Within the church (and even outside of the church), there are a number of opportunities to 'do good' for others. We can make a serve a meal, visit someone in the hospital or prison, assist with rent or mortgage payments, or facilitate medical treatment. There are just a few of the acts that would fall into the category of charity.
Charity is doing the 'good works' that are needed to assist people with an immediate need. Anyone who has time or money or energy can participate in acts of charity.
Working for justice is a bit different. Justice work involves contacting legislators, lobbying local and national elected leaders, marching in a rally, or supporting a local community organization that empowers low-income people to address issues that impact them.
Charity and justice are different...and yet they are the same. Because hopefully both produce the same or a similar result - to right a wrong, to eradicate injustice and oppression, and to comfort the afflicted. We need both - charity and justice - to be Jesus in the world today.
Charity meets the immediate needs of persons and families; but charity alone does not change social structures that attack human dignity, oppress people, and contribute to poverty. Pursuing social justice helps us change oppressive social structures; but we cannot ignore the urgent needs of persons while we work for social change.
As Americans with our emphasis on "me, me, me," we tend to emphasize charity over justice. We know that we should be doing something (because "the Bible tells me so"), and so we pull out our wallet or checkbook or credit card and we give. That's easy for us. That's comfortable. And in some cases, that's all that is needed. But in many more cases, a greater action is called for. This action cannot be fully effective unless it is a communal effort. But when carried out, it has the power and ability to transform institutional policies, societal laws, and unjust social situations.
Charity and justice - may we work not just to recognize both, but to do both.
Let's chat!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Ages and Stages
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
-Ecclesiastes 3:1
As pastors, we have the wonderful privilege of seeing the entire life cycle in the people with whom we serve. We see babies shortly after they are born, and then have the opportunity to baptize them, welcoming them into the family of God. We see children in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School as they expand their knowledge and love of God. We am blessed to be able to present third graders with what for many is their first Bible.
We see youth as they move into Middle School and youth group. We get to teach Confirmation to these students, and then celebrate with them as they finish that part of their journey. We have the wonderful opportunity of helping these youth celebrate their graduations from high school and college, congratulating them on the completion of this step of their journey and offering a blessing for the next steps.
As these young people grow older, some will choose their life partner, and we am invited to help prepare for and officiate at their wedding. Some of these couples will have children, and the cycle for that infant begins. For the adults the journey continues.
We am invited into hospital rooms when injury or illness occurs, and when death is imminent, we are often called upon. We gather with families to care for the grieving and plan a funeral. And in the midst of death, we celebrate life.
Sometimes these events are spread out over the course of a year; other times they come quickly. This month has been one of those periods. We’ll celebrate two baptisms, the end of the Sunday School year, graduation, Confirmation, and a funeral. And I wonder why events pile up the way they do. But then I remember, it’s not my plan, not my schedule – it’s God’s.
“He [God] has made everything suitable for its time”
-Ecclesiastes 1:11
I continue to cherish the opportunity to experience birth and death and all of the events in between. I give thanks that God has called me and offered me the privilege of walking life’s journey – the full circle of life – with folks. And I give thanks that at every stage of life – of my life and the lives of others – God is there, too.
The words of a newer hymn, “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry,” remind us of that. It’s as if God sings to us:
“I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.”
Let's Chat!
-Ecclesiastes 3:1
As pastors, we have the wonderful privilege of seeing the entire life cycle in the people with whom we serve. We see babies shortly after they are born, and then have the opportunity to baptize them, welcoming them into the family of God. We see children in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School as they expand their knowledge and love of God. We am blessed to be able to present third graders with what for many is their first Bible.
We see youth as they move into Middle School and youth group. We get to teach Confirmation to these students, and then celebrate with them as they finish that part of their journey. We have the wonderful opportunity of helping these youth celebrate their graduations from high school and college, congratulating them on the completion of this step of their journey and offering a blessing for the next steps.
As these young people grow older, some will choose their life partner, and we am invited to help prepare for and officiate at their wedding. Some of these couples will have children, and the cycle for that infant begins. For the adults the journey continues.
We am invited into hospital rooms when injury or illness occurs, and when death is imminent, we are often called upon. We gather with families to care for the grieving and plan a funeral. And in the midst of death, we celebrate life.
Sometimes these events are spread out over the course of a year; other times they come quickly. This month has been one of those periods. We’ll celebrate two baptisms, the end of the Sunday School year, graduation, Confirmation, and a funeral. And I wonder why events pile up the way they do. But then I remember, it’s not my plan, not my schedule – it’s God’s.
“He [God] has made everything suitable for its time”
-Ecclesiastes 1:11
I continue to cherish the opportunity to experience birth and death and all of the events in between. I give thanks that God has called me and offered me the privilege of walking life’s journey – the full circle of life – with folks. And I give thanks that at every stage of life – of my life and the lives of others – God is there, too.
The words of a newer hymn, “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry,” remind us of that. It’s as if God sings to us:
“I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.”
Let's Chat!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Why Immigration?
As many of you know, I have become involved in the immigration reform "movement." In addition to my role as a pastor, I serve on our Annual Conference Church and Society Ministry Team with a specific role as the Refugee/Immigration Coordinator (RIMCOR).
People often ask me why I have chosen this area of advocacy and my first response is "I didn't - God chose it for me." You see, for 15 years I served in local churches that were 100% white. Even in a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul, the congregation I served was homogeneous.
Then, 3 1/2 years ago, I was appointed to serve the Willmar United Methodist Church. My initial thought was rural, county seat community = homogeneity (another all white community). That thought was quickly dispelled.
Moving here, I learned of the great diversity present. I was told that approximately 20% of the population was Latino, about 5% Somali, and a smaller percentage of a number of other ethnic backgrounds. When our daughter started kindergarten, her class was 50% white and 50% "non-native."
At the same time we moved here, a Spanish-language ministry had begun meeting in the church. The ministry, led by a man named Tomas, was enthusiastically teaching the gospel through bi-lingual songs, prayers, readings, and a sermon.
Tomas quickly became a friend. He and his wife and their four children made quite an impression on our family, and we talked often. One morning - a weekday morning when Tomas should have been at work and the children in school - Tomas and his entire family showed up at my office. I invited them in and they anxiously told me about the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid that had taken place in Willmar the previous day. Some of their friends, including two people from their ministry (one who was an accomplished musician and led music for their service) had been detained and their whereabouts was unknown. Many others from the Latino community had gone into hiding - afraid to show up at work or school for fear that ICE was still in the area. Tomas and his family had left their mobile home and spent the night at a friend's home in the city, where they felt safer. Throughout the community, there was a noticeable absence of Latinos.
I had listened to their story of fear and feelings of intimidation. In addition, I knew that the scriptures of Christians and Jews, the Bible, have a lot to say about "resident aliens," "foreigners in your midst," "sojourners and strangers among you." How a society treats strangers, foreigners and resident aliens is arguably a major focus, even preoccupation, of the Bible. I knew then that I could not sit idly and do nothing.
Since that time, I have written a piece of legislation for our Annual Conference. I have attended training sessions and workshops in New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. I have spoken at events, assisted in leading workshops, and participated in both a march on the Capital Mall and a local Interfaith Prayer Vigil. I have sat in the offices of my Senators and Representative in DC, and communicated with politicians at the state and city level.
For me, all of this boils down to one simple understanding - all persons are created in the image of God, and all persons are deserving of worth and respect. Some will argue, "But they're illegal," or accuse me of supporting "the illegals." But to me, no human being is illegal (undocumented, maybe, but certainly not illegal). And until something happens that allows my friends like Tomas to come out of the shadows, I will continue the fight.
Care to join me? Let's chat!
People often ask me why I have chosen this area of advocacy and my first response is "I didn't - God chose it for me." You see, for 15 years I served in local churches that were 100% white. Even in a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul, the congregation I served was homogeneous.
Then, 3 1/2 years ago, I was appointed to serve the Willmar United Methodist Church. My initial thought was rural, county seat community = homogeneity (another all white community). That thought was quickly dispelled.
Moving here, I learned of the great diversity present. I was told that approximately 20% of the population was Latino, about 5% Somali, and a smaller percentage of a number of other ethnic backgrounds. When our daughter started kindergarten, her class was 50% white and 50% "non-native."
At the same time we moved here, a Spanish-language ministry had begun meeting in the church. The ministry, led by a man named Tomas, was enthusiastically teaching the gospel through bi-lingual songs, prayers, readings, and a sermon.
Tomas quickly became a friend. He and his wife and their four children made quite an impression on our family, and we talked often. One morning - a weekday morning when Tomas should have been at work and the children in school - Tomas and his entire family showed up at my office. I invited them in and they anxiously told me about the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid that had taken place in Willmar the previous day. Some of their friends, including two people from their ministry (one who was an accomplished musician and led music for their service) had been detained and their whereabouts was unknown. Many others from the Latino community had gone into hiding - afraid to show up at work or school for fear that ICE was still in the area. Tomas and his family had left their mobile home and spent the night at a friend's home in the city, where they felt safer. Throughout the community, there was a noticeable absence of Latinos.
I had listened to their story of fear and feelings of intimidation. In addition, I knew that the scriptures of Christians and Jews, the Bible, have a lot to say about "resident aliens," "foreigners in your midst," "sojourners and strangers among you." How a society treats strangers, foreigners and resident aliens is arguably a major focus, even preoccupation, of the Bible. I knew then that I could not sit idly and do nothing.
Since that time, I have written a piece of legislation for our Annual Conference. I have attended training sessions and workshops in New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. I have spoken at events, assisted in leading workshops, and participated in both a march on the Capital Mall and a local Interfaith Prayer Vigil. I have sat in the offices of my Senators and Representative in DC, and communicated with politicians at the state and city level.
For me, all of this boils down to one simple understanding - all persons are created in the image of God, and all persons are deserving of worth and respect. Some will argue, "But they're illegal," or accuse me of supporting "the illegals." But to me, no human being is illegal (undocumented, maybe, but certainly not illegal). And until something happens that allows my friends like Tomas to come out of the shadows, I will continue the fight.
Care to join me? Let's chat!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Always Be a Child
This past Sunday, I was privileged to share in the sacrament of baptism. At the conclusion of that baptism, as is my tradition, I walked up and down the center aisle of the church singing to Raelynn. The song I sang on Sunday, as requested by the parents, was “Always Be a Child.”
I’ve sung that song literally hundreds of times (counting all the rehearsals and singing in the shower), but I’ve never had quite the same feeling as I did on Sunday. Let me try to explain.
As I walked and sang, I could see the baby's eyes growing heavier and heavier. She was obviously very relaxed and enjoying every moment. As I watched her eyes finally close, I listened to the words that I was singing:
“You will always be a child in my eyes.
And when you need some love, my arms are open wide.
And even when you’re growing old, I hope you’ll realize
You will always be a child in my eyes.”
I couldn’t help but connect the message of the words from the song with the actions of this tiny infant. It was almost as if she was saying (without saying anything at all):
As a child of God, I am happy
As a child of God, I am content
As a child of God, I am at peace
And therein lies the message for all of us. As children of God, we have been given some pretty awesome promises. God promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). God promises to prosper us, and offers us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). God tells us as God told Paul in a dream, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you” (Acts 18:9-10). God even promises blessings to those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are meek, those who hunger for righteousness, those who are merciful, those who are pure in heart, or those who strive for peace. Theirs, God says, will be the kingdom of heaven.
Do we believe these promises? Do we live our lives as if we have already received these promises? Are we actively seeking out these and other promises from God?
If we are, then I am quite sure that we, too, will be happy;
If we are, then we, too, will be content;
If we are, then we, too, will live in peace, for we are all children of God.
Let's chat!
I’ve sung that song literally hundreds of times (counting all the rehearsals and singing in the shower), but I’ve never had quite the same feeling as I did on Sunday. Let me try to explain.
As I walked and sang, I could see the baby's eyes growing heavier and heavier. She was obviously very relaxed and enjoying every moment. As I watched her eyes finally close, I listened to the words that I was singing:
“You will always be a child in my eyes.
And when you need some love, my arms are open wide.
And even when you’re growing old, I hope you’ll realize
You will always be a child in my eyes.”
I couldn’t help but connect the message of the words from the song with the actions of this tiny infant. It was almost as if she was saying (without saying anything at all):
As a child of God, I am happy
As a child of God, I am content
As a child of God, I am at peace
And therein lies the message for all of us. As children of God, we have been given some pretty awesome promises. God promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). God promises to prosper us, and offers us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). God tells us as God told Paul in a dream, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you” (Acts 18:9-10). God even promises blessings to those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are meek, those who hunger for righteousness, those who are merciful, those who are pure in heart, or those who strive for peace. Theirs, God says, will be the kingdom of heaven.
Do we believe these promises? Do we live our lives as if we have already received these promises? Are we actively seeking out these and other promises from God?
If we are, then I am quite sure that we, too, will be happy;
If we are, then we, too, will be content;
If we are, then we, too, will live in peace, for we are all children of God.
Let's chat!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Broccoli...with Cheese
Last Sunday I preached on Jesus' "new commandment" as found in John 13. In giving the Children's Sermon, I asked kids about their favorite food. The answers were as expected (most of them): pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, candy, lefsa (OK...that one caught me off guard). I then asked them why nobody said "Broccoli." Nobody, it seems, names broccoli as their favorite food.
That image obviously stuck - with kids and adults alike. I've had people this week tell me about their 'broccoli' neighbors, or people they had met during the week that they had termed 'broccoli people.' The point is that there will always be people in our lives who aren't our favorites.
But using that image gives broccoli a bad name. After all, I like broccoli. It happens to be one of my favorite vegetables. I'll eat it raw or cooked. Even our 8-year-old daughter eats broccoli. But for her, what makes it tolerable is when it is covered in cheese. It could be shredded cheese melted over the florets, or a thick cheese sauce poured over, it doesn't matter. What matters is that the broccoli is "enhanced" with cheese.
As I thought about that, I thought how many things are made tolerable with an addition or two. Heck, even lutefisk is edible when it's floating in a bowl of melted butter! The same is true with people (but keep reading, lest you try to drown your neighbor in butter). Every person who comes into our midst, everyone with whom our paths might cross is tolerable...even loveable. Sometimes it just takes a little something extra.
But I'm not suggesting that our hard-to-get-along-with neighbor will be more tolerable if they add something to their lives. No, we're the ones who need to add something - to offer them something. And that something is grace. If we can just sprinkle a little grace into our relationships, we will find that they will be a bit happier and a lot healthier.
Who are the people you find most difficult to get along with? How have you shown them love and grace? What difference has that made? Let's chat!
That image obviously stuck - with kids and adults alike. I've had people this week tell me about their 'broccoli' neighbors, or people they had met during the week that they had termed 'broccoli people.' The point is that there will always be people in our lives who aren't our favorites.
But using that image gives broccoli a bad name. After all, I like broccoli. It happens to be one of my favorite vegetables. I'll eat it raw or cooked. Even our 8-year-old daughter eats broccoli. But for her, what makes it tolerable is when it is covered in cheese. It could be shredded cheese melted over the florets, or a thick cheese sauce poured over, it doesn't matter. What matters is that the broccoli is "enhanced" with cheese.
As I thought about that, I thought how many things are made tolerable with an addition or two. Heck, even lutefisk is edible when it's floating in a bowl of melted butter! The same is true with people (but keep reading, lest you try to drown your neighbor in butter). Every person who comes into our midst, everyone with whom our paths might cross is tolerable...even loveable. Sometimes it just takes a little something extra.
But I'm not suggesting that our hard-to-get-along-with neighbor will be more tolerable if they add something to their lives. No, we're the ones who need to add something - to offer them something. And that something is grace. If we can just sprinkle a little grace into our relationships, we will find that they will be a bit happier and a lot healthier.
Who are the people you find most difficult to get along with? How have you shown them love and grace? What difference has that made? Let's chat!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
