I believe that people often visit our church looking for friends, and they hope our church will be a family to which they can belong.
When I visit on behalf of our church, I am always grateful for the interest people show in the kind of church we are. New Hope is a Baptist Church, but not the kind many people think of when they see the word Baptist. We distinguish ourselves by accepting diversity. We don’t push. We preach the Bible not politics. We encourage people to check us out for as long as it takes to get to know us. We encourage questions. Visitors often find it refreshing that there is freedom at New Hope to raise honest questions and take time to see what we are made of. We want them to see for themselves that we love God, love people, and are serious about following Jesus and serving the world.
As I visited this past week, I heard parents in two homes say something like this: “I just want a church in which my child can grow up. I want him/her to feel at home in church and be able to learn and have fun by participating in activities.” With the leadership of Cheryl Secunda, our Director of Children and Youth Ministries, we are developing programs that help our children to learn and grow and feel a sense of belonging.
Cub Scout Pack 475 is also a part of our ministry to children. Cub Master Mike Wright tells me that the strength of the Pack is growing as parent-leaders step forward to help. New Hope is providing the Pack with the space needed for activities. Some parents and children are regularly with us in worship on Sundays.
And, as the Pack 475 and our children’s ministries continue to grow, more boys and girls will ride by on Taylor Road, see our sign and buildings and say, “Hey. That’s our church!”
Friday, May 1, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Henri Nouwen's Life of the Beloved
Nouwen’s believes that the words said to Jesus from heaven at his baptism are words said to all of us if we will listen and believe: “You are my beloved child. I am well pleased with you.” What we all need, Nouwen teaches, is a deep awareness that we are always God’s Beloved. How does anyone ever get the joy and peace we all want? We get it from knowing ourselves as God’s Beloved. Those who don’t know that they are Beloved run here and there looking for the imitation love of praise from others, power over others, and safety within the crowd. This is a compulsiveness that leads to death. The truth we need to claim for ourselves is that we are “loved long before our parents, teachers, spouses, children and friends loved or wounded us.”
The movement of the book is guided by these descriptions of what it means to be the beloved: Chosen, Blessed, Broken, and Given
.
We are chosen, not in the sense that we deserve to be first on the team while other lesser talents are left out. We are chosen by the One who loves us with an everlasting love. That means I am more than a speck of humanity among millions. “Long before any human being saw us, we are seen by God’s loving eyes.”
Being chosen means, first, that I can reject the lies the world tells me that may demean me. I can know that I am the chosen child of God, even though I may not feel it right now. Second, being chosen also means that I will seek out the people and the places that remind me of the truth of my chosenness. Thirdly, I have to celebrate my chosenness by constantly saying “thank you” to God for choosing me.
Being blessed means that I am open to being affirmed by those who will say good things to me. To give a blessing to someone is more than giving them a word of praise or pointing out their talents. “To give a blessing is to affirm, to say “yes” to a person’s Belovedness.” A blessing is not telling a person how much you admire them. “A blessing touches the original goodness of the other and calls forth his or her Belovedness.” Here is an example of the kind of blessing Nouwen gave to people at L’Arche, the community of handicapped people and their caregivers. This one went to an assistant in the community, a 24 year old student. “John, it is so good that you are here. You are God’s Beloved Son. Your presence is a joy for all of us. When things are hard and live is burdensome, always remember hat you are loved with and everlasting love.”
“Broken” is Nouwen’s word about our sinfulness and our suffering. His example of his brokenness is his addiction to one person’s attentions and support. While he doesn’t go into any detail, he makes it clear that this one person was too important to him. He seems to have been trying to get all of his feeling s of being Beloved from one human being. The insight here is that God’s love flows through many human channels, and we make a huge mistake when we rely on one person for all of our security and feeling of being loved.
I find helpful Nouwen’s guidance that we put our brokenness under the blessing. This is a way of saying that we learn not to think of our brokenness as proof of some kind of curse. “The suffering I am going through is proof that the deep feeling I have of being no good is accurate. My brokenness proves it.” When we put our brokenness under the light of blessing we move toward full acceptance of ourselves as the Beloved. His examples of putting your brokenness under the blessing include
We are chosen, blessed, and broken not for our own sakes, but in order that we can be given. In the end, what brings us the greatest joy in life is being able to do something for another person. God’s love flows into us in order to flow on to others. All that we receive from being the Beloved is to be passed on.
The movement of the book is guided by these descriptions of what it means to be the beloved: Chosen, Blessed, Broken, and Given
.
We are chosen, not in the sense that we deserve to be first on the team while other lesser talents are left out. We are chosen by the One who loves us with an everlasting love. That means I am more than a speck of humanity among millions. “Long before any human being saw us, we are seen by God’s loving eyes.”
Being chosen means, first, that I can reject the lies the world tells me that may demean me. I can know that I am the chosen child of God, even though I may not feel it right now. Second, being chosen also means that I will seek out the people and the places that remind me of the truth of my chosenness. Thirdly, I have to celebrate my chosenness by constantly saying “thank you” to God for choosing me.
Being blessed means that I am open to being affirmed by those who will say good things to me. To give a blessing to someone is more than giving them a word of praise or pointing out their talents. “To give a blessing is to affirm, to say “yes” to a person’s Belovedness.” A blessing is not telling a person how much you admire them. “A blessing touches the original goodness of the other and calls forth his or her Belovedness.” Here is an example of the kind of blessing Nouwen gave to people at L’Arche, the community of handicapped people and their caregivers. This one went to an assistant in the community, a 24 year old student. “John, it is so good that you are here. You are God’s Beloved Son. Your presence is a joy for all of us. When things are hard and live is burdensome, always remember hat you are loved with and everlasting love.”
“Broken” is Nouwen’s word about our sinfulness and our suffering. His example of his brokenness is his addiction to one person’s attentions and support. While he doesn’t go into any detail, he makes it clear that this one person was too important to him. He seems to have been trying to get all of his feeling s of being Beloved from one human being. The insight here is that God’s love flows through many human channels, and we make a huge mistake when we rely on one person for all of our security and feeling of being loved.
I find helpful Nouwen’s guidance that we put our brokenness under the blessing. This is a way of saying that we learn not to think of our brokenness as proof of some kind of curse. “The suffering I am going through is proof that the deep feeling I have of being no good is accurate. My brokenness proves it.” When we put our brokenness under the light of blessing we move toward full acceptance of ourselves as the Beloved. His examples of putting your brokenness under the blessing include
We are chosen, blessed, and broken not for our own sakes, but in order that we can be given. In the end, what brings us the greatest joy in life is being able to do something for another person. God’s love flows into us in order to flow on to others. All that we receive from being the Beloved is to be passed on.
We Need Each Other
For most of my career as a pastor, I have known that community is life-giving to me. I’ve tried to be in small groups of pastors and church members for the last 38 years. Here at New Hope we are trying to develop more Sunday School classes and home groups, because we need each other. We are in this church to love God, love people, make disciples, and serve the world. We can ‘t do that alone. Maya Angelou wrote a poem called “Alone.”
Lying, thinking last night how to find my soul a home
Where water is not thirsty and bread loaf is not stone;
I came up with one thing, and I don’t think I’m wrong:
That nobody, but nobody can make it out here alone.
A couple of Sundays ago in a sermon, I talked about how four friends brought a paralyzed man to the feet of Jesus. They tore a hole in a roof and let him down on ropes. They were determined to get him to Jesus. Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven, and, when Jesus told him to, the man got up and walked. In that sermon I said, “We want to be the kind of church that brings people to the feet of Jesus so that they can be healed.” Like the four friends, let’s work together in love and help forgiveness and healing happen.
If you are not meeting on a regular basis with a few people every week or so, you are missing out on a major channel through which God’s love can flow into you. Find a class, find a group. Call me if you need help.
Lying, thinking last night how to find my soul a home
Where water is not thirsty and bread loaf is not stone;
I came up with one thing, and I don’t think I’m wrong:
That nobody, but nobody can make it out here alone.
A couple of Sundays ago in a sermon, I talked about how four friends brought a paralyzed man to the feet of Jesus. They tore a hole in a roof and let him down on ropes. They were determined to get him to Jesus. Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven, and, when Jesus told him to, the man got up and walked. In that sermon I said, “We want to be the kind of church that brings people to the feet of Jesus so that they can be healed.” Like the four friends, let’s work together in love and help forgiveness and healing happen.
If you are not meeting on a regular basis with a few people every week or so, you are missing out on a major channel through which God’s love can flow into you. Find a class, find a group. Call me if you need help.
Jesus' Journey
Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey, showing that he was there for reasons different from those of a ruler. Many threw their coats before him on the road. Others spread leafy palm branches. They shouted the Psalm of triumph. “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming.” They wanted to crown him king, but Jesus knew who he was. He did not need human acclaim. He rode on. As he moved through the week, tension built. Jesus was questioned about the resurrection. “God is not a God of the dead but of the living,” he said. “Love is the fulfillment of the commandments. Always be prepared. God comes unexpectedly. “
A woman anoints him for burial, and the drama moves toward Jesus’ death. They eat the Passover meal. He says the bread and wine symbolize his broken body and his shed blood. The weakness of his disciples becomes obvious. He has washes the feet of all his disciples including the feet of Judas. Jesus is betrayed. and arrested. His life is near its end, yet he loves no matter what is done to him. Peter tries to defend him at his arrest; Jesus demands that he put up his sword. He is forsaken, but he prays for those who leave him. He is mocked and tormented, but he cares about his tormentors. For those who nail him to the cross, he prays, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). When the crowd attacks him with angry, vile words Jesus does not attack in return. A dying thief reaches out to him in hope, and he responds with the promise, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
We stand in awe as we see what Jesus has done to show his love and pay the price to forgive us and give us life.
A woman anoints him for burial, and the drama moves toward Jesus’ death. They eat the Passover meal. He says the bread and wine symbolize his broken body and his shed blood. The weakness of his disciples becomes obvious. He has washes the feet of all his disciples including the feet of Judas. Jesus is betrayed. and arrested. His life is near its end, yet he loves no matter what is done to him. Peter tries to defend him at his arrest; Jesus demands that he put up his sword. He is forsaken, but he prays for those who leave him. He is mocked and tormented, but he cares about his tormentors. For those who nail him to the cross, he prays, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). When the crowd attacks him with angry, vile words Jesus does not attack in return. A dying thief reaches out to him in hope, and he responds with the promise, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
We stand in awe as we see what Jesus has done to show his love and pay the price to forgive us and give us life.
Sunday School
At New Hope we want to provide Bible study groups for all ages. That is why I am very happy that Ruth Bradley has become our Sunday School Director and Elaine Hardy has become our Sunday School Consultant. Ruth will be our leader and encourager of all Sunday School work. Elaine will be our guide.
What does a Sunday School Director do? Here are some "Responsibilities of the Sunday School Director" prepared by Elaine Hardy.
1. Lead in determining the S.S. organization needed and the best use of space
2. Plan for new units. (New classes or small groups)
3. Aid nominating committee in selection of workers
4. Determine training needs; develop a training plan
5. Lead teachers in setting reachable goals
6. Give direction to the selection of curriculum materials
7. Determine resources and budget needed for the S.S.
8. Represent the Sunday School on the Church Council
9. Lead in evaluating the work of the S.S.
10. Lead in setting realistic, challenging goals for increased attendance.
11. Use every opportunity for publicizing Sunday School and small groups
Sunday Morning Responsibilities
> Arrive on time and be visible.
> Greet visitors, escort them to class, and introduce them to the teacher.
> Insure that literature is delivered to the classes.
> Visit classes periodically to promote goals, special emphases, and outreach.
Somehow it is easy for us to forget that Sunday School is the growth arm of the church. It helps a church to grow spiritually and in numbers of members. As our church grows larger, we need more small groups – Bible study classes, Bible study groups, and support groups – to enable members to know and care for each other. You can’t form very deep relationships with people if you only sit beside them on a Sunday morning in worship. A Sunday School class on Sunday morning or a small group meeting during the week provides the opportunity to know and be known, to care and be cared for, to love and be loved. That is why I am very glad to have Ruth Bradley and Elaine Hardy giving us leadership and guidance as we develop life-changing Bible study classes and groups for all ages.
What does a Sunday School Director do? Here are some "Responsibilities of the Sunday School Director" prepared by Elaine Hardy.
1. Lead in determining the S.S. organization needed and the best use of space
2. Plan for new units. (New classes or small groups)
3. Aid nominating committee in selection of workers
4. Determine training needs; develop a training plan
5. Lead teachers in setting reachable goals
6. Give direction to the selection of curriculum materials
7. Determine resources and budget needed for the S.S.
8. Represent the Sunday School on the Church Council
9. Lead in evaluating the work of the S.S.
10. Lead in setting realistic, challenging goals for increased attendance.
11. Use every opportunity for publicizing Sunday School and small groups
Sunday Morning Responsibilities
> Arrive on time and be visible.
> Greet visitors, escort them to class, and introduce them to the teacher.
> Insure that literature is delivered to the classes.
> Visit classes periodically to promote goals, special emphases, and outreach.
Somehow it is easy for us to forget that Sunday School is the growth arm of the church. It helps a church to grow spiritually and in numbers of members. As our church grows larger, we need more small groups – Bible study classes, Bible study groups, and support groups – to enable members to know and care for each other. You can’t form very deep relationships with people if you only sit beside them on a Sunday morning in worship. A Sunday School class on Sunday morning or a small group meeting during the week provides the opportunity to know and be known, to care and be cared for, to love and be loved. That is why I am very glad to have Ruth Bradley and Elaine Hardy giving us leadership and guidance as we develop life-changing Bible study classes and groups for all ages.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
On the Cross and Lies and Truth
As we approach Easter, we think about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The death of Jesus shows us how we do our worst deeds based on lies. Jesus was killed because of a lie. Powerful people believed he was a false messiah, a troublemaker who needed to be gotten rid of for the safety of the Jewish people. Those who arrested him in the Garden of Gethsemane were sincere in their belief that getting Jesus out of the way was the best thing for their people. They believed a lie. As they nailed his hands and feet to the cross, Jesus said, “They don’t know what they are doing “(Luke 23:34). We human beings have done our worst while believing we were right and being sincerely wrong!
This week in my reading and viewing, I ran across two unrelated lies we humans have believed that caused untold amounts of suffering and death. In Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin tells of the death of the first wife of Salmon Chase who later became Abraham Lincoln’s treasury secretary. At the age of 23, Kitty died from complications of childbirth. The physicians did what they believed was right. They bled her. To drain away a patient’s blood was believed to remove impurities from the body and encourage healing. It is easy for us to see what a devastating lie that was, but bleeding patients was so widely accepted that many people were killed by this treatment.
I watched “The Color of Freedom,” a film about the racist South African government’s imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. The film made it clear that the actions of white South Africans in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s were based on the same racism that protected slavery and segregation in America. They believed this lie: black people are inferior to white people; therefore taking away their freedom is right and the only way for white people to be safe.
Look at how lies can lead otherwise good people to do the worst things. Jesus said the devil is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). He also promised, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32-33)"
This week in my reading and viewing, I ran across two unrelated lies we humans have believed that caused untold amounts of suffering and death. In Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin tells of the death of the first wife of Salmon Chase who later became Abraham Lincoln’s treasury secretary. At the age of 23, Kitty died from complications of childbirth. The physicians did what they believed was right. They bled her. To drain away a patient’s blood was believed to remove impurities from the body and encourage healing. It is easy for us to see what a devastating lie that was, but bleeding patients was so widely accepted that many people were killed by this treatment.
I watched “The Color of Freedom,” a film about the racist South African government’s imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. The film made it clear that the actions of white South Africans in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s were based on the same racism that protected slavery and segregation in America. They believed this lie: black people are inferior to white people; therefore taking away their freedom is right and the only way for white people to be safe.
Look at how lies can lead otherwise good people to do the worst things. Jesus said the devil is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). He also promised, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32-33)"
Thursday, March 12, 2009
"Our Unique Call"
Henri Nouwen was a Roman Catholic priest who wrote many books of spiritual guidance. His book of daily meditations called Bread for the Journey is available as a “Daily Meditation eLetter.” Go to henrinouwen.org to subscribe.
On March 10, Nouwen’s meditation was so much in tune with our times that I wanted you to have it. Here is “Our Unique Call.”
I am reminded of one of Mother Teresa’s well-known sayings. “We cannot do great things. We can do small things with great love.” I know that this is our call here at New Hope. Let’s be about our work, small as it may seem. God will bless and multiply all that we do with love and fill our hearts with more love.
On March 10, Nouwen’s meditation was so much in tune with our times that I wanted you to have it. Here is “Our Unique Call.”
So many terrible things happen every day that we start wondering whether the few things we do ourselves make any sense. When people are starving only a few thousand miles away, when wars are raging close to our borders, when countless people in our cities have no homes to live in, our own activities look futile. Such considerations, however, can paralyze and depress us.
Here the word call becomes important. We are not called to save the world, solve all problems, and help all people. But each of us has our own unique call, in our families, in our work, in our world. We have to keep asking God to help us see clearly what our call is and to give us the strength to live out that call with trust. Then we will discover that our faithfulness to a small task is the most healing response to the illnesses of our time.
I am reminded of one of Mother Teresa’s well-known sayings. “We cannot do great things. We can do small things with great love.” I know that this is our call here at New Hope. Let’s be about our work, small as it may seem. God will bless and multiply all that we do with love and fill our hearts with more love.
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