disciples – but only because we know the rest of the story.
We study, read, hear and apply these stories always having known what comes next, the rest of the story. The disciples don’t know , they are in the midst of the story as it unravels before their eyes. There is no proof or witness at this point in the story. I am not sure if I wouldn’t actually be asking Jesus the same question as Peter up on the mountaintop.
“Hey Jesus it seems like this might be a good place to stay for while, should I set us up some tents so we can get comfortable?”
I think it is safe to say that most to all of us have had experiences in our lives that we didn’t want to have come to an end. It doesn’t take much prompting to go to that place of joy and happiness does it? I go to Guatemala in Oct. of 2011 where after 11 awesome days of building and serving God, of God revealing himself to us day after day, moment after moment, I had four 16 year olds begging me to lose their passports… trust me told, I wanted our passports to be lost just as much as they did so we could stay a few days longer.
So you know those kinds of experiences. I think it is easy for us to hear this passage of the dazzling white clothes, the appearance of Moses and Elijah and God’s voice proclaim Jesus as his Son the Chosen one and think of it as the same as those times we found ourselves not wanting something to come to and end. But really it isn’t quite the same.
This mountain top experience is quite extraordinary! God speaks through a cloud; Moses and Elijah appear and have a conversation with Jesus. This is quite an epiphany! What a finale to Epiphany. It is no wonder Peter, John and James don’t talk about it – they are probably still in awe.
Some of you probably have had powerful extraordinary experiences where you have heard God’s voice loud and clear or had an Epiphany that is just unexplainable. Those experiences are more like this one we hear about today on the mountain. Those experiences also come out of the blue and last just a moment. IT isn’t an 11-day trip, it is, more like one second and “Wow what just happened.”
So what did just happen on that mountaintop? Well, in a quick moment, Jesus’ identity is confirmed, the last part of his time on Earth is set as he embarks on his journey to Jerusalem. For us, we are reminded of God’s awesomeness, we are reminded of God’s ability to transform, God reveals to us a glimpse, and a second of glory, and in this moment God’s future breaks into the present. But now we need to turn our hearts and minds as we look to the cross.
The reality for us is that when we go to the mountaintop to pray and find closeness with God, when we live in the glory moments from time to time, we understand that we can’t be on the mountaintop without facing the cross. We can’t just be Easter people - we need the cross too.
We eventually have to come down- we are not called to a place of glory. Jesus’ call is the way of the cross and so is ours. So what does that mean for us? I think we start by hearing God’s voice one more time: This is my Son the Chosen One, Listen to Him!” Jesus says, listen – I am the Way the Truth and the Life, Follow me.
So we do, we follow Jesus right back down the mountain. Jesus spends way more time down here than he does up there. For me, coming face to face with God, experiencing’s a real presence of Jesus doesn’t usually happen when I go to the mountaintop to pray or be alone –
it usually happens when I greet someone I don’t know.
It usually happens when I share a hug with an old friend.
It usually happens when a stranger offers me a hand.
It usually happens when I give and when I receive.
This is where we are called to be – this is the way of the cross – with each other, crying together, laughing together, suffering together, eating together. Living a life that shines Christ’s light in a world that is broken, hurting, suffering, and dark. This is where we meet Jesus. This is holy ground.
We experience just that in the second part of our text today.
Jesus and the disciples make there way back down the mountain and immediately encounter a large crowd. The other disciples have been there among the crowd, but for whatever reason they have been unable to heal a man’s only son. Jesus once again frustrated with the disciples lack of understanding sort of snaps at them – you faithless and perverse generation- how much longer do we really need to be together?
Well, yes, Jesus is frustrated, but remember Jesus and you and I know what is coming next. It is easy for us to loose our patience simply because we know what happens next. It is just like when I have to teach 1st graders a math lesson – I can hear in my voice sometimes a bit of frustration that often turns to sarcasm – because adding 5+4 is SO SIMPLE for ME – why can’t you understand that 5+4 is 9???? We can understand both Jesus’ side of frustration, but we can also give the disciples (& first graders) a break too.
I think that this healing episode isn’t as much about Jesus as it is about God’s ability, God’s willingness, God’s necessity to be with us and Jesus on this holy ground, in this broken and suffering world. The text ends and verse 43 declares, “And all were astounded at the greatness of God.”
Where does God’s greatness show itself to you? Where will you catch a glimpse of God’s future breaking into the present this week? Where will Jesus show up and what will you do to help him show up? As you step out onto holy ground this week, I pray that you take one second everyday to record God’s voice, to see Jesus in a stranger, to let the Holy Spirit move you in ways that prepares your heart and mind for what is to come on the cross.
This is my Son, the Chosen One, Listen to him!
Amen!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Welcome Piper!
We welcomed Piper Rosa into the world yesterday! My sister and her husband Jarrett are proud parents and big sisters Rory and Grace! Congratulations to them!
Piper Rosa Bundy 8# 2 oz 19.5 inches long
Piper Rosa Bundy 8# 2 oz 19.5 inches long
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
EBT Class
In the class Exercises of Biblical Theology we have watched several TED Talks this week. I had never heard of TED talks before and now have discovered a world of encouragement, ideas, creativity and wonder that I never knew existed. Here are links to a few of the talks we watched this week. I hope you can enjoy them as much as I have.
Brene Brown author of Daring Greatly
Benjamin Zander
Sir Ken Robinson
Check out more TED Talks here
Brene Brown author of Daring Greatly
Benjamin Zander
Sir Ken Robinson
Check out more TED Talks here
Here is an interesting TED Talk for the day. This guy records one second from every day and then strings them together in one video. It is his way of remembering a piece of every day of his life. I wonder what you think of this? I know there are some days I wouldn't want to have remembered, but then each day shapes and forms we are are and continue to become. Take a look. See what you think.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Why is reading the Bible important?
This is an assignment for class. The instructions read: Write a brief article that addresses the question: Why is reading the Bible important? Assume the audience has little familiarity with the Bible and use no technical language. This is my take...
Why is reading the Bible important?
Reading the Bible is important for a variety of reasons to a variety of people. Some people read the Bible because they always have and know nothing different. Others read the Bible because they are looking for something. The Bible is read in order to better one’s English or in my case a Bible in Spanish to better my Spanish. The Bible is read to gain knowledge and understanding. People read the Bible so they can learn about God, and other’s so they can find reasons to deny God. Some people read the Bible because they want to and other’s because they have to.
The Bible is read in a variety of places by a variety of people. The Bible is read in churches by pastors and lay leaders. The Bible is read in classrooms by teachers and students. The Bible is read in prisons and in subways. The Bible is read by young children and dying elders. The Bible is read by priests, pastors, ministers, chaplains, rabbis, doctors, lawyers, nurses, taxi drivers, plumbers, secretaries, Presidents of the US, professors, city workers, store owners, students, and so many others. The Bible is read in offices, churches, subways, planes, trains and automobiles. The school bus, classrooms, jail cells, squad cars, hospitals, homes, schools and so many other places.
The Bible is available is a variety of translations and languages. People read the NRSV, the KJV, the NIV, the ASV, NET, NLT, NKJV, the Message and so many others. The Bible is available in Latin, Hebrew, Greek, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Chinese, Japanese, Swedish, Portuguese, Norwegian, Finnish, German and so many more.
The Bible is important to so many people in so many places for so many reasons as was stated above. Do you ever wonder why so many people read the Bible in so many places for so many different reasons and in so many different languages?
Well I do! I wonder! I wonder how one book can be important to so many people for so many different reasons in so many different places all around the world? I would not choose to read a history book, maybe you would? How about a romance novel or a self-help book? We all have favorite genre’s that address one particular idea, theme, topic, era that usually are read by a particular group of people for a particular purpose. This doesn’t fit for the Bible though does it?
So I wonder why so many different people from all around the world read the Bible for so many different reasons in so many different languages? The Bible isn’t really just one book, it is many; therefore it contains, history, romance, self-help, mystery, poetry as well as other genres. All between two covers! Is this why people read the Bible? One book covers a variety of genres? Maybe, but I am guessing there is more to it.
The Bible seems to speak one language but written for many to read. The Bible seems to draw in a fan club from all across race, gender, education, walk of life, economic status and class. The Bible is found everywhere. Why? What does this book offer or say that other books don’t?
The Bible is a story. A long story. A story about you and me. A story about our neighbors and our enemies. The Bible teaches, speaks and lives in the universal language of love. Can the Bible tell your story even if you’ve never even opened it up and looked inside? Aren’t your curious? I am! I am curious how this book can be about me and you? I don’t even know you; you don’t even know me.
The Bible must be important to read, because everybody seems to be doing it? Have you heard that the Bible is not true or that the Bible is for hypocrites? Maybe you have heard that the Bible is only about the past or that it is only for religious people? I am really getting curious now. Have you ever read the Bible? Thought about reading the Bible? Own a Bible? I am curious about why people think it is important to read the Bible. Obviously there are a lot of people from all over the world that find this book important.
I confess, I think that the Bible is important too! The Bible does tell our story – yours and mine! The Bible invites us to be a part of a larger story. A story that includes your ancestors and mine. A story that is about life, love, betrayal, mystery, love, family, death, life, love. Did I mention love? The Bible offers a community, a place to learn, a place to practice, a place to be yourself. The Bible is important because it offers hope and in the world we live in today there is something to be said for HOPE!
Maybe you don’t need hope in your life or maybe you don’t care about community, but maybe you are just curious about this book called the Bible. I encourage you to check it out. Read a few pages or chapters. Aren’t you at least a little curious about where you fit into the story it tells?
Just like the Life cereal commercial; you should try it you just might like it! The Bible is important because it is your story, it is my story and I would hate for you to miss out on the greatest story ever written while we continue to write – you and I and wait for the ending to be told.
Why is reading the Bible important?
Reading the Bible is important for a variety of reasons to a variety of people. Some people read the Bible because they always have and know nothing different. Others read the Bible because they are looking for something. The Bible is read in order to better one’s English or in my case a Bible in Spanish to better my Spanish. The Bible is read to gain knowledge and understanding. People read the Bible so they can learn about God, and other’s so they can find reasons to deny God. Some people read the Bible because they want to and other’s because they have to.
The Bible is read in a variety of places by a variety of people. The Bible is read in churches by pastors and lay leaders. The Bible is read in classrooms by teachers and students. The Bible is read in prisons and in subways. The Bible is read by young children and dying elders. The Bible is read by priests, pastors, ministers, chaplains, rabbis, doctors, lawyers, nurses, taxi drivers, plumbers, secretaries, Presidents of the US, professors, city workers, store owners, students, and so many others. The Bible is read in offices, churches, subways, planes, trains and automobiles. The school bus, classrooms, jail cells, squad cars, hospitals, homes, schools and so many other places.
The Bible is available is a variety of translations and languages. People read the NRSV, the KJV, the NIV, the ASV, NET, NLT, NKJV, the Message and so many others. The Bible is available in Latin, Hebrew, Greek, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Chinese, Japanese, Swedish, Portuguese, Norwegian, Finnish, German and so many more.
The Bible is important to so many people in so many places for so many reasons as was stated above. Do you ever wonder why so many people read the Bible in so many places for so many different reasons and in so many different languages?
Well I do! I wonder! I wonder how one book can be important to so many people for so many different reasons in so many different places all around the world? I would not choose to read a history book, maybe you would? How about a romance novel or a self-help book? We all have favorite genre’s that address one particular idea, theme, topic, era that usually are read by a particular group of people for a particular purpose. This doesn’t fit for the Bible though does it?
So I wonder why so many different people from all around the world read the Bible for so many different reasons in so many different languages? The Bible isn’t really just one book, it is many; therefore it contains, history, romance, self-help, mystery, poetry as well as other genres. All between two covers! Is this why people read the Bible? One book covers a variety of genres? Maybe, but I am guessing there is more to it.
The Bible seems to speak one language but written for many to read. The Bible seems to draw in a fan club from all across race, gender, education, walk of life, economic status and class. The Bible is found everywhere. Why? What does this book offer or say that other books don’t?
The Bible is a story. A long story. A story about you and me. A story about our neighbors and our enemies. The Bible teaches, speaks and lives in the universal language of love. Can the Bible tell your story even if you’ve never even opened it up and looked inside? Aren’t your curious? I am! I am curious how this book can be about me and you? I don’t even know you; you don’t even know me.
The Bible must be important to read, because everybody seems to be doing it? Have you heard that the Bible is not true or that the Bible is for hypocrites? Maybe you have heard that the Bible is only about the past or that it is only for religious people? I am really getting curious now. Have you ever read the Bible? Thought about reading the Bible? Own a Bible? I am curious about why people think it is important to read the Bible. Obviously there are a lot of people from all over the world that find this book important.
I confess, I think that the Bible is important too! The Bible does tell our story – yours and mine! The Bible invites us to be a part of a larger story. A story that includes your ancestors and mine. A story that is about life, love, betrayal, mystery, love, family, death, life, love. Did I mention love? The Bible offers a community, a place to learn, a place to practice, a place to be yourself. The Bible is important because it offers hope and in the world we live in today there is something to be said for HOPE!
Maybe you don’t need hope in your life or maybe you don’t care about community, but maybe you are just curious about this book called the Bible. I encourage you to check it out. Read a few pages or chapters. Aren’t you at least a little curious about where you fit into the story it tells?
Just like the Life cereal commercial; you should try it you just might like it! The Bible is important because it is your story, it is my story and I would hate for you to miss out on the greatest story ever written while we continue to write – you and I and wait for the ending to be told.
John 2:4-42 2/6/2011
2/6/2011
John 2: 4 – 42
Woman at the well
Let us pray ~ Living Water God, you come to us just as we are and offer your who self so we may never thirst again, may the Spirit be with us this morning as we prepare to receive the Good News and share together in the Holy meal you have prepared for us. Amen
The UMD Bulldogs Versus the Minnesota Gophers, Cook Vs. Orr, ELCA Lutheran Vs. Missouri Synod Lutheran, Camp Vermilion or Camp Hiawatha; Today’s text – Samaritan vs. Jew.
I think that most of us when we hear Samaritan it brings us right to the parable of the Good Samaritan. A Samaritan – someone who helps people. I suppose they do help people, but who are they?
Going back to the Old Testament after Solomon the kingdom was divided into the Northern and the Southern. The North established capital at Samaria hence the Samaritans and the South at Judah hence the Jews. They both worshiped God, but had some differences. The biggest religious dispute was how and mostly where to worship. Was it Gerizim or Mt. Zion.
Because of these differences, it was just agreed that they would not interact with one another. Not converstations, no exchanges, no interactions.
Except this morning they did. And that conversation was not the only unusual happening in this text. Noon was an odd time to draw water. It was normally the younger woman the drew the water not the older. Jews would usually not buy food from Samaritans (remember the disciples went to buy food and that is when the interaction between Jesus and the woman took place), man speaking to woman, and I am sure there are more. This, nonetheless, is a big list of unusuals.
Certainly unusal for the times, but not unusual for us as we already know Jesus. We know Jesus had a heart for the one’s that were poor, outcasts, possessed, and unusual. For us it would have been unusual if Jesus did not engage the woman. So if this text doen’t feel unusal for us today in the year 2011, what does it offer us? How can it be applied to our lives?
I found it to be a nice surprise that the text for today, the day that is in a short while here we will celebrate with five young ladies their First communion. What a great text to lift up the progression we all travel and experience in our faith as we slowly (or quickly for some) come to know Jesus. As we come to Jesus with open eyes and an open heart to really truly be able to recognize that Jesus the Jew, is a prophet, is the Messiah and is the Savior of the World.
These five young ladies are at the beginning of their faith journey. And even though they are all at the beginning that beginning is different for each of them. Celebrating First Communion is not the first ministry milestone in their lives, they have all been baptized, they have all received at least one Bible if not two, they attend Sunday school and now have complete their first commuinion classes.
Completing the classes is ONLY the beginning. They will continue to grow in their faith and understanding of Jesus and the Holy Supper.
The woman at the well challenged Jesus, She did not back down or withhold her questions. She equally engaged in the conversation. This story can help us be reminded of the journey we are on. The increasing awareness we each experience no matter what age we are, who we are, what we believe or where we come from, we experience an increasing awareness of WHO Jesus is each and every day!
We experience increased awareness of Jesus even when we are not paying attention. Jesus says I am. I am a Jew, I am a prophet, I am the Messiah, I am the Savior of the World. Jesus knows who he is and in this engagement with the woman he draws her closer through the conversation that is not judgemental, harsh or accusing but instead full of love, forgiveness, understanding and grace.
The Jesus we know. The Jesus we come face to face with everyday whether we know it or not. The Jesus that loves us and engages us right where we are, no matter where we are from, no concern with how or where we worship, but comes to us as he did the woman at the well with Good News of love, forgiveness and understanding.
Jesus the Jew was as human as you and I. Jesus the prophet knows everything there is to know about each one of us. Even things we don’t know or don’t want to you. Jesus knows all. Jesus the Messiah who has come for all of us so that we might have life and have it abundantly at no cost to us. Jesus the Savior of the World who has come not only for you and I, but for ALL people, All people of the world.
Jesus comes to us as living water. Living water that overflows. Living water that is endless and never ceases to run for all who come to drink. Living water that will take your thirst away forever. Food and water are two essential tools in keeping our human bodies moving and working. Food and drink are also two essential tools in keeping our spiritual bodies moving and working. Although living water takes our thirst away forever, we need to keep drinking so our mouths don’t get dry. Although the meal we share each Sunday at the Lord’s table feeds us, we need to keep coming back. We don’t just eat and drink once, it is in our best interest to eat and drink daily. The living water poured over our head’s at baptism doesn’t signify the end of that milestone, on the contrary, it signifies the beginning of new life in Christ and we should celebrate often!
The woman at the well helps us remember our increasing awareness of who Jesus in our lives, in our churches life, in the world. Where are you on your faith journey. Are you plugging along, continuing to do the same things day in and day out. Is coming to church on Sunday just an automatic mundane activity that takes place a the same time each week? How can you challenge yourself to intentionally increase your awareness of Jesus? How can you be reminded of that living water that runs through you?
As we call up our five young ladies this morning along with their families, reflect on your first communion experiene. Do you remember it? What was special about it? How was it celebrated? Celebrate your first communion again this morning as your come forward to eat and drink at the Lord’s table as if it was your fist time. How has the meaning of this special meal changed for you over the years. And also as you come forward to be filled with food and drink, I invite you to dip your finger into the baptismal font and make the sign on the cross as you also remember your baptism where you were sealed by the holy spirit and marked by the cross of Christ forever.
Children of God may your fountain of living water be running and overflowing that other’s might also drink and not thirst. And know that if your fountain of living water is just dripping slowly Jesus waits patiently and lovingly to guide you in turning it up! He is waiting at the well to engage you, you will engage him?
Amen
John 2: 4 – 42
Woman at the well
Let us pray ~ Living Water God, you come to us just as we are and offer your who self so we may never thirst again, may the Spirit be with us this morning as we prepare to receive the Good News and share together in the Holy meal you have prepared for us. Amen
The UMD Bulldogs Versus the Minnesota Gophers, Cook Vs. Orr, ELCA Lutheran Vs. Missouri Synod Lutheran, Camp Vermilion or Camp Hiawatha; Today’s text – Samaritan vs. Jew.
I think that most of us when we hear Samaritan it brings us right to the parable of the Good Samaritan. A Samaritan – someone who helps people. I suppose they do help people, but who are they?
Going back to the Old Testament after Solomon the kingdom was divided into the Northern and the Southern. The North established capital at Samaria hence the Samaritans and the South at Judah hence the Jews. They both worshiped God, but had some differences. The biggest religious dispute was how and mostly where to worship. Was it Gerizim or Mt. Zion.
Because of these differences, it was just agreed that they would not interact with one another. Not converstations, no exchanges, no interactions.
Except this morning they did. And that conversation was not the only unusual happening in this text. Noon was an odd time to draw water. It was normally the younger woman the drew the water not the older. Jews would usually not buy food from Samaritans (remember the disciples went to buy food and that is when the interaction between Jesus and the woman took place), man speaking to woman, and I am sure there are more. This, nonetheless, is a big list of unusuals.
Certainly unusal for the times, but not unusual for us as we already know Jesus. We know Jesus had a heart for the one’s that were poor, outcasts, possessed, and unusual. For us it would have been unusual if Jesus did not engage the woman. So if this text doen’t feel unusal for us today in the year 2011, what does it offer us? How can it be applied to our lives?
I found it to be a nice surprise that the text for today, the day that is in a short while here we will celebrate with five young ladies their First communion. What a great text to lift up the progression we all travel and experience in our faith as we slowly (or quickly for some) come to know Jesus. As we come to Jesus with open eyes and an open heart to really truly be able to recognize that Jesus the Jew, is a prophet, is the Messiah and is the Savior of the World.
These five young ladies are at the beginning of their faith journey. And even though they are all at the beginning that beginning is different for each of them. Celebrating First Communion is not the first ministry milestone in their lives, they have all been baptized, they have all received at least one Bible if not two, they attend Sunday school and now have complete their first commuinion classes.
Completing the classes is ONLY the beginning. They will continue to grow in their faith and understanding of Jesus and the Holy Supper.
The woman at the well challenged Jesus, She did not back down or withhold her questions. She equally engaged in the conversation. This story can help us be reminded of the journey we are on. The increasing awareness we each experience no matter what age we are, who we are, what we believe or where we come from, we experience an increasing awareness of WHO Jesus is each and every day!
We experience increased awareness of Jesus even when we are not paying attention. Jesus says I am. I am a Jew, I am a prophet, I am the Messiah, I am the Savior of the World. Jesus knows who he is and in this engagement with the woman he draws her closer through the conversation that is not judgemental, harsh or accusing but instead full of love, forgiveness, understanding and grace.
The Jesus we know. The Jesus we come face to face with everyday whether we know it or not. The Jesus that loves us and engages us right where we are, no matter where we are from, no concern with how or where we worship, but comes to us as he did the woman at the well with Good News of love, forgiveness and understanding.
Jesus the Jew was as human as you and I. Jesus the prophet knows everything there is to know about each one of us. Even things we don’t know or don’t want to you. Jesus knows all. Jesus the Messiah who has come for all of us so that we might have life and have it abundantly at no cost to us. Jesus the Savior of the World who has come not only for you and I, but for ALL people, All people of the world.
Jesus comes to us as living water. Living water that overflows. Living water that is endless and never ceases to run for all who come to drink. Living water that will take your thirst away forever. Food and water are two essential tools in keeping our human bodies moving and working. Food and drink are also two essential tools in keeping our spiritual bodies moving and working. Although living water takes our thirst away forever, we need to keep drinking so our mouths don’t get dry. Although the meal we share each Sunday at the Lord’s table feeds us, we need to keep coming back. We don’t just eat and drink once, it is in our best interest to eat and drink daily. The living water poured over our head’s at baptism doesn’t signify the end of that milestone, on the contrary, it signifies the beginning of new life in Christ and we should celebrate often!
The woman at the well helps us remember our increasing awareness of who Jesus in our lives, in our churches life, in the world. Where are you on your faith journey. Are you plugging along, continuing to do the same things day in and day out. Is coming to church on Sunday just an automatic mundane activity that takes place a the same time each week? How can you challenge yourself to intentionally increase your awareness of Jesus? How can you be reminded of that living water that runs through you?
As we call up our five young ladies this morning along with their families, reflect on your first communion experiene. Do you remember it? What was special about it? How was it celebrated? Celebrate your first communion again this morning as your come forward to eat and drink at the Lord’s table as if it was your fist time. How has the meaning of this special meal changed for you over the years. And also as you come forward to be filled with food and drink, I invite you to dip your finger into the baptismal font and make the sign on the cross as you also remember your baptism where you were sealed by the holy spirit and marked by the cross of Christ forever.
Children of God may your fountain of living water be running and overflowing that other’s might also drink and not thirst. And know that if your fountain of living water is just dripping slowly Jesus waits patiently and lovingly to guide you in turning it up! He is waiting at the well to engage you, you will engage him?
Amen
Guatemala has captured my heart and compassion for the poor, the hungry and under-privileged occupies my mind, my heart and has taken root in my families passion to do our part to make this world a better place. We are planning our second family trip for this summer and can't wait. We will spend time in Escuintla at a garbage dump ministering to the children and families that make the dump their home as well as to work on small projects like building cook stoves, and useful and practical structures and we even hope to build a garden. You can follow our passion here as well as our trip planning details. Check back often as I will post pictures and videos. Beware though... these children and families may also capture your heart!!
This photo reminds me that we have been called to the be "hands and feet of Christ!" Photo taken by Oscar Palencia - Guatemala
This photo reminds me that we have been called to the be "hands and feet of Christ!" Photo taken by Oscar Palencia - Guatemala
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