You know the other place it happens?

Regarding my post a couple days ago. . .the other place this shows up is in the DVD extras of movies, when they interview the cast and crew of the movie.

"There's really no other movie like this out there."
"We think people are going to be blown away by the action in this movie."
"He's the greatest director in the world - I'm so fortunate to be able to work with him."
"It's like nothing anybody's done before."

And my observation is, the worse the movie, the higher the people involved speak of it.

Great Sermon Experiment, nearing the end

We're two weeks from the end. August 12th will be the last in the Great Sermon Experiment series. Thanks to those of you who have been faithfully responding over the summer months.

Texts for August 5, 2007
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

Psalm 85
Hosea 11:1-11

Any Lit professor would be glad to receive these passages for a creative writing assignment. Both are beautiful poetry, dripping with words of love, nature, kissing, parental affection. And yet both carry darker images of rebellion, anger, and wrath. What we essentially have is an Old Testament picture of grace - in spite of Israel's rebellion, God still loves them and will restore them.

What image jumps out at you? There are a lot here - lover, friend, parent, judge. Which speaks to you?

Hosea shows us God's thought process at work ("I'm going to punish you. . .no wait! I can't! I love you too much!") What do we learn about God as he carries on this conversation with himself?

Vs. 9 of the Hosea passage almost seems backward. "Because I am God, not man, I won't carry out my anger against you." Wouldn't we usually expect it the other way? That humans are prone to let each other off the hook, but God has to judge our sin? What is God saying here about himself, as opposed to humans?

A long post on artists, critics, and idiots

When I was in college, I had a friend who owned a Beach Boys Anthology CD. The liner notes for the CD were written by a writer for a major music magazine. He used words such as Genius, Earth-shattering, and Groundbreaking to describe their music, and the work of Brian Wilson, composer of many of their tunes. The high point (or low point) of the introduction was this critic claiming that Brian Wilson was the 20th Century equivalent of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He essentially made the claim that Brian Wilson was every bit the genius that Mozart ever was. That if Wilson has lived in the 18th Century, he would have written trio sonatas and requiem masses. And if Mozart lived in the 1960s, he would have written pop songs about beach life.

Of course, it is utterly ludicrous to make the comparison. There is no way you can equate Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus, his Requiem Mass, his operas, his piano concertos, with such ditties as Good Vibrations and Surfin' USA. It ought to be impossible to equate The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute with lines such as "Gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations a-happenin- with her" and "If everybody had a notion across the USA, then everybody'd be surfin down in Californ-i-a. . ."

But this is the way popular music works. Watch any MTV retrospective about pop artists young and old, and you'll get the same language. "Britney's parents first noticed her genius when she was 5 years old." "Christina works the crowd in masterful fashion, the painter with her musical medium." "His drumming has been described as 'god-like,' pure artistic genius on display to adoring fans fortunate enough to be in his presence." The recent "diva" fling is an example, especially in naming of 19-year-old pop princesses as divas. I could understand using Diva to describe Kathleen Battle. Maybe Jane Monnheit. Even Sara Brigthman. But Mariah Carey? Celine Dion? Ladies who made it into the upper echelons of the music world by selling cheap trinkets to the uncritical masses don't deserve lofty titles.

Perhaps the language itself is the giveaway. Perhaps within pop culture there is a latent awareness that it is all so shallow, so pointless, to untalented, so. . .stupid. Thus, they gather around themselves writers and promoters who can use words like "genius" and "talent," and convince themselves that perhaps they actually are worthy of the accolades.

All of this is on my mind because we watched "The Devil and Daniel Johnston" Saturday night. It's a documentary about Daniel Johnston, a reclusive singer/songwriter/artist, who also happens to be mentally ill (read: completely insane) and maybe even possessed. The movie rightly focuses mostly on Mr. Johnston, but what I found fascinating was the following this man created. Because, to put it bluntly, the man is an idiot. He has no talent. At all. He can't sing, he can barely play an instrument, and his lyrics? They are about the equivalent of the prose of a high school freshman in English Class. Do you get my point? There is no talent at work here.

And yet, throughout the movie he is referred to as a genius. Multiple times. Hordes of people acclaim Mr. Johnston as the greatest musician of the 20th century. They talk about his "art." They exuberantly share their passion for his Amazing Work. Record producers. Singers in other bands. Masses of fans. Promoters. They all wax eloquently about this man and his genius.

And the whole time I wanted to shout "But the emperor has no clothes!" "The man has no talent!"

So the question becomes,
a) Have people's expectations dropped so low that this is truly considered genius?
b) Are people simply afraid to state the obvious, for fear of everybody else accusing them of 'being too commercial'?
c) is everybody else around him insane?
d) or is it just pop culture doing what it naturally does - picking the lowest-common-denominator and naming it as Great?

Interestingly enough, near the end of the movie, his parents speak of reading the biography of Brian Wilson, and taking comfort in his journey. As Wilson battled mental disease that crippled his "art," so too does their son battle infirmity of the mind. Of course, at this point they cue the critics and promoters who say "but Johnston's music is at a level above Brian Wilson's. Nothing Brian wrote can compare with Daniel Johnston." I wanted to throw something at the TV monitor.

And then last night I was reading Wendell Berry, and came across this line:

If a man finds it necessary to eat garbage, he should resist the temptation to call it a delicacy.

I think popular culture, and its consumers, would do well to heed Wendell's instruction. If you want to like Mariah Carey, who am I to judge you? If you want to listen to Hillary Duff's latest tripe, you are welcome to it. Just don't attempt to call it anything other than what it is. Cheap, quickly fading, disposable entertainment. If you think Daniel Johnston is attractive, then enjoy his stuff. Just don't try to convince anybody that it is genius or high art. You demean those words, and our world, when you do.

Hey Brad

Remember that Typhoon that brushed by you guys in Guam last week?

Apparently it's shown up here in the Puget Sound area.

"the dreary weather likely is a remnant of Typhoon Man-yi, which went through Japan last week, [the weather expert] said."

Seattle could break a record today for most rain ever recorded on July 22. Flooding in the lowlands, campers fleeing rampaging rivers. . .

and we had a huge family picnic planned for this afternoon.

FWIW

I don't care in the slightest that the new Harry Potter book is coming out tomorrow. I haven't read one page of any of the previous books, and I don't really intend to. I have noticed the hubbub all over the news, and I do know a lot of people are breathless with anticipation. I'm just not one of them.

And no, it's not because it's about witchcraft and such. It's more because I'd rather read Tolstoy or Annie Dillard or Luci Shaw than a pop children's book. Call me weird.

Friday Random 10

I don't know about this one. #2 is off an album I really loved, but it's not aging well. And the randomness of the genres kind of set me on edge - jumping from jazz to bluegrass to baroque. Still, we got our Vineyard song in there for Vince (Surrender), and both the Derek Webb and Mindy Smith albums are aging quite well, so there are some diamonds in here. I just may need to clean out my music files a bit.

Party Goin’ On Upstairs – The Electrics

Lay it Down – Todd Agnew

A Kiss to Build a Dream On – Louis Armstrong

Never Far Away – Jack White

Flobt, mein Heiland – Kathleen Battle

Surrender – Kim McMechen

Take to the World – Derek Webb

Walk Right Back – Nanci Griffith

Desire – U2

Hurricane – Mindy Smith

Slice of Life
Right now, down at my house (and for the last 3 days, too), are:
- my two precious children
- my sister-in-law
- my niece (3) and nephew (1)
- my mother-in-law, from Southern California
- my aunt-in-law, from Mexico

And Karina is at the airport in Oakland, trying to get home, but the airport is a mess. And they had an earthquake this morning.

Chaotic might be the right word for it. Yes, it's all fun, and someday we'll all laugh about these days. For now, I just think I'll stay up here in my office.

Book Report

I'm about 1/2 way through Eugene Peterson's Eat This Book. Turns out Scot McKnight has been reading it, too. He says it's the best book on the Bible ever written.

I'm not sure about that high of an accolade, but I would agree it may be in the top 10. When people come to me and ask about prayer, I usually refer them to Richard Foster's classic Prayer. It set the standard for books about prayer when it came out. Many people say they really learned to pray by reading that book. So it has pride of place on my shelf.

I think Eat This Book might end up right next to it, becoming the standard reference when people ask me "how do I read the Bible?" It has already inspired me in my own scripture reading.

Essentially, Peterson's premise is this: if the Bible doesn't form you, if it doesn't get inside you and change your life, if it isn't forming our Christian communities, then we aren't reading it correctly. The Bible is not out to give us correct doctrine, it isn't intended to help us formulate our theological positions. It isn't meant for inspiration or devotion. It's sole purpose is formation of Christ-followers. We must then take it as it is, ending all our attempts to fit it into our world, to "make it relevant," or to use it like some sort of antacid that we pull of the shelf when our guts are in a turmoil.

The Bible is only read correctly when we eat it - when we take it in and live it. "If we have not entered this text as participants we aren't going to understand what is going on. This text cannot be understood by watching from the bleachers - or even from expensive box seats. We are in on it."

Later he says "Obedience is the thing, living in active response to the living God. The most important question we can ask of this text is not, 'What does this mean?' but 'What can I obey?' A simple act of obedience will open up our lives to this text far more quickly than any number of Bible studies and dictionaries and concordances."

So, if you're looking for something to read over the rest of the summer, or looking to get more from your Bible reading, go pick this one up.

The Great Sermon Experiment, Week 7

Texts for Sunday, July 29
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Colossians 2:6-15
Luke 11:1-13

The Colossians passage is a wonderful statement of christology - going into great detail in explaining the work of Christ. However, as Paul often does, the theology is heavily invested with "this then is what you should do."

The Luke passage gives us Jesus, teaching his disciples about prayer. You'll note Jesus gives pretty explicit instructions to his disciples that they need to be asking God to meet their needs. God is not shy in giving his children what they need.

So, to my faithful responders:
- So what? What do you take from these texts that will affect your life?
- How are believers called to respond to the teaching in these two texts? What are we being asked to do?
- When have you had a specific need met, after taking it to the Lord?
- Paul's explanation of Christ's work is pretty dense. Essentially, he's saying "don't let human rules get in the way, because that's exactly what Christ freed you from." Why is that so important?

It's Picture Time!

Around 57 years ago, my father rode his bike across the brand new Tacoma Narrows Bridge at its Grand Opening Celebration.

So, last Sunday, in keeping with family tradition, I took the family over to the Grand Opening Celebration of the New-New Tacoma Narrows Bridge. We walked from one end to the other - the first time I'd ever walked from Gig Harbor to Tacoma. Then, because of the nature of such things, we had to walk all the way back.

Here we are, getting ready to brave the crowds.

We felt very welcomed.

Thankfully, they had a lot of security, to ward off any terrorists.

This is what the towers look like up close.

Handy item: If people ask "how tall are those towers," you can say "About this big."

Quick: What Song is Clara Re-enacting?(Hint: Think Johnny Cash)

Then, just to keep the fun going, I took the family over to Northwest Trek yesterday. I went once, when I was pretty young (maybe junior high?). But this was the first time for the kids.

We saw a moose. . .

And many bison. . .

And a lot of Elk. . .

And some River Otters. . .

And some wolverine cubs at play. . .

Plus we saw some bighorn sheep, and some herons, and a turtle, and a couple bears, and some foxes, and some wolves, and an owl or two, and a lot of other animals. It was a good day.

Rant of the Day

The Church Report (tag line: Real News. Real Issues. Real Solutions) just released their list of the "America's 50 Most Influential Churches."

This was my response:

It may be cliche, but I wonder what God's list of the 50 Most Influential Churches in America would look like? I know of a faithful servant or two out there, serving in extremely difficult situations, that would never make this list, but I think God might still be using them for his purposes.

A couple observations:
- Of the 52 smiling faces on this list, 48 are white. 4 are African-American. Hispanic? Asian? Native? They don't even show up.
- Of the 52 smiling faces on this list, 52 are men.

Really, what is the point of even making a list like this? If all we do is to the glory of God, why are we bringing glory to man? If God's ways are not our ways, and if in the Kingdom Less truly is More, then why are we handing out accolades to the "More"? This reeks too much of David counting his Mighty Men. This reeks too much like Fortune-500 lists of "the most influential companies in America." In the end, it sends the message to the world that we really do care about numbers, and size, and technique, and celebrity. In other words, world, we're just like you, and we've decided to play by your rules.

End of Rant

Somewhere over the Rainbow

Like many of you, I have a regular group of blogs I check into, well, regularly. Right now, the authors of at least three of my regular reads are just getting into, or just returning from, long trips abroad. Iona. Greece. Ephesus. Israel.

I was supposed to be in Chicago today, but it didn't work out. So I'm here instead.

Don't get me wrong. If I had to be anywhere, this is where I'd choose to be.

I just need to sit back down at that calendar and figure out when I finally get my vacation. Then I'll be just fine.

Portrait, 2007

I wonder if I should be concerned

I checked the stats for this blog earlier today. Of all the keywords people use to get here, scripture references are in the majority.

Hits include
- children's sermons galatians 5:13-25 and luke 9:51-62
- galatians 2:15-21 sermons
- luke 9:51-62 sermons

and a few more like that. One could interpret this to mean there are a lot of people out there looking for sermons by other people. Trying to 'borrow' them, perhaps? Or just looking for inspiration? You decide.

Oh, and at the bottom of the list (#13), this little doozy:
- turlock prostitutes

I don't even want to know about that one.

Just when things were getting friendly

Pope Benedict XVI just approved a document which says that "Catholicism provides the only true path to salvation," while "other Christian communities are either defective or not true churches."

Article here

Apparently, protestant churches are not true Churches because they lack apostolic succession, and the Orthodox church is defective because it doesn't recognize the Pope's authority.

Can I issue a statement saying that Pope Benedict XVI is wrong?

Or maybe I'll just use Fred Clark's statement:

"You're Not the Pope of Me!"

The Great Sermon Experiment, Week 6

Texts for Sunday, July 22 (8th Sunday After Pentecost)

Amos 8:1-12
Luke 10:38-42

An interesting juxtaposition of passages. The Amos passage is noted for its devastating critique of Israel, the Luke passage is notable for its gentleness, it's almost intimate portrayal of the life of Jesus, Mary and Martha.

The Amos passage focuses on issues of justice - fair treatment of the poor, equitable relationships among all people, concern for the hungry. Israel is damned for mistreating those who are poor and hungry, allowing their greed to overcome a needed sense of compassion and solidarity. "Who cares about the unfortunate, as long as we're getting rich."

The Luke passage focuses in on Martha's grumpy attitude. There's probably much that isn't told us here; I doubt Jesus is chastising Martha for taking care of the work that needs to be done. This is not an excuse to throw everything aside, just to "sit at the feet of Jesus." I think it's more about attitude than action.

So, my dear readers,

1) Is our culture guilty of the same sins of Israel? If so, what would be some modern-day examples?
2) Do you think God would judge our country in the same way he judged Israel? Will God turn American's weeping into mourning if we mistreat the poor?
3) How have you personally seen injustice play out? Where have you seen the poor cheated, the widow scorned, the orphan cast out, the hungry left with nothing?
4) Do you ever identify with Martha? Where do you find yourself resentful, agitated, wishing God would change everybody else?
5) How might Martha have approached the situation differently?
6) What would you label the heart of Martha's wrong attitude here?

Nothing is Sacred

One thing about having kids around: you quickly learn that nothing is sacred. That new watch you bought three weeks ago? They'll drop it on the tile floor, rendering it useless. That favorite picture book you got for Christmas a couple years ago? They'll rip off the cover and write inside of it. And that car that was so shiny and new a few years back? Now the trunk is scuffed from the times they've climbed up on it, and don't even look in the back seat, with its ground in Cheddar Bunnies and pretzels. Your 25-CD changer you bought, in order to listen to all your CDs? It's now full of "101 Silly Songs" and "Disney's Greatest Hits," while all your CDs seem to have disappeared. The ipod? Somehow your song list is replaced with "Bible Songs for Kids" and "Irritating Songs Kids Seem to Love To Hear Over and Over and Over again." With kids, nothing is sacred.

What about all those vacations, trips, excursions that were planned? Gone with snuffy noses, upset stomachs, and random fevers. And the photo albums you use to remind yourself of when you actually could go on vacations? Somehow half the pictures have gone missing.

The couch cover, which was bought to cover the kool-aid stains and pen markings, now has a big hole in it. The computer is overrun with "Herbie Saves the Day" games. That bead necklace you bought in Mexico is scattered all over the living room floor. Your keys have disappeared.

Your plant is dead.

Truly, with kids, nothing is sacred.

Or, maybe the truth is this - with kids, nothing is sacred, except for them.

Friday Items of Note

+ There will be no Great Sermon Experiment post this week, as I'll be away on July 15. Lakebay's own Harvey Roberts will be filling in to preach that day. For what it's worth, this is the first Sunday since we arrived that I will be away from Lakebay, that's not related to church business. Only the third Sunday we've missed altogether - I was gone in January for the Confirmation Retreat, and last September for Family Camp at Cascade's Camp. Finally, we get a real vacation.

+ Ben Witherington has written a book about baptism. He summarizes the work over on his blog. He's bound to upset and challenge believers on both sides (infant vs. believers) which is why probably just about everybody ought to read it. It will be soon added to my Amazon list.

+ I finished "To Continue the dialogue," the Mennonite book regarding homosexuality and the Church. It was perhaps serendipitous that just as I was finishing it, I began following the discussion over at Eugene Cho's Blog (see a couple days ago). The middle of the book gave me more of what I was looking for - both in firmer theological work, and in the scientific work as well. My mind is spinning off in a number of directions, and I need time to process. Don't read more into that than is there. I haven't changed my position on the issue; in fact, that's part of the struggle. I've reached the point where I don't believe I will change my mind. The scriptural texts are too clear on this one. But. . .how to maintain a spirit of grace in the world we live in. Must we demand that "they" must change their ways before being allowed into fellowship within the Christian church? How to live in that place of mercy and grace, believing and teaching that a certain activity is sinful, while allowing time and space for the Holy Spirit to do God's work in individual lives? That is the tough part.

For the time being, I'm moving in a different direction. Next on my book list is "Eat This Book," by Eugene Peterson. His opening image is powerful - the Bible is not primarily a book we read for instruction, a book we read for devotional thoughts, a book we read for theology; it is primarily a meal we eat. And like food is digested into nutrients and minerals that make their way to the furthest reaches of our bodies and eventually become us, shaping and forming us, so too are the scriptures to dig deeply into us and form us as we ingest them.

+ Friday Random 10. #2 I saw live - it's the reason I bought their album. #3 is off a wedding album some friends gave us. #7 is from the Cold Mountain soundtrack. #8 is off one of my all-time favorite christian albums. Unfortunately, after this album Nashville got ahold of Bebo, and he's been merely a shadow of his potential ever since.

1. Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart) – coro e Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
2. North to Alaska – Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum
3. You’ll Be In My Heart - Phil Collins
4. Hurricane – Mindy Smith
5. Beautiful Dream Visions – Sara Masen
6. Meant to Be – Jim Brickman
7. Sitting on Top of the World – Jack White
8. Selwood Farm – Bebo Norman
9. Get Me Through December – Alison Krauss
10. I’ve Found Jesus – Delirious?

Snapshot from the Fourth

I took Olivia over to Penrose Point for an hour or so yesterday afternoon. We parked the Jeep and walked a forest-shaded path out to the Eastern beachline. From there, we wandered north toward the tip of the peninsula. Along the way we discovered jellyfish, crabs (dead and alive), barnacles, and cool-looking rocks. To our right Puget Sound fell away, with Mt. Rainier rising over Steilecoom in the distance. A C-117 from McChord AFB circled lazily over Tacoma.

We passed the final bluff, giving us full vision of the northern beach, and there, about 20 yards away, sitting atop a large boulder, sat a Bald Eagle, gazing north across the Bay. We stealthily approached, but he saw and flew to a further perch. So we stood and watched him, as he kept one eye on the water and another on us. To his right, a heron waded slowly along the shoreline.

Eventually, we made to walk closer to the Eagle, and got within 30 feet or so, but he decided that was enough and flew into the forest to our south. I told Olivia how special this was - seeing America's National Bird on America's birthday.

She was more interested in the clam shell she'd just found. But it was wondrous, just the same.

Good Things and Bad

Good things:
The family is back together again. Sunday I picked up the girls from my parents.

Saturday I decided to take a bike ride. And, not really paying attention, I found myself much further up the trail than I'd intended. By the time the trip was over, I'd ridden 32 miles. I've found that I rather enjoy bike riding - it's kind of like flying, with not so far to fall if things go wrong. And your legs are sore, instead of your arms.

And Bad:
After more than 15 years in ministry, I can say this: the toughest thing I ever have to deal with is watching people make bad decisions, and knowing there is nothing to be done about it. Now, truthfully, in the interest of Good Boundaries I understand this is the easy one - people make their own decisions, and are responsible for them. I can let them go, knowing it is between them and God. It's not my problem, not my place to interfere.

But the emotional piece is still the hardest. Over the years I've counseled young girls who were dating the "wrong guy," and given all the reasons why it will end in disaster. . .and still they go on, and eventually it always ends in disaster. I've worked with people on fire for the Lord, who decide to get a job that will interfere with their worship attendance, and begged them to reconsider, but still they take the job, and eventually they drift from the church, and drift from the Lord.

Sometimes you sit back, look at the issues on the table, consider the way life works out, and you see disaster looming. Sometimes you can easily predict what will be the ultimate outcome of decisions made, and you do your best to help people make wise choices. . .but their mind is made up and there's nothing you can do but pray. It's as if you knew the Titanic was going to sink, but the crew refused to listen, because, after all, "God himself couldn't sink this ship!"

And so you weep silently for bad choices, and you carry on with the rest.

Last week I had a phone conversation with an individual who wanted a magic bullet for a spiritual issue in their life, but they had no interest in actually conforming their life to the Creator who would give them everything they ever needed. "I don't want to take up my cross and follow Jesus, I want the magic potion that will allow me to get back to my old life without this problem."

And I just couldn't help them see the truth. I guess they didn't want to accept the truth before them. And that, above all, makes me sad.

A Few Items of Note

- Covenant Pastor Eugene Cho has found himself in the midst of "the gay debate" over on his blog. Eugene is one who really is trying to be sensitive, culturally-savvy, and open to all people in the name of Christ. Unfortunately, to many on "the other side," if you don't say "I'm 100% supportive of homosexuals in every possible way," then you're am intolerant fundamentalist bigot. His post and the comments are worth plodding through, just to understand where people are coming from.

- One more thing to worry about in Lake Tahoe: Disaster Tourists, showing up to gawk at all the "excitement." Must feel good to be sitting in the ruin of your home, mourning your loss, when up pulls the SUV with all the looky-loos jumping out with their digital cameras and video recorders.

- Horror story come to life. Hackers breaking into your cell phones. Using your cell phone camera to spy on your life - what you're wearing and eating, when you're sleeping. Switching your phone off and on. And maybe it starts when you download ringtones off the internet?

- I'm not buying an I-Phone. Just so you know. Didn't want to stand in line for it. Oh, plus I don't plan on doing business with AT&T any time soon

- And Finally, Dan's Friday Random 10. #s 1-3 all seem to fit the rainy mood outside pretty well. #4 is probably the only song dealing with Alzheimer's/Dementia I've heard. #8 I saw Laurie and Tom do live in the old theater in Newman, CA. And #9 I used to listen to when I worked in the purgatory of Christian Retail, just to keep my sanity.

1. In a Lover’s Eyes – Jim Brickman
2. Jesus Paid It All – Fernando Ortega
3. Goodnight Irene – George Winston
4. Silent House – Dixie Chicks
5. Waiting in Green Velvet – Joshua Kadison
6. There for Me – Sarah Brightman
7. Mildred Madalyn Johnson - Fernando Ortega
   
8. Just a Lie – Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum
9. Body and Soul – Susan Ashton
10. 40 West – Infamous Stringdusters

The great sermon experiment, Week 5

Texts for Sunday, July 8:
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30

Psalm 30 is one of my favorites, especially this line: weeping may last for a night, but rejoicing comes with the morning.

Both texts deal with a person being taken from despair to joy. They both speak of God stepping into a life and fixing that which was broken. Both deal with despair and hope. And both make clear Who it is that we can rely on for help in trouble.

Some questions to ponder:
1) Where have you seen this in your life? Have you experienced miraculous physical healing? Have you been lifted from the pit, from mourning to joy?
2) Besides being healed, what lessons did Naaman learn from his experience? Was there more to this story than flesh being made clean?
3) What is the important lesson for us to learn from these texts? There are a lot at play - power, glory, miracles, doubt, God's sovereignty. How do these texts speak to you today?
4) If you had to summarize the lesson of these texts in one sentence, what would it be?

The Curse is Lifted, or , "I'd forgotten how good that felt"

I average 3-4 ballgames a year. When I lived in Ontario (California), we'd go catch the Mariners every time they came to play Anaheim, and if UW had a game at USC or UCLA, we'd be there. When we lived in Portland, we'd come up to Seattle a couple times a year to see the Mariners play. And when we lived in Turlock, we'd head over to Oakland, usually to see the M's play the A's, although I went to at least one A's vs. Rangers game. Last year, after moving to Seattle, we made it to Safeco near the end of the season for one game, and last Fall my brother got us tickets to see the Seahawks and the 49ers play at Qwest Field.

And why is all that important? Because, for over 10 years and all those games, EVERY SINGLE GAME I attended the team I was cheering for lost. I saw the M's when they had Griffey, when they won 116 games. I saw the Huskies when they had some good football teams. I saw the Seahawks one year after they went to the Super Bowl. And for over 10 years I ALWAYS went home disappointed.

Until yesterday. When Seattle beat the Red Sox 2-1 in the bottom of the 11th inning, when Jose Lopez hit a double that Manny Ramirez barely missed catching, sending Ichiro home from 1st. And for once I could leave feeling great about the game.

Add to that the 43,000 festive fans, a sunny afternoon at the park, a wonderful pitching gem, some tense moments of drama, some highlight-reel catches, spending a day with my dad and my oldest daughter, and the fact that it was the Red Sox and not some sucky team like the Rangers or Brewers. . .

It was a very good day, and a lovely way to lay that losing streak to rest.

Sermon Response to a Call to Mission

We believe that God’s desire is the redemption of the whole earth.

We believe Christ came to make the offer of redemption to every person on this earth.

We believe that, through his Holy Spirit, Christ is still at work, undermining the kingdom of darkness and replacing it with the Kingdom of God.

We believe there are still many in darkness, who desperately need to see the love of Christ displayed in their lives.

We believe that we are the primary visible source of God’s love today.

We believe that God wants to use us, his children, to call the lost home, to proclaim freedom to those in bondage, healing to those living in the shadow of death, hope to the hopeless, love to the broken, the way home to all who are lost in sin.

God wants to use me. God wants to use us all.

We go, then, into the world, offering our very selves in service to the King, that they may know the life in abundance we already possess. Amen.

Annual Meeting Blogging

As it turns out, the Jantzen Beach Red Lion Inn has free wi-fi, so I can blog from inside the Annual Meeting. Now if it was only as exciting as most political conventions. . .

I walked in the hotel lobby and saw Gary and Marilyn Peterson. We went to lunch at Taco Bell. While we ate, in walked the Patersons. And I've already seen quite a few other friends around. Nobody from Turlock yet, although Karina and the girls were supposed to meet the Dockters this afternoon.

The Ministerial Association Annual Meeting is beginning right now, with the reading of the standing rules of order. Let the fun begin (wish you could be here, Brad?)

A couple of things

- I'm heading down to the Covenant Annual Meeting tomorrow through Saturday, so I don't know if I'll be blogging anything over the next few days. I do look forward to seeing some old friends and maybe making some new ones. We're staying with my aunt and uncle in Tigard, so should have some good family time. And I hear Bruce and Katy are up from Turlock. . .

- Today was, I think, one of the final visits to the eye doctor for awhile. We've arrived at the place where it's about as good as it's gonna get. I had to accept that, due to the nature of this corneal thing, it just won't ever be perfect and pain-free. The lens that's in now is the lesser of all evils, according to Dr. Ralph. It gets me to 20/25 vision, and it mostly stays where it's supposed to. Although if I look to the right, it has a tendency to pop out. So if you want to sneak up on me, come from the right, as I won't be looking that way much. He did say technology is moving along rapidly, and hopefully in another 10 years they might be able to do a transplant that will take care of the whole thing. So until then, we make do.

- If I was a sociologist, this is what I'd study: It seems we've become a society who expect to have private moments in public spaces. There was an article in the P-I the other day about a park near Pike Place Market that is famous for two things: being a huge draw to tourists because of the view, and being a haven for homeless people, including many drug addicts. The arguments fly back and forth - compassion and understanding for the homeless vs. lock 'em all up so we can have a nice clean park. But I think, underlying it all, is the assumption that "I" can go to a public park and have a private little time there, not having to put up with other people, especially people I don't particularly care for. In reading the comments under this article, I sensed this idea again and again. "I should be able to go to a park and not have to be bothered by other people." The fact that they are homeless is merely a mask for the underlying feeling that public space should become private space.

I know it's not this way in other cultures. You go out in public to interact with the public. I don't think it was this way in America all that long ago - whenever we went camping we made the effort to meet our neighbors. But more and more, we are autonomous individuals assuming we can make our way through public space without having to interact with others (think ipods). And it comes to a head here - I should be able to go to the park and have my little time there and not have to have any interaction with others.

Anyway, I need to think it through more. Maybe you can comment and spur my thinking more.

As to the article in the other Seattle Paper about the Episcopalian Priest who claims also to be a Muslim. . .it's been too long a day to comment.

Great Sermon Experiment, Week 4

Texts for Sunday, July 1

Galatians 5:13-25
Luke 9:51-62

And now comes the challenge. Last Sunday's text was about true freedom in Christ - Christ accepted even the prostitute because of her faith and love for him. But, both Jesus and Paul would remind us, don't think that let's us off the hook. I hear Bonhoeffer echoing in the background here with his "The Cost of Discipleship."

So for those of you responding,
- in the Gospel, Jesus pokes holes through three people who aren't wholeheartedly interested in following him. Who might this describe today? What excuses to people give for not completely giving their lives over to Christ
- In Galatians, Paul points out the possibility of using our freedom as an excuse to sin again. Do you know people like this? People who say "Well, it's all about grace, so I can do whatever I want. . ."?
- People tend to fall on one side or the other - they only think about the Jesus who loves everybody, even prostitutes, or they preach the Jesus who is harsh and demanding. Which do you most identify with? Which have you heard more? How do you think we can keep a balance between the two?
- How would you describe what it means to be guided by the Spirit? How does that work in your life? How would you explain this to a young Christian?

Positive Signs

Lakebay, like all churches, has its struggles. I would say we have had more than our share of struggles over the last 15 months (which, coincidentally exactly parallels my tenure here). Some would say it has known more than it's share of struggles over the last 5 years. But. . .all churches struggle, all organizations have their ups and downs, all Christians face good times and bad. So we're not going to dwell too much on those hardships.

What I find interesting is this: since late last year, Lakebay has lost some of its biggest givers to death, to moves, to differences of ministerial philosophy. Since late last year, Lakebay has lost a number of members - some have died, some moved, some were unwilling to follow the leadership of this church.

Yet late last year we welcomed in 5 new members, last month we welcomed in 6 more, and I just finished a New Member's Class with 5 more interested men and women. Our latest quarterly report shows our giving averaging about $2000/month more than our spending. Our attendance has been steady, our visitor flow remains strong. Our worship the last few months has been powerful. We've seen direct answers to prayer time and again, even in the last weeks.

And I know this - I have never known a healthier, more spiritually-driven board than the one that is now leading this church. God has raised up a healthy leadership, which truly extends beyond even the board. We have people serving in all sorts of places, leading in their own ways in our various ministries inside and outside the church.

Yes, I am sorry for those we've lost. I miss those who have passed and moved on. I grieve for those who, in their anger, have refused to hear God speaking to them. But God is up to something here at Lakebay, and I, for one, am thrilled to be a part of it.

Life in Lakebay

Yesterday I sat in our Administrative Assistant's office, looking over some paperwork, when I was attacked by a bat. A little furry thing. But have you ever had a bat flying around your head in an enclosed place? Gave me the heebie-jeebies.

Said bat eventually ended up on the floor. I grabbed a pot from the kitchen and threw it over the bat. Then slid a piece of cardboard under the pot, trapping the bat inside the pot. Except when I went outside to release Mr. Bat, he was no longer in the pot. "Creepy," I thought. "I hope he's not a vampire who did his voodoo disappearing thing on me." I figured maybe he flew away so quickly I just didn't see him. (Side note: Why do I assume it was a male bat? I have no idea.)

20 minutes later I was in my office, working on an important letter preparing for a tough meeting, when the bat flew in and attacked me once again. No heebie-jeebies this time; just a case of the willies.

Once again, said bat ended up on the floor, once again I threw a pot over the bat, and then let him sit for 30 minutes to think about his actions.

Eventually, I found a flat piece of glass, like a small table-top, which I used to seal the bat inside the pot. Once again, I took the whole thing outside. This time, I pulled off the pot and the bat just sat their looking recalcitrant. I took him over and tossed him into a bush.

"There. Let that be a lesson to you."

Do other pastors ever have to battle wildlife in their offices?

Oh, by the way. I took a bike ride to clear my mind before the meeting, and I was attacked by a big black dog. I think nature is out to get me.

As if we needed more on generation gaps

Yesterday the members of the Key Peninsula Pastor's Association were enjoying a pleasant lunch out on our church's back deck. The discussion turned to building projects, and the 'joy' of working with all the various county and state agencies. Said one pastor, "It's like working with the Keystone Cops."

Shift focus to the lone youth pastor at the table. Notice his perplexed facial expression. Hear his query: "The Keystone Cops? Who's that?"

Listen to the wind blow through the trees, the solitary chirping of a bird high overhead, the moment of pregnant silence as everybody else realizes the enormity of what just happened.

I answer: "They're pre-'A-Team.'"

He: "Ahh, okay."

Wait a few more minutes for the universe to regain its equilibrium.

Somewhere, off in the distance, hear a gentle whimpering as the 20th-Century flows further and further away.

One final comment

Last October, in honor of Clergy Appreciation Month, Lakebay blessed Karina and I with a gift certificate to a local resort and spa. We were finally able to use it the first part of last week. It was truly relaxing, it was very refreshing, and the fact that it was a gift of love made it even more special.

Thank you, my church. I don't deserve the grace you show, but I gratefully accept it. I can truly say that your gift was one of the nicest things that anyone's ever done for us. We are awed by your thoughtfulness and generosity.

There will be no Great Sermon Experiment Week 3

No big issue. No scandal. No protests. Just this: On Sunday, June 24, Dave and Ronna Husby, Covenant Mission Coordinators overseeing our mission in Asia, will be sharing in the Sunday service, and thus no collaborative sermon. Enjoy the week off.

For those who want to be prepared anyway, Dave's sermon text will be Matthew 5:35-38.

Friday Random 10

We start when I was back in college with #1 - I remember my friend Eric Holt playing this one from his "housing unit" as I walked by. The brass is exceptional, and he, being a trombonist, knew that I, a trumpeter, would appreciate it. #7 goes back to college as well - I played the lead trumpet in Azusa Pacific's Classical concert featuring this work as well as the Vivaldi Gloria. The Rutter Gloria is perhaps the toughest trumpet work I've ever played. #2 has some nice piccolo trumpet work as well.
#9 is in honor of Vince MP and the rest of Lakebay's worship team. They'll know why.

1. You Didn’t Know Me When – Harry Connick Jr.
2. Con Voce Festiva (Allesandro Scarlatti) – Kathleen Battle and Wynton Marsalis
3. Jann Arden – Cherry Popsicle
4. Pride (In the Name of Love) – U2
5. No Place to Hide – Allison Kraus and Union Station
6. Hibernia – Michael W. Smith
7. Gloria (John Rutter) – John Rutter Chorus and Brass Ensemble
8. The Last Testament of Angus Shane – Lost Dogs
9. Better Than – Vineyard Café
10. I’ll String Along with You - Diana Krall
    

How to measure a life

You know, there are a lot of ways to measure a life - net worth, impact on others, accomplishments, places visited. . .the list is endless.

I was thinking the other day, what if a person's life was measured by their injuries?

Mine would look something like this:
- Broken arm from skateboarding accident
- Broken arm from bicycle accident
- Broken finger from football game
- Sprained knee from dogsledding accident
- Severely Sprained knee from mountain climbing accident
- various scars from falling down mountains, falling out of trees, decorating the Christmas tree

Other than that last one, I'd say that's a pretty impressive list. I guess I've done some pretty fun stuff so far, and at least it hasn't killed me yet. What would you put on your list?

The Great Sermon Experiment, Week 2

Text 1: Galatians 2:15-21
Gospel: Luke 7:36-8:3

The Galatians passage is one of the most famous in the Bible, especially the clincher: "I have been crucified in Christ, and I no longer live. . ."

The connection between the two, I think, is the idea of simple faith - there is no need to worry about the law, about being self-righteous, about earning God's favor. We already have it. So Paul's great statement of "the son of God who loved me" connects with the sinful woman embracing the love of Jesus. Paul's comments about the Law are lived out in the Pharisee Jesus is talking with. The call of the two is to live the life of faithful acceptance that Jesus loves us. End of story.

Some questions to ponder:
1) How do these texts impact you? What emotional response do you have when reading them?
2) What do you see as the central meaning of Luke's story? What is Jesus trying to accomplish with the Pharisee? What is Luke trying to get us to understand?
3) Paul's message here is a wonderful summary of the Gospel. How would you explain his meaning to a friend? co-worker? neighbor? child?
4) Have these texts had any special meaning in your life so far? How have they been a part of your story?
5) Can you think of any good illustrations that open up these texts? Any songs, films, stories you know that speak to the same issues here?

One Glad Morning

I know, I know. God always shows up. Well, in point of fact, God is always present, so saying he "shows" up isn't exactly accurate. But sometimes the veil is lifted a tiny bit and we know, beyond a doubt, that God is present with his people.

This morning the worship was transparent enough to hear the angels singing. I wasn't sure how things would go, as we threw in a brand new song and a couple that are new within the last year or so, but the Body stuck with us and carried the worship to new heights. By the time we reached the end of "This is My Father's World," the rafters were lifting and the Spirit was moving. Later, for the second time since coming to Lakebay, I received a round of applause at the end of the sermon. I don't take credit - I just trust the Word struck a chord and people were moved.

And one more thing. Shortly before the service I was in prayer with two men, and I felt led to pray that any spirit of divisiveness, anger, or dissension would be forced from the building. At that exact moment, the one person who, this morning, was most prone to cause any division or dissension stood up and left the building in a hurry, no explanation given.

I think the Spirit cleared the way to move, in answer to a simple prayer, and we were the richer for it. Praise be to God.

Friday Random Bonanza

The WeatherAh, the weather. The top finally came off the Jeep Wednesday. In Washington, going topless in May is always a sketchy prospect. You know rain is right around the corner. But how could I pass up this opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and 80-degree temps? Unless you've driven along the shoreline, or through the woods, in a Jeep with the top off. . .It's a Jeep thing. You wouldn't understand. The Purdy Spit was a whole new experience.

The NewsThe Key Peninsula geoduck fight makes it back into the news again, this time in the Tacoma News Tribune. For those new to the discussion, one family wants to grow geoducks on their shoreline (approximately 500 yards from where we live), in order to make some money to offset their astronomically high property taxes. Everybody else is afraid doing that will ruin the "pristine" shoreline. It's local politics par excellence. Somebody needs a class in conflict management. Or Washington needs to figure out how to stop runaway property tax increases.

Life
Last fall, Lakebay Community Church blessed us with a gift certificate to a resort about an hour away, on the Hood Canal. We finally get to use it next week. My parents are coming over here to watch the girls, giving usI complete freedom for 48 hours. I was hoping to take advantage of some outdoor opportunities - kayaking, biking, hiking - but now they are saying the rain is returning on Monday. So maybe it will be just sitting by the fire, or in the hot tub, relaxing. One way or the other, it will be nice.

Of course, that means this place will stay a little quiet the early part of next week. The Sermon Experiment Texts might be a little late, or a little early. We'll see.

In Case you hadn't found itYou need to bookmark Nasa's Astronomy Picture of the Day. You get to see stuff like this:














That's Messier 65, a spiral galaxy about 35 million miles from earth.

Something New I LearnedI always thought cookies were only placed on your computer when you visited websites, and that only those website put cookies on your computer. I recently changed the settings on my Firefox browser to notify me whenever somebody wants to put a cookie on my computer. Turns out websites will stick cookies in your computer if you simply google them. Plus all the ads in websites? They stick cookies on your computer, too. So if you visit, say, a website offering financial information, and on the borders of said websites are a couple of advertisements for financial help seminars/books/classes - often those advertised websites are sticking cookies on your computer along with the actual site you visited.

Maybe you already knew that. I didn't.

And, lastly, the Friday Random 10Eclectic bunch today, but all good. Some bluegrass, some classical, some gospel, some new stuff, some old stuff, some ancient stuff. #1,2, and 6 are probably my three favorite female singers. We saw #3 performed live at last year's Puyallup Fair. #4 I missed out on by one year - Erich Kunzel, director of the Cincinnati Pops, visited APU to check out our choir for his Gospel Project, and was duly impressed, inviting the group out to record his album and do a live performance. Alas, I was a senior the year of his visit, and so took part in the impressing, but not the recording.

1. Norah Jones/Dolly Parton – Creepin’ In
2. Alison Krauss and Union Station – So Long, So Wrong
3. David Crowder – You Are My Joy
4. Azusa Pacific University Choir w/ the Cincinnati Pops – Amen!
5. Ricky Skaggs and Earl Scruggs – American Roots
6. Diana Krall – I’ll string along with you
7. Bebo Norman – Where the Angels Sleep
8. Derek Webb – Awake My Soul
9. Kathleen Battle – Rejoice
10. The Dillards – The Whole World ‘Round

Quick note

Apparently some of the newbies have been having a hard time leaving comments. I've changed the settings, making it easier on you all. So if you tried, and were rebuffed, try, try again.

I'll leave it this way unless I start getting a whole bunch o' spam

Moving Down in the World

The greater Seattle area was recently listed as the 6th-worst spot for car thefts in the United States. That's a bad thing. But, the greater Modesto area, where we lived a mere 18 months ago, is up there at the 5th-worst spot (you can read the list here). I guess that means that our cars are a little safer now.

Still, makes you wonder - every one of the top 10 spots is out here in the West. Are there no car thieves on the East Coast?

The Great Sermon Experiment, Take One

{Through the summer, I am asking people within our church body to take part in the creation of the Sunday sermon. This is the first installment of our project. Anybody who happens in here is welcome to join in the discussion, although a certain group of people have been asked to take the lead. Please leave your thoughts and insights in the comment box below}

Texts for Sunday, June 10

The primary text will be Psalm 146. This text begins the set of “Hallelujah!” Psalms – the final five Psalms, which all begin with “Hallelujah!” (often translated “Praise the Lord!”).

The basic structure is this:

Intro: I will praise the Lord
Command: Don’t trust human leaders
Purpose of Command: They’ll die
Statement of Blessing (with a subtle hint of expected action): Blessed are those who trust God.
Reasoning behind blessing: list of God’s attributes
Conclusion: Praise the Lord

Things to ponder:

1) What is the central point of this text? What is the Psalmist trying to say?

2) Who/what do we put our trust in, if not in God?

3) Which of the attributes of God speaks to you? Why?

4) What does this text call us to do?

5) How would you live out this text in your workplace/school/home?

Supporting texts will be:

1 Kings 17:7-16 and Luke 7:11-17

1) How do these texts support the message of the Psalm?

2) How would you describe our God, specifically based on these texts?

3) Is there an ethical duty for us to take away from these stories? Are we being called to do anything?

4) How would your reading of these texts influence the way you live your life?

Finally, what examples of these texts can you think of from your own life? From movies you’ve seen or songs you’ve heard or books you’ve read? Are there any modern-day parallels to these three texts?

Book Update

I'm still working through To Continue the Dialogue: Biblical Interpretation and Homosexuality. Homosexuality is obviously a huge issue in the Church today, and I don't see it being settled any time soon. The debate continues to rage, churches continue to divide, and, as society becomes more and more interested in "tolerance," those churches who choose to treat homosexual practice as sin are going to be viewed by outsiders with suspicion and anger. It is my contention that we all need to think deeply about this issue, if only to "be ready to give an answer" to our belief and practice. If a gay couple walks into my church, I want to be ready to speak to them from the wrestling I've done, not from a pamphlet I read somewhere.

Unfortunately, so far at least, this book has not been the help I thought it might be. There have been a few small nuggets here and there, but, at least in framing the discussion, it's left me wanting more. The general feel through the first eight chapters has been almost passive-aggressive. Perhaps that's the Mennonite way showing through - above all, desiring to be "nice" and not offend anyone. Thus we read "The Bible says homosexual activity is a sin" but then "so we must still be open to hear all sides of the discussion and be willing to change our position if necessary."

One particularly troubling chapter was the one attempting to lay out the biblical framework for the discussion. The logic essentially went like this:
- All the verses supposedly condemning homosexuality (and all the reasons why they actually don't)
- All the ways to rightly interpret those verses, thus showing they have nothing to do with homosexuality
- Now let's look at the two options and decide which is the right one.

In other words, it wasn't a fair framework to begin with.

I was also surprised by one author using Richard Hays, who actually concludes that same-sex sexual activity is outside the will of God, to support his position that there is nothing inherently wrong with homosexual activity.

I'm trying hard to have an open mind and not bring all my presuppositions into the reading of this book, but it's hard when I watch people posturing and refusing to take their own stands. Maybe it's just me; I prefer to see two well-defined positions, hear their supporting arguments, and then decide between the two. That's not what is happening here.

However, let me share one of the better passages I've read:
From either perspective, however, I am often deeply offended by the rhetoric I hear and the things written by my brothers and sisters in the church. I find the attitudes expressed, and the lack of respect and care for the gay and lesbian person, disappointing, and at times very painful. Too many times people speak on this subject out of ignorance. Too many who speak have never held a significant conversation with gay or lesbian persons in order to understand their experience and to care for them. Too many of our gay and lesbian sons and daughters in the church have no one in the church who cares for them as persons, no one who prays for them, no one to express interest in their spiritual life.

Instead, I hear people in church circles again and again reflect the anger, fear, and disgust of our society. When I as a parent hear judgment without genuine care for the person, I feel deeply disillusionment and grief."

A Post for Pentecost

Late yesterday evening Olivia and I were walking along the Western shore of Penrose Point State Park, enjoying the setting sun and the excitement of all the campers showing up for the Memorial Day weekend. Clara rode high up on my shoulders.

The wind picked up, rustling the new leaves on the maples and firs to our left.

Olivia: "Daddy, why can't you see the wind?"
Me: "Because it is made out of air, and you can't see air. You can only see what it does - moving the branches, swirling the leaves, rippling the water in the bay. You can't see wind; you can only see the effect it has on everything around it."

John 1:8 - "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Perhaps the Spirit was reminding us that he's still around, 2000 years after the first Pentecost.

[As a bonus gift, we found our first ripe berry of the season and shared it together.]

My Theory, If I Were a Scientist

This weekend is our annual rummage sale at Lakebay, so the church fellowship hall is a mess. Full of all sorts of . . . stuff. All waiting to be picked up by bargain hunters tomorrow morning. It's been fun experiencing all the activity around here this week - the constant stream of people dropping stuff off, the workers here to sort and price. I've sat in my office and listened to all the conversations of people working together to set this thing up.

But it's got me thinking about a new scientific theory I might develop. I'm going to call it the Endless Stuff Cycle, or the ESC for short. The ESC postulates that there is an endless chain of Stuff circling around our little planet, jumping from place to place by way of garage sales, rummage sales, thrift stores, and unwanted Christmas presents.

One possible example (there are many) would be this: Item is purchased at Wal-Mart by Person A, who gives it to Person B as a present. Person B pretends to like it, but then puts in in the basement for about 6 months, until they decide to take all such items and sell them in their driveway as a garage sale. Person C sees Item and says "this is just what I've been needing! And it's such a bargain!" They purchase Item, take it home, and promptly forget about it. Person C's spouse takes Item to the local church for their rummage sale. Person D sees Item on the church table and says "my best friend at work could certainly use this! And it's such a bargain!" They purchase and hand deliver Item to to Person E, who says "Oh, you shouldn't have!" Person E uses item in their next White Elephant Gift Exchange, where Person F "wins" the item. Person F quickly donates Item to the Goodwill. . .and on and on it goes.

Of course, the diabolical thing is that, while all such items are swirling around the Endless Vortex, manufacturers are perpetually dumping more and more Items into the system, using Wal-Mart and the Home Shopping Network as their conduits. Thus, the ESC is becoming more and more crowded, and will one day hit critical mass, at which point all heck will break loose upon the earth. Economies will shatter, landfills will supernova, our storage units and garages will refuse to accept one more Item.

Anyway, it's still just a theory at this point. I haven't done the research to prove it yet. But it works for me, so it's the truth I'm going to work with.

By the way, if you want any stuff, we've got a lot here at the church for you to peruse over the weekend.

It's Official

Jorge, Karina's brother-in-law, starts work at Boeing in Seattle in early July, so they'll be moving up from the Bay Area in late June.

I had always assumed we'd do the split-family thing - my family in Seattle, Karina's in California. Until Lakebay called, I had assumed we'd stay in California and have to make the regular visits to Seattle. Never did I assume that both sides of the family would be in the same area; even less did I think that would all happen up here.

Sometimes God blesses us, even when we aren't looking for it.

The Great Sermon Experiment

I've decided to do an experiment for the summer. I'm going to call it Online-Collaborative-Sermon-Making.

I'm going to preach the lectionary texts over the summer. Somewhere around Tuesday of each week, I'll post the texts for the next Sunday's sermon (the Sunday 1 1/2 weeks out), along with a few comments on said text. I've invited a number of people from our church to join me in reading the texts and my comments, and then responding with their own observations, questions, ideas, illustrations, and the like. I will then take all those pieces into account when I put the sermon together in the next 10 or so days.

I've already asked 5-6 people to be a part, but all who read this blog are welcome to join in the conversation.

I think we'll begin next week. This Sunday is Pentecost, and the next Sunday I'm going to do something dealing with Creation, as Spring is hard upon us and Summer is almost here, so the lectionary texts would begin June 10. Which means I'll post the first texts, with comments, next Tuesday.

I look forward to allowing extra voices in the process. It'll be up to all who are part of Lakebay (i.e. those who actually hear the sermons) to decide whether or not the experiment is a success.

Train Watching in Seattle

A special steam train excursion was run in Seattle over the last weekend. It was special for a couple reasons - the engines were two of the more famous steam engines in the U.S. (the SP 4449 and the UP 844), and this was the first time they had ever doubleheaded. We went over Friday morning and watched them pass through Carkeek Park, and then on Saturday we were downtown so headed over to the Olympic Sculpture Park to watch it pass by. Here are some pictures Karina got: (btw - if you want a few more, click on the "my picasa album" link to the right)

Finally

The girls got home last night. Or, to be more specific, this morning. Their flight got into Seatac around 10:30, so it was well after midnight by the time we pulled back into the driveway.

But they are home, and they are well, and all is well with the world.

The Gospel according to Mandy Patinkin, and one more word about Jerry Falwell

On the ipod, two songs come out back-to-back (as I'm mowing the lawn). Both are from Mandy Patinkin's Album "Dress Casual."

The first - "Trouble in River City," the jaw-cramp-inducing sales job from Meredith Willson's The Music Man. The second - "There are Giants in the Sky," from Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods.

I couldn't help but notice the juxtaposition. The first is a sheister attempting to sell band instruments using the ages-old "Fear-based" method. Create a fear, then attempt to fill it with your product. The second is about grace and love - a young man finds himself surrounded by giants in a land far far away, yet finds safety first in the motherly love of the female giant, and then eventually finds grace and mercy back in his own home. The first speaks of danger and protection, the second of fear and love.

Jerry Falwell fell well into a long line of preachers who use the first method. Stir up fear. Talk fast and loud and play on emotions of uncertainty and fright. The fear of hell if you sin. The fear of America falling to terrorists if we allow gays certain rights. The fear of our children living in a hellish America if we allow feminists to speak. Go back to the revival preachers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Hellfire and Brimstone preachers are famous in our land. Even our billboards have God saying "Don't make me come down there!" as if God is the angry parent, and if we don't shape up then he's gonna give us a whuppin!

So they create fear - fear of hell, fear of gays, fear of feminists, fear of God, fear of the unknown - and they they sell you their nicely packaged product ("I heard there's going to be a boys' band!"). In this case, their product is a certain religio-political worldview. Vote a certain way. Believe a certain way. Behave a certain way. Fight back against the gays and feminists and democrats in the name of Jesus! Pray this prayer and you'll be safe from hell! (Get you kids in the boys' band to keep them away from the pool hall where they say things like "so's your old man!") Fear based religion. Fear based political work. I made you afraid. Now I'm going to sell you my product.

Compare that to "Giants in the Sky." Where Jack finds himself in a strange land, in great danger, and someone "comes along the hall to swallow you for lunch." And you know your own fear - "your heart is lead and your stomach stone and you're really scared being all alone." And the answer "And you scramble down and you look below. . .The roof, the house, and your mother at the door, The roof, the house, and the world you never thought to explore. . ." It's about coming home. It's about grace. It's about finding love and acceptance. It's the story of the prodigal son who comes home to find his father waiting at the gate, and then running to meet him on the way.

Which is the biblical image? I have to say the latter. While I dare not judge the eternal state of Falwell's soul, I grieve for the way he (and those like him) chose to sell a God of fear and hatred, for the way they tried to sell that God through fear like Harold Hill tried to use "the presence of a pool hall" to sell his band instruments. The Bible speaks to the reality of judgment, yes, but the overall message is one of grace to people who are broken and lost, who just want to come home, who find that God has been patiently waiting all along. Would that the Church could speak that message - one of love, compassion, and healing, waiting for the wanderers to come home again. There might just be a little less anger and division out there.

Jerry Falwell Dead

The story, among other places, here.

Like so many, he did a lot of good, and he did a lot of harm. He will probably go down in history as the hero of many, and the embarrassment of many more. For me, he was the first person I thought of on 9/11. One of my prayers that morning was "Please, God, don't let Falwell make a public pronouncement about this being God's judgment because of the gays. . ." Unfortunately, I think it only took a couple days for Jerry to do just that. I'm sure the days ahead will be filled with mourning and rejoicing, depending on which side of the spectrum you find yourself. If he was anything, he was a polarizing figure. Unfortunately, at least in the public sphere, he seemed much more interested in judging than in offering grace. I trust that he has met the God who is much more interested in offering grace to sinners than he ever was.

I'm feelin' it. . .

Let's just say I've never been a huge fan of working out. It seems like too much work without getting anywhere. Same for jogging. Too much sweat and you don't go very far.

But biking on the other hand - the wind in your face, the road unwinding beneath you, the trees whipping by at your side - that I enjoy. And I've been needing to get back into shape for awhile now, and spring is hear, and I've had a lot of time on my hands with the girls in California, so lately I've been doing a lot of bike riding. Mostly a 5 mile ride near our house, or the 10-mile roundtrip to Key Center, or an 8-10 mile ride around Pt. Defiance Park in Tacoma.

Today I pushed it and did a 25-mile ride along the Burke-Gilman trail in Seattle, from my parents' house to Gasworks Park and back. It was a beautiful day for a ride. Mid-60s, cloudless skies, flowers in bloom, slight cooling breeze. It was exhilarating, actually. But let's just say the last 5 miles found my legs turning to jello. And let's just say I've been in pain the rest of the day. Let's just say I'm feelin' the burn, as it goes.

But I saw a lot of people, scooted around some ducks, passed through the all the UW excitement, rode along Lake Washington and Lake Union, I burned about 1200 calories, and I didn't harm the environment in the slightest. That's the kind of workout I can get into.

Study Time

I'm going to learn how the Mennonites are speaking to the issue of homosexuality and the Church. Should be an interesting read, since they always come at these issues from angles other than the normal ones.

From the intro:
"What this issue should be about is discernment: trying to discern the will and way of God on this matter at the threshold of the third millennium of the Christian Era. I know, others will disagree with this premise. For some, the issue is standing up for an oppressed minority; for others, it is standing up for the truth as they know it. (Is there any other?) But if we can't step back from our own positions long enough to hear the perspectives of others, then dialogue, if not discernment, is foiled.

In many such cases, the schismatics are putting their own convictions, ideas, and religious experiences - egos, too - ahead of the unity of the body and this treasure we call peoplehood. Whereas I am not comfortable with the current struggle over the 'H-issue,' as one chapter in this book calls it, I am even more discontented with the flight option [running away from each other and the debate].

What I plead for, instead, is a commitment to the common struggle of discovering God's will for us. To do this, we need at least the following: confession, empathy, humility, patience, and prayer."

Whenever I read stuff like that, I'm convinced that the Mennonites and Covenanters are cut out of much the same cloth. So I think I'm going to get a lot of good from this book. I'll let you know.

Free Advertisement

Lakebay's own Roshni Robert is having an art showing in Tacoma, with a grand opening this Saturday. Here's the information:


the four winds
works from the country,
including watercolours in found frames
by roshni robert

opening reception may 12th, 2007 5-8pm

may and june may and june 2007
blackwater cafe
747 fawcett ave.
tacoma, wa 98402

M-F... 6:30am to 9pm
Sa..... 8am to 9pm
Su..... 8am to 7pm

Ahh, Spring

Yesterday was one of those days that make the rest of the world jealous of us here in the Puget Sound area. Clear blue skies, Mt. Rainier sitting like a large scoop of vanilla ice cream on the Cascades, seagulls wheeling over the waters. I rode my bike around Pt. Defiance park for awhile. I watched osprey diving for fish, eagles riding the winds high overhead. I rode through the cool evergreen forests of Pt. Defiance, I parked and watched a tug pull a barge down the Narrows toward the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. I rode the winding roads alongside rose gardens and rhododendron gardens in full bloom, I whizzed past sunbathers working on their early tans.

And I thought, nobody could ever convince me there is a more beautiful place to live.

Let's Think About This For A Moment. . .

Item #1: Spotted on the back of a pickup in Port Orchard approximately 2 1/2 weeks ago: One yellow sticker attached to rear window, with the following text: "Official Terrorist Hunting Permit/Serial #91101/No Bag Limit."

Four inches below said bumper sticker was another one: a bright, shiny, silver fish with the name "Jesus" inside.

Item #2: On Monday as I drove into Tacoma, a small green sports car with 3-4 younger people inside passed me by in the carpool lane, driving somewhere in the 90-100 mph range. As they got ahead of me they weaved in and out of traffic in order to maintain their extremely high rate of speed. Clearly visible on their back bumper was a bright, shiny "Jesus" fish.

Item #3: Early this morning as I made my way across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on my way to the Pierce County Prayer Breakfast, a silver Jeep Wrangler (Rubicon Edition) rode approximately 2 inches off my bumper, headlights brightly reflecting in my mirror. All along Highway 16 through Tacoma he remained approximately 2 inches off my bumper. As soon as the carpool lane ended and opened to all traffic, he shot into that lane and blew away at a high rate of speed.

No Jesus fish on this one. But 3 hours later, as I left the prayer breakfast and headed back to my car, I spotted the exact same Jeep in the parking lot, with the exact same driver inside. I guess tailgating is justified if you are A Really Important Person on your way to Really Important Prayer Meetings.

I was going to write a witty conclusion here, but I think you're all smart enough to get the point, right? So let me just say this:

If you're going to claim to be a follower of Christ, THEN DON"T ACT LIKE A BLOOMIN' IDIOT when you're out in public. Your actions speak much louder than your little bumper sticker.

End of an Era

CBC-Ecuador held their final commencement over the last few weekend. CBC-Canada is holding its final commencement this coming weekend. Then, that's all she wrote.

In the News

The May KP news came out yesterday. On the front cover is an article of Lakebay's own Sam Shake, pointing to an article inside telling the story of Sam's upcoming European trip this summer. On the back page are two pictures take by Karina, one of the bald eagles over Home last month, and one of the Lakebay sunrise service. And on their website they have a picture of Linda Anderson's daughter-in-law Heidi Whittemore receiving an award. So I'd say the Lakebay Community Church family did pretty well this month.

Clara in Mexico

Catching up

A few months ago I mentioned that this summer is my 20th High School reunion. I suggested, and was given the assignment, that we set up an online message board where we could all go and tell our stories before the reunion, maybe even start some conversations and rekindle (maybe that's not the best word) some old friendships. The idea being that, when we all see each other next August, we have some sense of where everybody has been, what they've been up to, and we're already well on the road to catching up, instead of looking at each other saying "So, how long ago did you become a Harri Krishna?"

So far about 9 people have signed up and shared their stories. And it really has been interesting to read what they've been up to (even as I write this it occurred to me that I'm the only male-type person on that list. Does that mean something?). Some have known real tragedy, some have suffered the end of marriages, most have had kids, at least one is on the opposite side of the country, one was down in L.A. during the same time I was down there, some are doing really well and some are still trying to sort life out.

It's hard, of course, not to picture them as 18-year olds, which is what they were the last time I saw most of them. It's hard to picture them aging at all (after all, I haven't gotten any wrinkles or gray hair or extra pounds. . .). It also brings home what a short time 20 years really is. Graduation doesn't seem that far back. I guess the good thing is that we're still closer to young than old - we're still all on the short side of 40, anyway.

I remember my sister being amazed at her reunion at just how badly many of her classmates had turned out. From what I'm reading, the class of '87 did ok. And reading their stories has got me all the more excited to see them in person again.

One final note - doing this has opened my eyes again to the fact that we were a pre-digital generation. It's amazing how many of our classmates don't seem to have email addresses, or any web presence, for that matter. Many of my former classmates appear to have dropped into the black hole that is non-internet people. . .