I have been absent from here for a long time and there has been a lot of water pass under the proverbial bridge. I am so far removed from who and what I was when I last posted that I am not even sure where to begin.
It has been so long I just discovered that I posted without even finishing so this is already and edit of what I posted. Pretty good isn't it that I can figure out how to edit. Wow what a world, I can post up edit and repost in just a few minutes and the entire world has access to the words. Still am amazed at the whole social network thing and keep trying to step into it but find myself hesitating for some yet realized reason.
Enough of all that I am trying to get back and look forward to hearing from lots of you as I muddle into the blog world again. Have had lots of thoughts just flitting away as there is really no way to gather them the way I have been going about life. Hopefully some of them will resurface here and I will get some of your thoughts and ideas as well.
First one is I wanted to change the name of my blog to Frontier Outpost. That would lose some of you who still have me on your blogs so thought maybe I would find a way to tag that into newpreachin and still make use of it. The frontier is where I live and work so the world view here is different for many reasons and I would like to explore and share those with others.
Enough rambling for now will just post and check in later to see who is watching me. WaynO
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Newsletter January 2009
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
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
Friday, November 7, 2008
Balanciing the budget
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
Any thoughts????
WaynO
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Change
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
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
Saturday, October 25, 2008
newsletter for November
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
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
Friday, August 29, 2008
newsletter for September
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
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
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Unbelievable
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
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
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Just thinking
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
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
Monday, August 11, 2008
Still Wandering
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
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
Friday, August 1, 2008
It is begun
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
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
Saturday, July 19, 2008
newsletter
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 ------
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 ------
Friday, June 27, 2008
absolutely crazy
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)
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)
Friday, May 23, 2008
From a Deep Dark Hole
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
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
Saturday, May 10, 2008
What a week!!!!!!!!!!!!!111
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
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
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Season Winding Down
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
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
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Gettin Crazy
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
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
Friday, April 11, 2008
A B e a u tiful Day
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
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
Saturday, March 29, 2008
what about the church??????
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??????????????
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??????????????
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Can't move on
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
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
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