newpreachin

Newsletter January 2009

2009-01-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

From the Pastor,
Here I am at the end of one year, peering desperately into the next year. Watching the news and listening to those who might be prophetic trying to get a glimpse of what is to come.
The negative outlook of many in the news world would be enough to make me want to go hide in a cave. This doom and gloom is okay for the world but I live in a different place. I live with a Savior who promises not to desert me. I live in a place where there is always hope and that this hope lies in something that this world cannot see but only believe in. I live in a place that calls me to share from the great abundance I have. I live in a world that is blessed richly.
This is the difficult portion of being a Christian in the world. We have this hope secured in us and at the same time face the difficulty of living in a world that appears to be consumed with self preservation and self advancement. This is a place where Christians and the world part company. As the scriptures make clear – (1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV) The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
If this is true and you really believe it then I have a proposition for the New Year. The idea is that we begin to live as though we are all one. This would mean cooperation and sharing of all resources given to us not only individually but as a congregation and then as a gathering of congregations and then as a presbytery and then as a synod and then………………………
You see this has implications far beyond us but it must begin at the base. We become the base of the whole body, us and those like us. For a little more of the picture imagine we at this church, (either Stuart Community or Atkinson Presbyterian) begin to live as though we are one together. This means that when there is a project or program it is with us all, not just one or two but the entire group becomes the project. Mull this over a bit, try to see in your mind the ministry of the church is your ministry. Your response to it is very integral to its success.
I suppose to add a little clarity I would need to give some additional scripture so try to picture it like this (Romans 12:4 & 5 NIV) Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
As it says here we all have a place or function in the work of the church. Even when we do not totally agree with the majority we are to have a positive roll in the ministry of Christ. I hope a picture of each of us contributing to the whole is starting to grow in you.
The beginning of this vision moves us to the next level and that would be that we begin to see ourselves as part of the larger picture. Maybe you feel insignificant and unimportant but you are a very important piece of the whole. With a vision of being totally with the rest of the congregation lets step it up a bit and take it to the next level.
Two churches, separate entities yet filled with believers who are interconnected one to the other. These two churches then become part of the body with the same thing applying to them as to the individual. As a congregation you are part of the larger body. This is a vision of one church with two worship/ministry centers in two towns. This may be very difficult to assimilate as it will require a release of independence just like in your personal life. If you can take this step with me it will open a multitude of possibilities. You are already there in principle as you are a parish together.
If we begin to vision that there are not two churches but only one with two places of ministry we would see far more cooperation and work between the two. Imagine the resources that could be shared. I am not sure if anyone has considered what can be shared but maybe we could begin this journey by asking what we have to share.
I can already feel some anxiety growing and the accusation that there is a plot to undermine and do away with one or the other. This is not what this is about. It is about growing and doing more ministry. This is about living the Scriptures out in our lives. We need supported by and to support one another. I am suggesting that the work and the connection be joined deeper and moved further. I do not intend to stop a vision here either as it reaches much further so please stay with me.
If this vision is to get where I see the Bible leading then we must go on. There is the vision of each of us being a part of a larger body and most of the time we can deal with that as we are members of a particular church. The vision grows and gets more difficult as you move to a place that says you not only give up your personal identity (somewhat) to be part of a greater picture, but you are then asked to give up a lot of that identity to be a piece of an even greater picture.
If you haven’t thrown out the letter by now and determined to rid the church of my presence lets move to an even greater vision. Imagine if you can that these two churches now united as one join with yet another church. For ease of seeing imagine this same principle were added to the O’Neill and Bethany churches. (I have not talked of this with them so this is an example only.) As the body grows there is far more to it and it has even greater resources to share for ministry. Just look at the things we may have added; people, equipment, dollars, ideas, energy, prayer, and the list goes on.
This then begins to snowball and these congregations join with others and the cooperation and support begin to grow. There are now opportunities in education and ministry and mission. There are the tools needed to build greater relationships and to help even more people struggling to face life. Hope is given where hope did not exist and everyone begins to have needs met and finally there is a great outreach in the name of Christ.
As this grows we then have a Presbytery and then a Synod and on and on it goes. Well guess what we have done. We have built a denomination that is for the advancement of the Gospel and the building up of the Saints. It all starts with us and our commitment to Christ. If we are about protecting what we have and getting more then we have missed the mark. I cannot tell you what the future holds but I do know we are called to service and service is giving. If the body is called to service and you are holding back on your part then the body is being compromised. This is not something that can become in an instant but with work and dedication we can begin the journey.
This is the beginning of living a life in Christ. It has been with much prayer and hesitation that I put this before you. The risk is there that we lose much of what we have been but as with a new year I invite you on a new journey. I will begin walking this journey with you as the New Year opens its doors to us. I will need input from all who want to vision a greater kingdom. The church as well as our nation will be changed in the coming months and years regardless of our wishes. If we begin moving and relish the adventure we may accomplish great things. The danger of holding too tight and not moving was brought clear to me as I talked with a mentor and was told, “you only coast going down hill.”
I leave you with these thoughts as a new day dawns and the glory of Christ draws ever nearer.
Grace and peace to you, Pastor Wayne

Balanciing the budget

2008-11-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

I heard on the radio today a financial program and the little I heard was about being faithful with the money God gives us. The guy said even if we got everyone in the world debt free he didn't think that would be God's calling to faithful with our money. He went on to say something about all that we have is God's and we are trustees not owners.
Any thoughts????
WaynO

Change

2008-11-02T06:17:00.000-08:00

Likely don't have the time to post now but better while mind will allow. Inspiration is sporadic these days and I keep busy with lots of personal property improvements. Have put in new sidewalk and putting building in backyard (hopefully so I can use wood working equip) that was purchased from city so must be moved by next week.
Jobs are full time or so it seems as I had funeral for 18 yr old who had pneumonia and then cardiac arrest. Real sudden so family in numb mode for now.
Sunday here and time change so seems like I have lots of it but will likely be late all day. ;o)
Read Shaun's blog and realized that as he said wife told him he does not like change I thrive on it. Likely both of us like our way for same reason, don't have to deal so much with reality. Shaun I am no therapist but I know I like change because if it comes fast enough there is no time to worry about cleaning up the messes. Then I got to thinking that the times when there is no change I can live a life of programmed response.
Enough of all that, just great to be alive in a world where one candidate is promising to take my guns or at the least raise the tax 500% and the other I am just curious about. Lots of stuff in this election and it will no doubt bring huge change to an already tumultous world.
Grace and Peace WaynO

newsletter for November

2008-10-25T05:25:00.000-07:00

I sent this out to a few trusted souls for comment and got from tears to you really need an editor for the grammar and presentation. Read on WaynO
As I talk about being missional and understand it is a lifestyle I often wonder what everyone else is thinking about it. If there is truly some change taking place in the lives of those who read what I write and those who hear what I preach and those who study the Bible with me? I wonder if I even get the whole thing at times but it is such a burden I carry that I have no choice but to try and share with others this strange life commitment and way of living.
At times I want to give up on this whole thing and just go back to living a comfortable and less stressed life. Then I get to be a chaplain to someone who is a hospice patient and to minister to their family. I get a chance to reach out to a young person and help with some struggle they are having. There is the life changing event of losing ones freedom by moving into an apartment or skilled nursing facility. Maybe it is a child moving out of the house or one seemingly going the wrong way down the highway of life. There is always a place in someones life I get to move in and be part of that life and hopefully be a positive and supportive presence.
Or maybe I get all that and then read something like this. It is this that most of us are searching for and don’t find for a plethora of reasons. Some reasons we understand and some we never quite get a handle on. Some of us find this and others will struggle through life trying to get here. The article here from the blog “Kingdom Grace” which I read regularly.

Communities of Transformation (October 16, 2008)
I wonder if this is possible.
Our communities are filled with people desperate to unburden themselves in the presence of another, to be known at a level where the only antidote to disdain is grace, to sink beneath death’s dark waters while in the grip of a set of strong hands that promise to raise them up into newness of life.
If we have no one we really trust, no one we can talk through our failures with then we are truly alone. It doesn’t matter what level of commitment we have to a group or organization.
One of the reasons why so many people find their way out of conventional churches is that they are lonely and disconnected in a sea of activity. For a long time they believed that sitting and listening was participating in community. They believed that being in a small group was being supported and loved. They come to sense a huge disconnect.
The heart of ministry is to be Jesus to one another. Too often we overload ourselves with activities that have value but have so captured our attention that they insulate us from each other. We avoid the heart of ministry because it is too hard.
We can’t flee from commitment to each other, we must give grace when we are harmed, and we must love when it is inconvenient. Becoming like Jesus is a sacrifice that most of us are unwilling to make and that is why we lack so much.
(The Heart of Ministry - Leighton Tebay)

Then I went to the blog Grace picked some of this from and found a deeper sense of what church is all about. It is from “Abductive Columns” another blog about why the church is falling apart. Following is an excerpt from it.

One Snapshot in Grace
We must ask why so few are willingly die to themselves in community. Why we so rarely journey from self-dependence through the valley of death to life in the Spirit in the presence of a connecting guide? Where are the spiritual leaders, the elders of God’s people? Where are the spiritual leaders, the shepherds of the flock? Where are the people who can listen well and guide us through our problems to the Father’s heart and regard it as their calling to do so? Whatever became of the idea that all believers are priest?
Our communities are filled with people desperate to unburden themselves in the presence of another, to be known at a level where the only antidote to disdain is grace, to sink beneath death’s dark waters while in the grip of a set of strong hands that promise to raise them up into newness of life.
In recent conversations, I’ve asked a number of Christ-followers if they had someone in their lives whose strength and wisdom encouraged them to make themselves fully known. Every last one of them answered the same way: “I’d give my right arm to have someone like that in my life. There’s so much going on inside me that I’d love to share, not to find answers necessarily but just so someone knew. But I have no one like that.” (FPeatross)

I apologize for the length of this letter but it is something we need to deeply consider and make some life change in regard to. There is a song I think was sung by the Gatlin Brothers that said something about “looking for companionship but it just gets in the way” and often it is this that keeps us from sharing in the lives of others or others sharing in our lives.
As it is in the blogs, a very costly thing this giving up our lives to gain them. Letting someone in so close to our hearts that we can feel their heart beating with ours. Dropping the curtain of protection and reaching out without judgment but in love and concern and holding that other being close enough that we feel the heart beating. It is a two way street and that is what being one in the body of Christ is all about. Being one means we feel each others pain and joy, we dance together as we move through life holding each other up. We don’t get to pick and choose who it is we walk with, it as if God puts together those who need each other even when we would not choose to be close to the other.
This is a move on a personal level that will ultimately take us to a place beyond any we ever imagined and will offer a chance for change in the entire “Body of Christ.” Consider this an invitation to participate, an invitation to take a chance on a new life. If you are a real believer in Jesus Christ you are called to become a “new person” filled with the Holy Spirit, and on a journey into the “Kingdom of God.” I will be here waiting and watching to walk this journey with all of you.
Grace and Peace, Pastor Wayne

newsletter for September

2008-08-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

From the Pastor,
It is amazing when I think that summer is almost past and fall with all of its colors, fresh crisp air, harvest celebrations, school beginnings and the church resuming its full and vibrant self is right here in front of us. Amazing when I stop and consider all that has gone into the summer and all that is about to go into the programming of fall and winter. The amazement is how everyone begins to move together, regroup, and set on the journey of education and serious learning about God and his son Jesus.
Almost as amazing as the effort that everyone puts into the church is the vast amount of opportunities that present themselves for our enjoyment and our growing in Christ. I have been searching for these chances for all of us to participate in and you will find many of them listed in the rest of this newsletter. As I looked at them it would seem there is something that almost everyone would be interested in and would benefit from attending.
For the lasts several years I have attended “Beyond Survival” hosted by Sheridan Lutheran Church in Lincoln. It is amazing how relevant it is to working in ministry and the new thoughts and transformations that can come to those who attend just in the worship provided.
In the past I have attended “Wee Kirk Conferences” in various locations. You can read about it as well in on the places to go page. Dean Seger has been attending regularly and can describe it far better than words on paper. It is designed for churches just like this one, small and committed.
Other opportunities are out there and I hope as many as can, will go and get energized so you can come back filled up and get the rest of us going. If you would like to attend and there is not enough money for you let me know and I am sure it can be worked out.
Along with the opportunities to get out and learn new things is a chance to think about stewardship. The stewardship team at the Atkinson Presbyterian church has come up with some interesting ideas and challenges for all of you. It is along the lines of a life change or maybe it is recognizing that we have much of this in our life already. I want to encourage you to read what they have and consider how you might make your life more effective in your community.
Lastly I want to speak a bit about being missional. It is often that I find scripture to address something right in the lectionary I use each Sunday. If you would take a moment and read all of Romans chapter 12 it would be great. However if special attention is paid to verses 9 to the end you will find an apt description for missional living.
It is precisely that we enter each others lives to the point we know who weeps and laughs. That we know who in and out of the church needs attention and help. That we are careful about what we say to one another and about one another. It is the need we each have to live in community remembering that being a Christian is individual but that it is not done alone. Remember that God is the one dishing out the punishment and we are simply called to care for one another.
If we put it all together living a life focused on a stewardship lifestyle, participating with other believers for learning and support, caring for “the least of these” we will strengthen the kingdom for Christ. That is the work for this season, “Strengthening the Kingdom for Christ.” Keep in the game and lets make this a winter to remember for all that we do.
In Christ’s grace, WaynO

Unbelievable

2008-08-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it has been so long since I lasted posted. I seem to get busy and just let this go which is likely a good thing to neglect.
At any rate I have made the decision to call the churches I serve to task on missional. I am not sure that is the best word but it is the one in use at the moment. I am not sure how this is to happen or what it will look like but it is the focus and discovery is the excitement. I pray this works or at least we end up someplace that is closer to a calling of the Body of Christ into action.
Not a lot to post but will have new letter up for newsletter next week.
Grace and Peace WaynO

Just thinking

2008-08-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

I have been contemplating what the world thinks of us rich americans. We were blessed with the SIFA choir which is a group of young people (ages 7-17) from Uganda who are traveling the US singing and spreading the word about the plight of children there and in all of Africa.
They sing and take up a collection to build a school so they can have a better life and then pass that on to future generations.
As I sat listening to them I bagan to wonder what they think of us. I mean not what they say of how lucky we are and how generous we are. How they want to be like us in many ways. What struck me was, as I sat there in my posh pew, with a full stomach, clothes to wear and a beautiful family in my own home was; it is almost humurous how we sat there watching, enamored with the cute little black kids dancing and singing. How we sat so smuggly thinking how we are such heroes helping them get things better. We were so blessed.
It at first made me chuckle at the arrogance, for lack of a better word, of helping them out. We sat there and gave from our blessings so these little ones might have a better life. I know I keep saying a better life for them and that is what is projected to open our pockets. But then I offered up a prayer for them and the reality of it all overwhelmed me.
These are so like many little people in our society and we who are so rich look down on them and offer help. We look down from our ivory towers, well mine is lap sided and needs paint but it is mine and it is warm iin the winter and cool in the summer. What stuck my heart and nearly caused it to bleed all over the place, what took me to tears was we want to make them like us. We condescendingly look down and offer a pitance of what we could have and pat ourselves on the back and feel real good and say how we are walking like Jesus and and and!!!
I am not sure what this is about but I have been preaching to the congregation that we need to take those people by the hand and walk with them. Not just give a hand out to them but really extend a hand out to them. Like Jesus with his disciples and Peter getting out of the boat and sinking, give them a hand up and help them into the boat and help to calm the storm of life that is battering them.
I don't live in a big city with lots of homeless people but where I live there are many in need of much. I really need to get out and be with them more and along with that need to encourage the people I serve in the church to do the same. They are a caring people and do lots for the community so I need to give them a pat on the back for all they do.
But is it enough???? Is there something we are missing???? How can we begin to tell the story of love and forgiveness that we all claim????
Oh well I suppose the song is right --- Hello little starving Asian child, I would love to help you but right now I must finish this thesis on the devine right of kings!!! (from the 70's and at the moment can't get who)
WaynO

Still Wandering

2008-08-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

So here I am, still lost and confused but seeming to find a direction. I remember someone saying that Sunday worship or any worship for that matter needs a bit of chaos to keep it from being boring. Well I am absolutely adept at chaos. I left the stuff off the stage (whatever you call the raised part of the church that seperates the people from the leaders) and got a bit of questioning. Put back the "Table" (I felt lost without it) and that only brought up, "Where is the pulpit?"
I wonder what we really need to have worship? The issue is that the people are only comfortable with what is traditional. This weeks Gospel (Matt. 15.10-28) is great for talking about tradition. Is the question about the womans heritage the real question or is there an underlying lesson or some other info about Jesus we miss?
Oh well that is only a small part of the mess I live in. Have daughter living at home sometimes but others not home and no info as to what is happening. Did have fair and the youngest did well but not as well as previous years. Problem with fair is the projects begin so late. I mean not only late in the year (begin week before due) but late at night. After work and until morning so everyone is on short fuse and projects not quite as good as ought to be. Funny thing is I grew up this way and this is the 3rd child in 4-H. You would think something would begin to sink in!!!
Oh, well on to a new week trying to get sidewalk put in this being the 3rd year of working at it. Have a great week all, remember we are all washed in His grace and filled with his Peace.
WaynO

It is begun

2008-08-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

I posted my newsletter last post and have since begun a journey with a couple of congregations to open them up to a new way of living life. Preaching and encouraging a change in not only what the people do in their own lives but what they do with the resources the world has entrusted to them as the church gathered.
I will not leave unless asked to, I believe the church is alive and well in many different ways and in many places. If I continue to preach without actively calling the people to a higher level of commitment and action I will only perpetuate the past.
There are those who leave and do nothing, there are those who stay and do nothing but even the ones who are doing nothing need to be ministered to.
Living out ones faith is very personal and happens in a variety of ways. I find many in the traditional church that are living very missional lives that are seemingly seperate from the rest of the body.
In thinking about all this I find myself staddling a great chasm -- on the one side is the missional life of person and church, on the other is the faith and worship of a great number of people that may not resemble missional but is still a life filled with faith and commitment.
Will continue to walk the journey and see where I get.
WaynO

2008-07-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

So here it is in all its glory. I can not continue to simply preach the scriptures. There needs to be some response from the congregation that shows a real relationship with the Lord. Hope those I quoted are all okay with it and that I gave credit where due. Here is the newsletter for your comments.

So as I sat trying to think what to write to all of you this month it occurred to me that I have been trying for a couple of years to get a new thinking process going in the churches. This new thought would hopefully begin to engage us all in a different kind of life. A life that would be so different that people would wonder what was happening. This is a total change of lifestyle and would change the way we look at the world.
It is hopefully a move back to the church of the first century. A time close to Jesus when the believers lived in community and lived in such a way that they were caring for people around them as they worshipped God through Jesus Christ. This new way of thinking is best described as missional.
The first thing I noticed about missional was my spell checker says it is spelled incorrect. It is spelled correctly and is not a brand new way of being as many would lead you to believe. It is from the past, I have read books from the 60’s and also from the Bible and this is the way of Jesus. It is less about religion and more about faith and belief. It is about the way a person lives their life in relation to those around them. It is difficult to grasp at times so found this description on a web site called “Kingdom Grace” to help explain it.

What Is Missional? June 26, 2008
This article by Darryl Dash describes what Sanctuary, a missional community, looks like. It explains many of the ideas that I was trying to get across in my defining-missional post. I will share a few quotes, but I am sure you will be encouraged and inspired by the entire article.
In not Out
As we talked, we noticed that our language didn’t match up. We talked about Sanctuary as a mission; Greg talked about it as a community. We talked about targeting people; Greg talked about wanting to be with people where they are.
With not For
When we come to a community with a set of services, Greg explained, there’s a power dynamic at work. We serve; they receive. They remain disempowered. When we go into a neighborhood, spend time with them, listen to them, and allow them to serve us, we become servants, and the power imbalance disappears. The challenge is to find who the poorest people are in the neighborhood, and to discover how we can be with them.
Us not Them
Greg talked about lessons he’d learned: about becoming a church of the poor, rather than a church that only served the poor; of learning early on that he had to shut up and do more listening than talking; of getting past the idea that church is only a service on Sunday; of connecting with those who are broken by being vulnerable about our own brokenness.

That will not answer all the questions I am sure but it may spark a little interest in making some changes. Changes in church life and in personal lifestyle that will refresh us spiritually and take us to a new life in Christ. I will close with this reading:
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28-30(taken from The Message, by Eugene Peterson)
Pastor WaynO

------ Missional - sharing God’s love out among the people in our world ------

absolutely crazy

2008-06-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

You know that life gets so messed up sometimes because of lots of things. I find it many times to be people who mess up my life and maybe it is good messed up and sometimes bad. Once in a while, no most of the time my life is a mess because I take on to much. Makes it my fault then I suppose.
The last month or so has been abosolutely crazy, both good and bad some my mess some other peoples mess some like I said over extending myself. Whatever it is it causes me to check out after a while.
I took a part time job a year ago to go with being a full time pastor and volunteer chaplain and a dad and a lawn planting business and, and, and.
All was going quite well then another chaplain where I work parttime went on vacation and then the other one's sister fell ill and whammo I am in up to my arm pits. This and just as we begin extra worship for the summer.
Then daughter decides to move out from boyfriend (yippee -- gussy if you read this I am extatic) but a morning with my boys moving my daughter and a guy really upset and the cops there to keep the peace.
Oh and this missional thing keeps me on edge, you know trying to lead a couple of stuffy old style churches into missional thinking about makes me crazy too.
Nough venting here and I think I may be able to deal with it as I am back to the mountains for the 4th. Yeehaw can't wait.
WaynO
I really am absolutely crazy :o)

From a Deep Dark Hole

2008-05-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

I know that title sounds a bit strange but that is where it feels like I have been for a couple of weeks. Nothing will lift up my spirit, nothing will give me energy, and there is little that feels good right now.
Maybe it is a bit of overwork and burnout or maybe it is something that is moving in and around me. I never am quite able to put a finger on these dark spots of life but they are there for sure and I have learned to just try and live through them without hurting to many people around me.
Today is better, just had a couple days, well 3 actually off and went to the mountains which always picks me up a bit. Life on the plains is okay but it gets stuffy here and there is no place that seems to be spiritually higher than other. I know it sounds judgemental but I was born in the shadow of Pikes Peak and then off to the plains only to come home to Wyoming and the mountains for a major time in life.
Enough on all that we had rain and the world is a brighter place for that and the cloudy days really do lift my spirit some. The birds are happy and the grass is green, the garden is watered as the dust is out of the air. How can a person not feel a bit better.
Had so much to say and then I start typing and it is gone. Time is gone as well so will try to get more done. Did a bit of blog searching and noticed many others are offline as well so that helps as it makes me not feel all alone in the desire lacking department.
Have a great day all and happy blogging.
WaynO

What a week!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

2008-05-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

I was thinking that I needed to put up a new post this week as I have neglected this quite a bit. Just not up to all that is happening.
Well the new week came and it was a funeral for a woman who at 61 died quite unexpectedly. Took massive amounts of energy and was in the town 20 miles away so I just don't get all gathered up. It was in a church I have preached at but not a funeral and I am not sure how all of the equip works there and with a different funeral home than I am used to. Made it though and have a brand new insight about dying.
Then to put icing on the cake my 21 year old daughter was put in the hospital and had emergency surgery. God never prepared me for my children or my spouse to be sick. My wife and I were at the hospital from about 10 pm Wed to 5am thursday. Great new though, she just called and is getting out today so I need to go pick her up and take her home. What a priveledge to be the daddy and get the call that all is well.
So it seems a bit self absorbed posting all this stuff and the I add a very difficult situation with being a hospice chaplain and putting all this into one week I wanted to scream or cry or I don't know what. The Lord settled me a bit and I began to think about the week. I really believe that I discovered something about being a human this week. There is so much stuff out there about grief (and that is what my week was for me) that it would boggle the mind. Funeral messages tend to fall under about 3 or 4 favorite scriptures with words that are meant to help us feel better and not make us cry.
There is a different thought about all this death and illness and living through it into another place. Scripture is important and I really use it but, and this is a biggy it doesn't always help. Sometimes I find the anger toward God makes us unable to hear anything positive in it. Often it is used as consolation when we really need to be angry and upset.
I am going to take the road for a while that says the whole issue isn't God, the issue is us. We are human and we are mortal. You see the problem is we really want to be immortal and we want the people we care about to be immortal. The problem is we do not seem to be able to accept the fact that we are not invinsible. We will all die, we will wear out and are succeptable to a multitude of problems.
If we were to compare ourselves to a machine (stretch I know) we would find that many of the part are not going to last. Even though we were created by a perfect being and we were created perfect we must throw in the abuse, the neglect, and all the things out in this world we live in that can and will attack us.
This is like the car without an oil change, the salt and grime of the road, the hot rodding, the bad fuel. It is like the sin nature of humanity that allows us to wallow in all the crap the world offers us.
That image ought to give all something to think about. I need to get going and know I am in the middle of a thought but gotta get it organized before posting.
Let me know what you think and I will try to post more regular.
Grace and Peace WaynO

Season Winding Down

2008-04-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

I never know what to title a post but think this may be appropriate. The season of Easter is rapidly ending. As next Sunday is Ascension Sunday and the following is Pentecost I must begin to change the vision and content of worship.
I get caught in betwixt this liturgical and the open ended unstructured non bulletined worship so many tout these days. I like the liturgical as it gives us a reason to move from one place to another, it offers us a discipline of worship and a journey through scripture that otherwise may get misdirected.
In the church where I serve I am constantly reminded of the faith that ungirds everything these people do. In the last 4 or so weeks there has been hell abounding with illness and accidents. There are those who are the old guard finding themselves in the hospital, sometimes with answers and hope and other times without either.
As one elder recovers from abdominal anurism another enters for a minor heart check resulting in both carodids cleaned and a 4 way bipass. All the while one more is in yet another hospital trying to find out why the kidneys are not removing the toxins from the blood.
These are all on the way to recovery, home and getting better when an accident claims the life of a 45 year old man, and the organist of one church is life flighted out with a severe heart condition.
Not to bad for about 100 signed on members.
Today they reassure me of who's they are as we lift in prayer yet others and proclaim to God the glory of healing (no mention of the Dr. just God) and restoring of much devestation.
I am amazed once again, then wonder why ever would I doubt that the people who would give the shirt off their back to one in need would ever not proclaim their God and Savior.
We are missional and we are liturgical and we are a church. Praise the Lord for these saints who keep the faith from failing. Praise the Lord for these saints who teach a young minimally trained pastor what it means to serve a risen Lord.
Amen and praise to all in the name of Jesus the Christ.
WaynO

run with it: the truth comes out

2008-04-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

run with it: the truth comes out

Gettin Crazy

2008-04-15T06:25:00.001-07:00

Wow what a week and it is only Tues. If you have been reading my blog a while you may remember the newsletter I posted that seemed to get some of the ladies in the church I service a bit upset.
I asked a question -- "does the church need a building to be the church?" I found out later some thought I was selling the building owned by the church!!!! I simply wanted to make a point and create some thought that might create some activity.
Then I dropped a giant bomb shell and suggested that the fairly traded coffee we sell become a mission. Explaination --- we purchase coffee because we believe it is a good thing, then we offer it free will donation and use those funds for anothe mission project.
Goal -- we support two missions and do a bunch of educaiton in the process.
Well this morning on the hospice chaplain call in our thought for the day is --- "Only those who risk going to far can possibly find out how far one can go" this followed by the administration comment that "we are here to keep you from going to far".

To bring this back to original thought, I can't say what at this point but one of the session members said he wanted to get a little crazy??????? Wow did he ever have an idea, silent discussion then a little more then some real thinking going on.
I am pumped today and have to go get a CPR card blek.
I checked blogs and found this linked to and thought it fit into the same pericope, the challenge is to the current church to get up, get crazy, go the limit, see what we can do with Jesus!!!!!!!!
I think the link got put up on my last post all by itself. Man if I ever get this thing figured out it will amazing.
Grace adn Peace WaynO

A B e a u tiful Day

2008-04-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

Snow, snow, snow, wind and rain dark of night and I wonder if the post office is really even open. Got up this morning to 8 or 10 in. of snow, elec out, wind howling. There is a God and he is good.
But seriously folks how we muddle through life here in the good ole USA not even thinking about what works and what don't work. I realized that we had only one radio that we had batteries for. I grind fresh beans each morning so no coffee. No TV, no microwave, no furnace, no lights. Then I had a flash about a place called Muldova that a couple of my friends do mission work in. They don't even have windows to close on most houses, little or no fire wood, not much food, elec is just a luxury (when it is on). Life there would be a terror for most of us. I filled my belly with hash browns, eggs and pepper jack cheese. (my stove is gas and I just had to light the burner) I went out and started my wife's pickup so she could go to work (elec back on) left it running so it would be warm for her. Now the furnace won't seem to stop running and I got coffee ground and my interenet is up.
I think I should apologize to someone.
Then I went to this blog called Jesus Creed http://www.jesuscreed.org/?p=3686 and read a real interesting little parable. Go read enjoy, but think about it, why would it be important to discuss how seeds are planted and how they grow. In that time most if not everyone understood how these things worked or I would imagine that they would. In a world that causes you to live with the land and the dust and bugs there are a lot of things one would be familiar with that many today don't have a clue about and for that matter don't really care about.
Careful, I am beginning to sound a bit judgemental and I don't like that so better stop. Have a great day where ever you are. Enjoy the power of the earth as it lives and breathes. Yes, enjoy even if your house blew away in a tornado, you almost washed away in a flood, crashed on the icy road, are parched in a drought. Enjoy and rejoice.....you have an awesome God who is with you no matter what.
WaynO

what about the church??????

2008-03-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

From the Pastor,
The very first thing I want to do this month is to thank all of you who helped and/or participated in the Easter week of services. I get more out of it each year and am planning to do this again next year. If you didn’t get in on helping this year let me know and I will put you down to help next year. Also ideas for worship that you are willing to help with are wonderful tools for us all. So thank you for all your help and input in worship.
The next thing is this newsletter. I have a lot of information to share with you that I have discovered and feel is important to the church. If you read books and talk with people, if you blog and search watch the news read the paper and listen you will discover that our world is in a brand new place. It is in a place that has taken what we have held onto as the key elements of life and either changed or done away with them. The world as a whole is smaller, we can hear about a bomb within and hour of it exploding, we can see the stock markets fall as they slide down. We can see a tsunami slam into a village on the other side of the world in real time.
We can see the relief efforts of many nations and people coming together to rebuild and lift up a country ravaged by war or nature. Yet I look down the street and see a child without enough food and with clothes that are tattered and worn. I can stop along the road and find an elderly person who is so lonely they cry in real pain. Our world is all, right on our doorstep.
Then there is the church and one thing about the church is it is still the same. It has not changed enough in most places for us to even notice. Sure there are praise bands and video projection. We have heat and air conditioning and nice lights. We now have cushioned pews and some have chairs in the sanctuary, but the church is the same. We do things the same way, we worship the same way, we do outreach and mission the same way.
In this edition of the newsletter I am offering you some questions and opportunities for not only thinking outside the box but for action. In a world that is moving at the speed of light, a world where bad as well as good are in front of us continually we need to be a new church. I am not offering any quick answers or any answer for that matter but am encouraging you to think in some new ways.
I began this last month with a simple question that seemed to get some stirring happening. “Does the church need a building to be the church?” In this newsletter there are more questions and thoughts about this same subject. “What makes us the church and what does that mean?”
Enough of me rambling on look and read what is here. Then let’s engage in some discussion and see what comes. Open yourselves to the work and direction of the Holy Spirit.
Grace and peace,
Pastor WaynO

This letter is contained in a newsletter with thoughts and posts from many of the blogs I read and participate with. Still the question remains as to what the church, the body of Christ should look like, act like, move like, breathe like??????????????

Can't move on

2008-03-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

Boy this seems to really have a hold on me. I started out to develop a mission statement and got side tracked to something maybe far off but maybe not. I just can't seem to get past the thoughts I have aquired about church and religion and faithful disciple. I am not even sure what I mean by all that.
Thanks to those who read and walk with me through this maze I have found myself in. I have now added another ember to the smoldering fire that I am quite sure will erupt at the worst possible moment. A local church has been participating in the "Dare 2 Share" project. It is filtering into the groups I am responsible for and I am not sure how to respond.
The first thing I noticed when watching a video at one Sr. High group is that this is right in line with so much I have been reading and thinking. It pits religion and relationship with Jesus against each other. Then one of the old members of that group gave a book from there to my wife who used to be her youth leader and said she should read it as it is what my wife used to tell them in the youth group.
I have thought about taking the groups from the churches I serve to one of the conferences just can't seem to get adult volunteers to help out.
This is good stuff I think but it leaves me a bit confused as the church that is using it is or at least has been in the past all about growing their numbers. They have the reputation of being sheep stealers and I personally know they at one time they said at least the church I serve did not use the Bible. It came from them that I would not allow the leaders of the youth to tell the kids they needed to commit to Jesus. That may have come from my difficulty with "Got Saved" which the D2S says is not enough it is only a beginning, which is my struggle.
I am at a loss this evening, flu all day, sermon due am, time change, youth stuff, member who had 2 surgeries in one week and needs more. I feel like I am complaining but not really, just trying to make sense of a call from God to serve here or maybe something else.
Sorry to dump it out here but any thoughts would be helpful.
Pastor WaynO

Back to mission statement

2008-02-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

It seems I have drifted far and away from my personal mission statement. However I can come back to it whenever I want and today I need some focus. In the past few weeks I have been around the world or so it seems, with the mission I do, receive, live in, and otherwise am affected by.
I am back to that radio devotion time and it always amazes me how many people comment on my devotions. One in particular I got 3 phone calls, one email (request to use) and a card of thanks in the mail. I begin to wonder what that means in my qwest to serve the kingdom. I have mentioned the spiritual gifts inventory, I have spent considerable time with hospice patients, their families and staff at facilities where they reside. There are issues with parishinors both religious and personal. My personal life is at this point in an emotional upheaval that I cannot discuss at the moment. My youngest brother is facing possible long term jail time. Close to me is at the moment the only stable part of life, other than a brand new 16 year old.
So I set here to consider what this all adds up to be in a mission statement. No clue but something seems to be getting clearer and I don't even know what that is.
Maybe it is my seeing the kingdom of God and my role in it. Or maybe it is seeing the role we are all called to be in it. I truly believe that kingdom living is not difficult and that we likely won't see great changes in our actual day to day existence. What will be seen is a different perspective for that existence.
I just took The Hermeneutics Quiz and discovered I am one of the confused moderates. Well that isn't exactly what it says but I am a moderate which likely lends me to a mediator of sorts between the other extremes. This just adds another layer to the already jumbled pile.
I am beginning to believe that we are all in this mess and what we do here is important. The mess we are in is less important than our response to it.
I suppose the mission statement is developing more and more along the lines of "I am a child of God who finds himself in a place of hope and leadership. A called into action person of faith in Jesus Christ to work for the strengthening of the kingdom and called to care for the lost, confused, and needy within the world where I find myself. A proclaimer of hope, a lifter of the downtrodden, and a seeker of spiritual connectedness with the creator."
I don't know if that speaks anything real or not so will offer that to all of you for your comment. WaynO

Buildings and such

2008-02-23T19:27:00.000-08:00

Well I got some reponse from the last post. I posted earlier that my spiritual gifts inventory pointed to me being a prophet and the exhortation accompanied that. Maybe that is the reason I feel so compelled to speak some of the burning questions that lurk inside me to the people. I get this driving need of expression and find little to express it to. I began blogging for this very reason and it really has helped.
For one thing I discovered a lot of you out there are suffering with similar issues. The church is too authoritative. The claim is that the Word of God holds the authority yet it is forced to be read a certain way, or followed a certain way, or used a certain way.
In the last week I have been in two situations that challenged the authority of those in position. The first was two presbyteries (middle governing bodies) trying to work together. We came with places for that to happen and then needed to get permission. I was amazed, I don't need permission to work with another person! And if I do then I do not need the hassle. Conclusion is we begin the work and report on it, Whoo hooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The next was a presbytery trying to streamline the installation of pastors. Discovered we had not been given permission. My question, is it forbidden. Had to give the body present cudoos as they voted to not follow the book. (not the Bible the other book)
So tomorrow I begin on the journey of calling 2 churches to task of finding a place for us to be part of the kingdom. To really examine ourselves and see what missional, emerging, or some other tag line fits us. Seek a way in the world where we can be what the original church plant in the presbyterian process was about. "God calls a church into being for a purpose in the location it is being called to being in."
My thought is, if it cannot identify that calling then it ought to close so someone can be called there. We really have a purpose and need to find it.
Boy I really get wrapped up in this stuff. I think I need to get back to the mission statement for me.
Pastor WaynO

letter to the church

2008-02-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

This is my latest attempt to agrivate (only kidding), no to stimulate some conversation about a new kind of place and worship. WaynO
From the Pastor,
I sit here looking forward, trying to peer into the future and see the Easter story. To see where it touches me and where it reaches deep into that inner place each of us hold so tightly closed. To take a little peek inside the story is to look into the heart of God. Seeing just what the sacrifice was that is so special and why it had to be what it was. Looking to try and find my own story of grace and life within the greater story of love and compassion. This is a story of offerings and commitment, one of callings and gifts. There within the story is something surprising, something we never expect to see.
This probably sounds a bit confusing or maybe that I am moving in circles but it is still the Lenten season and we are still in the darkness before the light so dig a little deeper within and see what is there. Look in those secret places and in the dusty, long forgotten recesses of the mind and spirit. Look inside and find your own story and where it is completed by Easter. See where it is made whole by Easter. As you search and seek I have some thoughts for you to ponder on.
The first one that has come to my mind and is stirring within me some controversy is, "does the church need a building?" Before you get upset think this through. I sat with some of the ladies after "Happy Hour" at Good Sam and I asked this question. I got varied and hesitant answers. Does the church need a building?
If you said yes then justify the building. What is it for? How much is it used? What are the expenses of having it?
If you said no, well just where will we meet? How will we have funeral dinners? What would we do with the one we have?
Next question I asked is does the church need a pastor? Same thing as the building, if yes then why, what for, what are the expenses? If no then who will do the work the pastor does, how the church will be lead and so on. I ask you not to get me involved in this as it is just a general question and if you have issues with my work talk with your Parish Council members as they oversee my work for you.
In this same conversation I offered a new approach to a ministry already happening and asked if it might be redone to be more giving and less receiving. This may be what should have been the first discussion but I thought the other might provoke you to begin thinking or at least read on. I have always been good at the "What If" game. What if the church was to stop worrying about taking in money and only worried about what we needed to give? Say you did this in your own life first, began to give of everything you have. Give of your time and your money, of your house and your car? What if the firsts thing in the morning you asked God to direct you to someone in need? What if we all began to do this, in sincerity, and then as a body of believers began to act this way? Would the church you call yours be different? Would it have the same needs and priorities?
These are the hard questions of Lent, those that are seldom asked because we don’t want to think about them. I have spent the last year or more pondering these things in my mind and my heart and feel I need to get them out to all of you. At least help me find the answers I need to find and how to direct the life of the church to reflect God’s grace. Look to Easter, see the story, know who you belong to and know his calling on your life.
Grace and Peace, Pastor WaynO

Question #6

2008-02-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, so after the last week my whole mission statement seems out of date. I mean here I was writing it to what I want to do and have discovered the maybe God is sending me some other place. There is still a common thread here and that is the care and nurture of people missing the mark on who and what God is all about.
Question #6, You have a gift of three extra hourts a week that you could use to serve others. where would yo sign up? suppose you had the gift of a day a week to offer in service. Where would you spend the day? You have three months off and all expenses paid to go anywhere on the planet to serve people in need . Where would you go??
I may have to break this down into the individual quesitons so I don't get all giddy and pack a bag or something crazy like that.
Three extra hours per week, hmmmm let's see now I first have to imagine what that is. I spend copious amounts of time at nursing homes and hospitals already. I am not sure that is where I would go. I have spent time in food pantries, ours is little and well staffed so probably out. Three hours..................it would be fun to host some sort of party for anybody to come to. You know one of those alnighters (oops only 3 hours) where food and fun and maybe a movie that would just lighten the day?????
I have always had a dream of owning a restaurant that was operated on donations only. I read recently that there is some movement of people doing just that. Come eat and give what you can. The article said they were doing great. With that in mind maybe I could put on a meal at the church once a week that was donations only and the donations don't go to the church but to the meals.
I think that is it, I could conceivable make that happen. A meal once per week, shoots the 3 hours clear out of the picture, but what a ministry. Food fellowship, no limitations.
What do all of you think?????

Pastor WaynO

Stop and consider

2008-02-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Shaun for the response. I believe we do lots of things that are sinful. I also think many Christians/denominations tend to pick the sins they think are the worst, label them as a trip to hell and forget there are others. I am not into making a list and know I sin on a regular hourly basis.
I came from a personel meeting where I am chair and we oversee the executive and office admisistrator. All went well, we talked of ministry see "Kingdom Grace" and pay and all that other stuff. When it gets right down to it I wonder if we need the exec or not. I think it is a necessary office in the church. There is a need for someone to lead the leaders, defend the workers and protect both from each other. I have this vision of a church without leaders that just blindly goes about hitting and missing and many times hurting as much as what we now have.
Society depicts what the organizations within it look like and we are in the post WWII era of committees and such. I am not sure the world as a whole is ready for religion to be unleashed.
What I really wanted to comment on before reading so many interesting things tonight is my mission statement. I took a mini spiritual gifts inventory today and it says my 2 highest gifts are exhortation and prophecy. I was almost offended at my self. I wanted to be a servant and a minister of compassion.
Who could have guessed???? Oh, well off for a weekend of exhortation and prophecy as I preach to a couple of congregations and lead them further down the road to something or other.
Peace to all
Pastor WaynO
Oh, almost forgot, I need prayers for the president of our state lawenforcement chaplains. He was just diagnosed with some form of lukemia. All prayers are being sought, for him, his family the doctors and his officers. Thanks WaynO

Question #5

2008-02-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

Okay I think I need to regroup and see what I have thus far. Seems like when I put it all together I end up with this talkitive listener who is compassionate and likes to help people who are on the outs.
If I look onto the next question then it just gets more of the same.
#5 -- There are certain kinds o human need that "get to you," that open your heart and send tears down your cheeks. Jot down some thoughts about these people and needs.
I really think what gets to me are two groups of people. The first are those who try really hard, work at it all the time, seriously try to make things in life better. Nothing even close seems to come their way. For all the trying nothing positive seems to move to them. Those are the ones I would give anything I could to in an attempt to lift them up and get them started in a postive direction.
The second is a group of those who are blessed with things working out for them. They seem to be bent on destruction and even then can't seem to get things to go wrong. The issue I have with them is that they have it all going for them and don't see it, they can't see the signs along the road to even follow. Breaks my heart as they can/could do so much for the world.
I suppose I am from the latter group and am at this late date attempting to do something worthwhile in life. Always cared for people just now do that for the Lord and to his glory I pray.

So how bout the rest of you out there???? Is there a group that breaks your heart???? In my world what hits me hardest is what is closests to me. Think about it and let me know.
Pastor WaynO

next question or qwest or something like that

2008-02-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

Here I am realizing that I have not posted in a long time. It seems I forget to share with others when I am really at a point of no return. I have put aside the questions and let things roll in my mind and life as it seems it all got to spinning out of control anyway.
I read the responses and have come to realize I too suffer from many things and that answering these questions for myself is a lot like answering them for a church. As soon as you begin to put the directions that come from a mission statement to action the mission moves.
I am there, when I began I was at a point in life that left me seemingly empty and void of anything. I wanted to be alone and had that despairity of failure and nothing ness filling all my waking and sleeping moments. Some may have wondered why I was not there and that is the whole deal. I was not here.
As you have all shared and life moved on, like always happens that to has come to pass. I have a new direction and will be moving toward that. For the first question --- I am good at speaking, reading to people, and I believe that makes me a good preacher. I am also good at listening which makes me a good pastor. As for death, it is from both of those and also a compassion and a gift of empathy that allows me to enter into someone's struggle with them.
For question #2 --- times of accomplishment are all listed as times when I entered into someone elses struggle with them. Together along with God (only recognized in the past 10 or 12 years) and the other person spirit there is a connection that isn't really easy to describe but is the high point of all things I accomplish.
For queston #3 --- Times of adversity are the opposite of #2. I really believe that things go absolutely down the toilet when I am disconnected from God and those he calls me to serve. Service of people has little to do with the church and everything to do with God. I have concluded that conflict, when I am in connect or engagement with God and others it is good, difficult but good. When I am not in the engaged mode with God and others it is a struggle and is not good even when the times are good.
Now for question #4 --- You must give away personally in the next 24 hours ten $100 bills. Where would you deliver the money?
A very difficult question but I believe the answer would come. I love to give away money and give to missions through the church as well as different social witness organizations. When the thought of those bills going it makes the juices flow to persons. If we could only get some people to ground zero they, along with some direction, could get life up and running. Some thoughts as to who these might be: I have a pastor friend who needs training in conflict management and is unemployed until receiving the training. A young single mom trying for years to get it together. A college student who could use the money to get a little better something or other or maybe an evening out. A young couple who could use the money for a weekend together (would require a baby sitter as well). Ultimately it is about the people and how we touch each other as individuals.

I have just returned from the Winter Pastor's School at Hastings College here in Nebraska and have some entirely new vision from that. I listened to the struggles pastors have had with the heirachy of Presbyteries, listened to faith journeys that lift up hope and some that leave me wondering what kept them moving along. I had great food and fellowship. Went bar hopping with an old friend. But most of what I got was something for me, it is about the relationship, about touching your heart with mine.
One lesson from the leader was a painting by Picasso. The painting dipicts 3 musicians and the description is the conflict as the meld into the instruments, each other and the room. At this description the vision in my mind was of the trinity. I am in you, you are in me, this is like I am in the Father adn the Father is in you. I felt a reality of my life open before me. When I am with you we are in each other. This also comes from the quote of 2 Quakers at the rail station; one asks the other, "do you love me?" of course I do is the reply. Then, "How can you love me if don't know what is bothering my soul?" Do you know what is bothering the soul of those you engage with????
Good grief there I go again, the preacher will not shut up!!!!
Have a great and God filled day, Pastor WaynO

Answer to #2

2008-01-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

Well I am back a bit and off from a week with 2 large funerals complete with evening prayer services and all the stuff that goes along with death. Went well until Monday when a very good friend called and his mother just died. I am beginning to think that I may be good at death, or at least called to be in the midst of it.
All that aside I move to number 2. I am good at communication so take that and add a great accomplishment --- I found a wife who will be with me through thick and thin. I am sure there is more thin (other than my figure) than thick but we are together through it all.
I also passed the exam to sell life and health insurance (long time ago). I got pictures published, I had my own farm, (learned about being broke), graduated a son and daughter from High School, I passed the exam to be a pastor from the Lay Pastor Institute @ Sterling College, served three churches (together) part time then became their fulltime pastor.
Probably I put the insurance exam, got pictures published in one catagory and the pastor work and commisssionint in another. The first two were temporary and the others seem to be life work.
I believe the same qualities are required for all. I am tenacious, hard working, committed, and would add passionate about what I do no matter what it is.
Along with the personal mission statement I am reading "Walking in Your Own Shoes" by Robert A. Schuller. Both of these seem to move in the same direction with aobut the same steps.
So far I have that I am a good communicator who is committed, passionate, and tenacious in my work.
Where are the rest of you at?????
Let me know as we walk this walk with the help of each other. Pastor WaynO

Personal Mission Statement #2

2008-01-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

So I have the first question with some sort of an answer. I think I am good at communication. I rationalize this by puttting together the things I do best. I am a good speaker, teacher, I can help people with encouragement, working through their problems. If I can do all those things it is like my gift is communication.
So with that I need to tell all that this outline comes from the book, "Recovering the Sacred Center" by Howard E. Friend Jr.. It was sent to me by my Executive Presbyter Bob Houser.

The next question #2 is, "Remember times of accomplishment in your life, of achievement or success. In these times of accomplishment, what skills, abilities, traits, or personal qualities were called forth?"
Now I find the same issues trying to recognize a time of accomplishment. What have I accomplished in life? Is there a real thing, a real time I was successful at something?
Well off on another search. How are all of you doing with your mission statement??? Any help, suggestions or questions???
Lets keep this thing going. Pastor WaynO

Personal Mission Statement

2008-01-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, I said Iwould be back after the first of the year and here I am. I had a great holiday season and am looking forward to a year full of the great stuff churches are made of. As I begin to assess last year and then look forward to next year it is with a new search. I have made mention of the personal mission statement so want to take some time and maybe get some help from all of you as I work through the questions.
I am as usual stuck -- it is with the first question which is also usual. This one asks me something I have had diffuculty with all my life. "What am I good at?"
There is a multitude of answers that come to my mind as I question myself. I do lots of things and get comments about them. Some are good and some are not so good but how do I sort all this out.
Really my problem is that when I say I am good at something is that an arrogant thing??? Because I think I am good at something am I missing the point?? Am I really good at something but maybe don't like to do that so I say I am not good at it??
God calls us to his plan not ours so I am left with a great deal of questions and very few anwers. I hope some will post so I get help with this and maybe we can journey together, seeking to find each of our own mission statement.
Pastor WaynO

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all. I have had a wonderful season thus far. I got to go home to Wyoming for a few days and see family and friends there.
On a sad note one of my best friends mom has cancer. I got to see her however and pray with her so it has a good side too. I would ask all who read this to lift up a prayer on her behalf and for her family as they struggle with her ilness.
Had more for the eve service than I had expected and many from other churches. Out of town people and some who just don't frequent church much. Makes for a great evening.
Today is the best of all, my grandsons will be here for the day. They always add some excitement that is unexpected. Now if the rest of the gang will laugh and enjoy it will be the perfect gift.
Merry Christmas to you all again and may you have the blessings of the Savior in your life.
Pastor WaynO

Personal Mission Statement

2007-12-19T20:34:00.001-08:00

I got a letter from my Executive Presbyter encouraging me to take some time and rethink or maybe think for the first time about a personal mission statement. Take the time and put in the effort to put on paper my own calling. Without some direction we are simply drifting along, blown about by the latest wind getting no place in particular and accomplishing little if anything in the kingdom of God.
I am working on mine and will post some info for your thought and discussion. First however I want to invite your thoughts about personal mission statements.
Pastor WaynO

The Golden Compass

2007-12-17T08:10:00.000-08:00

It continues to fascinate me what people will choose to boycot because it is not absolute truth. Don't get me wrong, I am not supporting or boycotting the movie but it did occur to me that the Left Behind movies were not necessarily true to scripture either.
I remember addressing Left Behind in a sermon and a gentleman approached me after church and challenged me that Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye were good Christians.
That is one of my favorite tags for believers "Good Christians" as I don't know a lot who would actually fall into the catogory of good according to scripture. I assured the man I believed that both were Christian but that the books are on the fiction shelf.
I still hold to the thought, be prepared for no one knows the day nor the hour except the father.
Then I wonder how many of us would be prepared if Jesus were to arrive today??????
Oh well, we will debate until the time. There will be movies boycotted andothers left to lead us astray. I connot tell which one is which.
Pastor WaynO

2007-12-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

Still amazed at no responses. What is it that I need to do to get someone to like or dislike what I post? Is it that I think I am posting but none of this is actually leaving my computer?
Kinda scary ain't it to think we might be posting to ourselves and think we are putting this stuff out in the big old scary world? Oh, well here goes a new thought.
Not sure how to begin the thought process but as we study the Bible things from the world jump in and can mess things up a bit or at least add a whole new dynamic. One such thing is the movie the Golden Compass. As I have stated before I don't like the whole concept of boycotting and e-bashing or using the internet and email as a ground to throw things at someone or something. This movie is no different than so much other stuff and I happened to notice that Harry Potter is the new up and coming Christmas movie thon. I would be interested to hear thoughts and especially info on the new one the Golden Compass.I found on the PCUSA site a statement about the movie and some of its bias' and theology. I would encourage you to check out the site at http://www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/goldencompass.htmIf there are other somewhat open minded sites for info I would be interested in them also. Lets get some sharing going on here.Pastor WaynO

2007-12-08T08:04:00.000-08:00

As I have reclined and read and thought this last week in recovery from surgery a couple of things occured to me. First and this is most important, when you take narcotic drugs things don't make much sense most of the time. You think you think something, you think you said something, you presume you did something only to find out that is not quite correct.
Second --- I am preaching this weekend and have a memorial service at a nursing home today and with a whole week to prepare should have something profound. "Wrong" when you take narcotic drugs you cannot focus on things to get stuff done. I am today trying diligently to make some sense of the past week (with missing hours from surgery) that is partially in a fog. Trying desperately to get to someplace that offers sense and direction.
I am not one to panic but sometimes I do get a bit anxious and today is one of those days. I have not taken narcotics for a couple of days but still putting things into a realative perspective is difficult.
Oh well this is where study, thought, meditation, and trust in the Holy Spirit to lead and guide will open a door or window or something. Prayer is the meditation with God and that is also always a great direction to travel.
Hope you are not all bored with my rambling as this is about all I have. The other thought would be to openly contemplate the season of Advent. Advent is about anticipation and preparedness. Getting some direction as to what this child we celebrate the birth of is all about. Looking for his presence in our lives, not in the world, take it to a personal level this year.
Far to often we put Christianinty and a relationship to Christ at a world level and that leaves us out of the picture. See it is coming to me already, John the Baptizer was at a personal level with Jesus, he was making a way straight, a path for Jesus to come to him and then to the world along that path.
What are you doing in your life this season to prepare the path, first to you and then through you to the world??????
And I read some emerging stuff last night. On the Emergent update site was an interesting article that I had a chuckle at jsut a little. http://www.emergentvillage.com/weblog/emergent-village-updates here Tony Jones, leader of a group not denominational but with membership and requirements for membership :o) has this to tell about the Emergent movement.
"Brian’s thesis in the book reminded me of last year, when my son, Tanner, asked me, “Dad, if there’s enough food in the world to feed everyone, why can’t we get it to the people who need it?” I struggled to tell him that the problems (racism, classism, etc.) are fundamentally theological. If you resonate with this at all, then you should check out Brian’s book. Also, check out the latest Emergent Village Podcast on which I interviewed Brian about the book and about some of the blog reviews (positive and negative) he’s received.
And guess what?!? If you donate $100 or more to Emergent Village before the end of the year, you’ll get a copy of An Emergent Manifesto of Hope, plus one other book (and Everything Must Change is among the choices!). For $50-$99, you get a copy of the Manifesto. And for $150 or more, you also get both albums by The Colbalt Season."

That sounds just like the letter from the PCUSA about ending world hunger. I am confused that something which began as a new thought to an old problem, an escape from denominationalism, a chance to speak out in a brand new way, something that would be revolutional has moved to have leadership, direction, a name "Emergent", and is soliciting money to keep the leadership able to attend things around the globe, has moved so far from the original vision to the old standard.
Am I incorrect here or should we take what we believe and just apply it where we are. Keep your familiar, treaditional, already structured denom and just do something amazing. I think I am about there.
Pastor WaynO

2007-12-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

Just reading on this blog and found an interesting post. http://www.brutallyhonest.org/brutally_honest/2007/12/kingdom-comes-r.html#comments
don't know if any are interested but the discussion is interesting. WaynO

2007-12-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

Thought you would all enjoy this little tidbit. I got this email and it seems to say something many appear to be missing. Maybe I should reframe this a bit. I get so many protest this and protest that emails that I want to scream sometimes. I have wondered how many just forward them and then assume they have made a good mark for themselves in the book of life. Quit now Wayne or you will say to much. Enjoy and think about what is here. WaynO

The task AHEAD of you is never as great as the POWER behind you. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 Subject: Fw: excellent remind

Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upsetthat folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybeyou've forgotten that I wasn't actually born duringthis time of the year and that it was some of yourpredecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday onwhat was actually a time of pagan festival. Although Ido appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration canprobably be most easily understood by those of you whohave been blessed with children of your own. I don'tcare what you call the day. If you want to celebrateMy birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers youthat the town in which you live doesn't allow a scenedepicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple ofSantas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity sceneon your own front lawn. If all My followers did thatthere wouldn't be any need for such a scene on thetown square because there would be many of them allaround town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are callingthe tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree.It was I who made all trees. You can remember Meanytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if youwish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching,explaining who I am in relation to you and what eachof our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one,look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of Mybirth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to theway My birthday is being celebrated, write letters oflove and hope to soldiers away from home. They areterribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know,they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have toknow them personally. They just need to know thatsomeone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about thewording on the cards his staff sent out this year, whydon't you write and tell him that you'll be prayingfor him and his family this year. Then followup. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts youcan't afford and they don't need, spend time withthem. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I cameto live with you down here. Hold them in your arms andremind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past andforgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attemptto take their own life this season because they feelso alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who thatperson is, try giving everyone you meet a warmsmile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer inyour town calls the holiday, be patient with thepeople who work there. Give them a warm smile and akind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a"Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishingthem one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If thestore didn't make so much money on that day they'dclose and let their employees spend the day at homewith their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support amissionary--especially one who takes My love and GoodNews to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and wholefamilies in your town who not only will have no"Christmas" tree, but neither will they have anypresents to give or receive. If you don't know them,buy some food and a few gifts and give them to theSalvation Army or some other charity which believes inMe and they will make the delivery for you.10. Finally, if you want to make a statement aboutyour belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like aChristian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn'tdo in My presence. Let people know by your actionsthat you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself.Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'lltake care of all the rest. Check out the list aboveand get to work; time is short. I'll help you, butthe ball is now in your court. And do have a mostblessed Christmas with all those whom you love andremember : I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

2007-12-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

I am feeling pretty good right now thanks to some darvocet. It struck me as humorous when replying to Deb and it asks me to choose an identity. I began to wonder what identity I might choose to share with the world. Or maybe I am struck by the identity I think I have chosen. Either way it is a strange place to be prompted to consider just what choice I have made about an identity particularly in this season of identity theft.
WaynO

2007-12-01T19:28:00.000-08:00

I know I said I would be off for a while but I just can't help it when I find stuff that seems to open some new questions and maybe even give a few answers. This is a site I found from nosing around another blog http://kingdomgrace.wordpress.com/ that caught my eye a while back. I don't how I get these except if I must put blame it is the Holy Spirit.
Well with that heresy I better quit before lightening strikes.
Pastor WaynO

2007-12-01T18:12:00.000-08:00

Just can't stay away. It seems there is so much to tell, so much to say to the world that I can't get said. I am not even sure what I have to say but pray the Spirit will descramble it for me. I am preaching in the morning, Advent 1 and it is the time again when I struggle with the Christmas stuff.
I researched and have discovered that Christmas in all it's forms has faded in and out of glory within the confines of the church. The Puritans punished celebrants for it, the early colonies opposed it because it was an English tradition. Most of what the Christian world holds near and dear about it has been dreamed up out of fairy tales, pagan celebrations, and pieces of old tradition here and there both Christian and non Christian.
I hear so much hype from Christians and then see so little action from them, it leaves me curious what it really is this being a Christian??????
Pastor WaynO

2007-11-29T08:36:00.000-08:00

I am asking today for prayers of healing. This is somewhat of a new venture I am on as I will be having medical procedures on Mon Dec 3. It hopefully is not major but one never knows. Thank you all who read this for your prayers. Pastor WaynO

B.S. (blog script :o) ) I will likely not post for a bit and haven't as preparation takes time.

2007-11-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

I know for a fact there are more people reading this than are posting. This is the same issue I see in the church visible, a lot of people looking but few participating.
What I would really like to post here is some thoughts about being a pastor. I am not sure about others out there but I have the thought, "is it really ligitimate to be a pastor hired by the church?"
It seems sometimes that if they pay me I become the Christian for them, I do the worship and live the life, I repent and I make the sacrifice. Would it be a different type of church if there were no "Pastor" per say? I know there are faith tribes as some have declared them who worship in this way.
This brings up some real issues because I for one spend a great deal of time visiting with people who are sick or needing encouragement, those whose lives are messed up and some marriages that are on the rocks. I see that the church property is kept up, I don't do the work I just point out the problems ;o). There is a great deal of communication and paper work that comes to me. It is not only the stuff to keep the church legal and in existence but also from other non profits that benefit people.
I work a lot with domestic violence, disaster relief, police departments, hospital chaplain, nursing home chaplain, and on the list goes.
If there is no paid staff how do these things get accomplished?? Who would take the care out into the world?
A lot of what lies under the emerging stuff is the question, "what is the church really?" I struggle with so many of the emerging leaders who are simply trying to stamp their brand of "Church" on something and make it a big deal.
I have read in chat rooms the questions and thoughts from those who really began asking the questions and they are no more satisfied with the new movement than I am. I visited with one of the early leaders and he has basically been left feeling it went the wrong way. The Emergent Church will help you start a local cohort (church) but to stay with them you must atttend at least one of the national conferences. Just a new denomination nothing different except U2 playing at the service.
What is happening and who are we becoming??? What is Jesus tellling us about being the church???? Where do us called to lead, lead the followers???
Arrgghhh!!!!!!!!!!!! Pastor WaynO

2007-11-21T07:53:00.000-08:00

Well I supose this is good news. No one responded to my poem so it must not have offended anyone, however no one said it was good either. I still wonder about preaching. What is the purpose of the pastor in the church?????
I seem to do a lot of visiting and a little teaching and a little preaching. If what I read in the emerging stuff is true this is what they all want. If that is true then what is the problem with organized reliegion?
On the other side is this email running around about the movie "The Golden Compass" and after having visited the Desperate Preacher and that discussion I wonder if what we are doing is good or bad. Good in the caution is out there but bad because of the publicity and curiosity generated. Then I wonder after hearing the SRN News report yesterday about video games being purchased how many of those circulating this email will take their children to the movie anyway.
When I put the two thoughts together I come up with this: The church says to do this and don't do that. Live your life in this manner and leave these things alone. After the members leave the church, and some pastors too, you would never know they were at the service to begin with. It might be an issue of Christian speak versus Christian living?????
Any thoughts out there???
Pastor WaynO

2007-11-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

Boy I got the wrong button there, I was looking to put that on my other blog http://pastorwayno-biblestudy.blogspot.com/ where we have been talking about stewardship for Christians. Any way Debra has been there participating and she got so inspired that she set up her own blog. Now all that is needed is someone to blog with her.
I spend time here thinking through being a preacher and had time to let stuff grow while driving to a funeral the other day. It was for a real life cowboy from the hat to the boots and all places in between. I was supposed to say something at the graveside so was giving it some thought when it occured to me some cowboy poetry might be nice. I had scavanged some from the net but in my mind one was churning up also. It went something like this:

A wandering from the Elkhorn
They called on me to have somethin' to say
Not all that preachin' so borin'
but somethin' profound for the day

there I was a contemplatin
this ornery old codger who'd died
from up Wolf Creek direction
to know what he'd like my mind had tried

He was from north of the Niobrara
up past the Keya Paha
near the border of the southern Dakota
most important he was know as grampa

Now out in the Wolf Creek area
He was know as quite a fine fella
ridin an ropin and raisin some hell
he many a man helped and child did raise

I still don't know what I would say
but the pressure of a funeral
did pass on that from us that day
we all will miss ol' Jim that's for sure

But he gave us some great girls
and boys he did tooo
in the time of his life he

Ah, heck I can't make this thing rhyme but Jim we will miss and think of you much.
Just ride on up there in the sky on that big ol' paint God kept just fer you
We know your up there as said it for sure, Jesus saves us but more can do
As he made a special place there just fer me an you.

Maybe not a cowboy poet but wonder how tryin to think like a poet or at least like the people we preach to might change what we say????????????????????????
WaynO

2007-11-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

The URL for Debra's blog will not get you there unles you do a little editing. Here is the correct way for it to appear http://www.faith-debra.blogspot.com Sorry I missed the www., Explorer will try to correct and put to many /// in. Pastor WaynO

2007-11-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

this is awesome stuff. I can post here and no one sees it or at least those who might do not deem it worthy of a response. I just attended the Sheridan Lutheran Church, "Beyond Survival III" and it was a great esperience. I would share some of the enlightenment if anyone was looking but since they are not I won't bore the system.
I am about to take off on the annual pilgrimage to the northern part of NE to go deer hunting. My youngest son and I have made this an annual event for the past several years and it is a great time spent with him and some cousins. The fresh air and the change of pace are beyond the imagination and occassionally someone gets highly motivated and even shoots a deer.
Now that ought to spark something in someone.
Pastor WaynO

2007-10-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

Oh boy what a mess up. I sent next weeks scriptures not this weeks. correction as follows --- Matthew 6.24-33 and Matthew 7.7-11. Sorry bout that WaynO

2007-10-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

getting concerned maybe this blog stuff isn't for me. how can I expand what is happening??? there is another blog I host that is about Bible study. we are doing a stewardship study and the response is one person????? about like church and worship, not too much participation here or there either. Why??? What do we need to do to tell the world about God???
WaynO

2007-10-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have another blog with a Bible study and in the process of working through the lesson i find myself wondering if i am really there. you know what i mean, am i really in a place to step up and say what i believe from the pulpit?????
the study is about stewardship, reflects that stewardship is based on faith and that faith is supplied by the HS. we are all called to rely on God continually, not just when conveinient. i am not sure i am ready to give all of my issues over to God. WaynO

2007-10-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

Been a long time since I was here and maybe that is good. i have been thinking about what new preachin might really be. like it when i have notes or no helps at all, seems like if i know what i am preaching i don't need a whole bunch of notes and stuff. danger there that i might forget to quit.
other thought is preachin might be about the worship and not my words so much. if i were to put together a real service with a little preachin that might be new worship.
any ideas out there?????
WaynO

2007-06-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

i just discovered something about myself. i begin all my writing here with well. interesting what comes from reading oneself. maybe that is what i need to do with my sermons -- listen a bit and see what i sound like. that might in and of itself lead me to some newpreachin.
enough of that, i want to seek anyone who has info on worship. i am searching to find ways of making worship a bit more exciting and worshipful. how can liturgy be left in the service and not become boring or stale???? what music is available for traditional musicians to use and do things a bit different to lift the spirit in music?????
what is happening in the world around us that is relevant to the church???? who or what is the church????
i have a large amount of questions and wonderings so will stop with that and add some new stuff next time.
Wayno

2007-06-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

Well i am approaching the end of vacation a week early. thinking about next sunday and what i might do to enlighten worship and make it relavant. i serve a lightly liturgical church and hope to redirect some emphasis to the things we base our faith on. things like baptism, communion, adn a basic faith in Jesus Christ.
the rain across the plains has a profuound effect on all who live here. some are praying it will stop (both farmers and others) some are praying it will only pause for a bit so the sun will shine and then some more rain. i am of the pause people, afraid to say stop for fear it will.
rambling along i know but still learning how to blog. enough said for now WaynO

2007-06-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

Well it must not be to exciting to read me no hits at all. Oh well Zig Ziggler said whatever is worth doing is worth doing until you get it right.
thinking about how to preach this weekend and it is trinity sunday. when we celebrate that God is in three tangible entities but all only one. confuses me but helps me think about a God who is accessible and personel. i believe in lots of strange things and it gets confirmed occassionally when i encounter a lost soul or a found soul that is searching.
met a man just yesterday traveling home after a 20 year search for daughters abducted by their mother. he found them and dissappointment, they were into drugs and used him for money at the first moment. looking for hope and yet somehow finding relief in God. he met a pastor, pastor K who was a real man and a real pastor. one who lead this soul to know about salvation and hope. Pastor K is dying, my prayers for his comfort.
imagine life, imagine hope, imagine despair. imagine God --- in your spirit alive and well.
never alone WaynO

brand spankin new

2007-05-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

well i finally did it, my first blog. don't know what i will say or who will listen but here i am on the big web all by myself, well with some help from google.
so how do we preach????
what is it that might make preaching new and sensational???
or is that the point of leading a group of believers who call themselves a church???