Actions Speak Louder Than Words 4.22.22

The Lord is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!!  Those are such great words that we proclaim yet today as followers of Jesus.  The Lord is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!!  Easter is full of so many words, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”  Or the single word that the resurrected Jesus spoke that changed Mary’s life.  That one word… “Mary.”  Or these words that Jesus spoke, “Peace be with you”, words that we still need to hear today.  These are all great words that Jesus spoke on that first Easter day. 

Words are such an important part of our world.  I did a quick Google search asking about how many words the average person speaks a day.  The average was 7,000- 10,000.   That’s a lot of words.  Then I typed in the question, “How many words does the average person hear or read a day?”  The most recent article I could find relating to this question was from 2009, and the answer it gave was 100,000.  I’m guessing that number is even higher now.  Just in what you’ve read of this article up to this point, you have read about 200 words. 

Words are so important in our world and in our lives.  However, I’m reminded of a saying that I learned as a child, “Actions speak louder than words.”  This is in part what the apostle Paul is trying to communicate in his letter to the Jesus followers at Corinth.  In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul writes to remind the people of the church that saying we love someone is important…but living out that love speaks volumes more than words ever will. 

In fact, as wonderful as the words were that Jesus spoke that first Easter morning, his most powerful message that day didn’t involve words at all.  Luke and John speak of the moment most clearly.  It took place on the evening of that first Easter Sunday.  The disciples were together and were basically hiding behind a locked door.  They were afraid for their own lives and a bit confused because of some people saying they’d seen Jesus alive.  But mostly, they were likely disturbed because Jesus’ body was gone, presumably taken, from the tomb. 

Then, without notice, Jesus is standing in their midst.  I’m guessing for the first few moments there wasn’t a word spoken.  In fact, I have a feeling there was an ear-splitting silence. Then there was an audible gasp from some of the disciples as the unspoken message sunk in…Jesus was alive!!!  And because of that moment the world has never quite been the same. 

We all recognize how essential words are in our everyday lives.  There are very few moments during our waking hours that we aren’t assaulted or surrounded by words.  They are everywhere.  (You’ve now read 480 words J)  In recent years, we’ve especially experienced the destructive power of words, as words have been used to divide, malign, confine, and even cancel people in our culture and world. 

As followers of Jesus, I believe a clear message for all of us, especially in our world today, is that of letting our actions speak for us.  In numerous stories from Jesus’ life, the message that was most clearly received had little to do with words, it was more about his actions; healing people, who he spent time with, what or who Jesus valued and accepted, etc. 

Remember what Jesus said when he gave the disciples the “new” command.  “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35. Jesus didn’t say, “By telling others you love them.”  He said, “if you have love for one another.”  That’s about living it, acting it, expressing it in our actions and daily living. I believe we all would agree the world needs more messages of love.  Personally, I feel there needs to be fewer words and more living moments expressing it.  My friends, may we each go into the world and live Jesus’ new command to love one another.  This is a message desperately needed and the great thing is, we don’t have to speak a word.  After all, actions truly do speak louder than words.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

We Made It to Our Destination

4.15.22

Today we have arrived at our destination.  For the past six weeks we have been journeying together through the season of Lent knowing what was before us.  We have finally arrived…we have arrived at the cross.  Most often in life there is a sense of accomplishment or happiness when one arrives at a destination.  However, in this case, arriving at the destination, the cross, is not a cause for celebration or even accomplishment.  There is more of a sense of shock, sadness, even despair as we are once again reminded of what humanity is capable of doing to other human beings.  

It really is rather interesting what we have done with the cross.  Think about it.  The cross was a device used by Rome to torture and execute prisoners.  The cross being used in this manner didn’t originate with the Romans, but as some historians say, they perfected it’s use.  This is exactly what we remember, today of all days.  This is the day that Jesus was nailed to a cross and died.  It is interesting that a device used in this manner would become a central object and symbol of the Christian faith considering it’s brutal and hostile past.

As a pastor, you can imagine that I have become a collector of crosses.  As I spin in my chair, I see several crosses that are a part of the memorabilia that I keep in my office.  There’s a Jerusalem cross that I got while in Jerusalem.  There’s a paper cross on my bulletin board, colored and given to me by a Sunday School Student.  There’s a sleek cross made of glass.  There’s an ornate cross made of Olive Wood that also came from the Holy Land.  I believe that one came from Nancy’s Grandpa.  There’s a cross that is made from an old hymnal.  There’s a cross on my shelves that is from the church I grew up in.  One of my favorite crosses is made from old, weathered barn wood.  A number of these crosses were used as pew decorations for a wedding and then given to the church.  I like that one so much because of its roughness – there’s no attempt to make it look “pretty,” so to speak.  I have a beautiful Black Hills Gold cross given to me as a farewell gift from a church I served.  I’ve got a wooden cross that fits so nicely in my hand.  I’ve got a bronze cross that is heavy.  Holding it makes me think of the weight of the cross.  You get the point…I have a lot of crosses.

How interesting it is that years ago in Jesus’ day, one would not want to get to close to a cross.  Now you see crosses everywhere and on so many people.  It might seem that our culture has gone to the other extreme.  The cross is everywhere because it’s become more of a fashion statement or a decorating accent.  I’ll admit there are times I would like to go up to a person and ask them what the cross represents for them as they wear or display it.  Actually, that probably wouldn’t be a bad way to connect with people and gain new insights into how people think and what they believe.  

For us as Christians, the cross is such a central symbol of our faith because of what it represents for us as followers of Jesus; it represents sacrifice, it represents redemption, it represents forgiveness, it represents a new identity.  This list could go on and on.  

But today, on this Good Friday, I am wearing one of my own crosses.  It’s a cross made of three-square nails.  I wear it, especially today, to remember it was three nails that held Jesus on the cross.  Yet the more I think about the meaning and power of this day and the cross, that isn’t true either.  You see what really held Jesus to the cross…was love.  His love for you…and his love for me!  “For God so loved the world, he gave…”

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

From Fear to Love 4.8.22

So, how is the moving going in your life?  “What!” you’re thinking!   “Moving…I’m not moving!”  Well, maybe you aren’t…but maybe you are!!  The reason I ask this question is because in the book I’m reading for Lent, (Spiritual Formation by Henri Nouwen,) the author proposes that spiritual formation or spiritual growth isn’t so much about achieving stages or mastering steps.  Nouwen states that spiritual formation is really about movement, such as moving from Sorrow to Joy, from Resentment to Gratitude, or as this week’s chapter states, moving from Fear to Love.  Yes, I believe he is right, there is a lot of motion and movement in life, in growth, and in spiritual formation.

In the chapter about moving “From Fear to Love,” a phrase was used that really struck a chord with me.  Nouwen writes, “The invitation of Christ is the invitation to move out of the house of fear and into the house of love:” (Spiritual Formation; page 78).  I want to make sure you caught that - Moving out of the house of fear and into the house of love.  Think about that for just a moment.

In my adult life I’ve done enough moving to know it’s a lot of work to move from one house to another. There’s all sorts of sorting, throwing away, and packing that has to be done in preparation.  Then there’s the process of saying good-bye to the neighbors as well as saying good-bye to the home itself.  Next comes the journey to arrive at the new home, the process of saying hello to a new building and neighbors, unpacking boxes and helping your possessions discover their new home in your new home.  And finally, there’s the continual process of entering into the new home. 

Now I realize I’ve oversimplified the moving process into just a few short sentences.  When the reality is it can take months…even years to truly make the move from one home to another.  Yet, let’s look at the moving process and connect it with Nouwen’s discussion of moving into a new home.

To move out of the house of fear requires a lot of sorting.  If we’re moving into the house of love, it is going to mean there are a lot of old “tapes” or messages and influences that will need to be disposed of.  Sometimes it is easy to recognize the thoughts and attitudes that cannot make the move.  They’ve got to go!  But of course, we all know that even after the move takes place, the sorting continues.  There will be other items you’ll come across and wonder, “Why did I bring that?” and then simply throw it away. And that’s OK!!

There is a process of saying good-bye to the old neighbors, the people or structures that have kept us living in fear.  This is real.  If one doesn’t say good-bye to these influences, they will tend to hitch a ride and come along to the new home and take up residence with you again.  Saying hello to the new home, the new environment in which one will live is also an important process.  This means greeting and welcoming the new influences and making them a part of your life.  It means finding a new place for the things you’ve brought with you to the new home and of course this takes time.  Sometimes, lot of time!!  This is all truly hard work because usually this also means that change is taking place in one’s life.

The final step I mentioned is continuing to show up or enter into the new home.  Now usually this isn’t a problem because when I’ve moved, it’s been to a completely different town or city.  However, one-time years ago, when we moved from an apartment to our first home, I got off work late at night, I was tired and not really thinking, and I turned at the usual corner…but it wasn’t the corner I turned at to go to our new home.  I was heading to the old apartment.  Yes, this can happen, spiritually speaking too.  Old patterns, behaviors, or attitudes can pop up even in the most unlikely moments.  We must be intentional about going to our new home.

So, let me ask you again, how is the moving going in your life?? Are you, like me, making the move from the house of fear to the house of love?  I have a feeling this will be a lifelong move for me.  But the truth is, if Henri Nouwen is right, and I feel that he is, we all are moving.  Moving to new places of understanding, moving to new areas of faithfulness, moving to new ways of following and imitating Jesus.  And through it all, we really are moving, not just into a new house so to speak, we are really moving into a new Kingdom.  The Kingdom or the reign of God in our lives and in our world.  May our combined prayer be, “God, help me move into the house that You build!”

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

“If Christ is in your heart as he is in mine, give me your hand.” 4.1.22

It’s amazing the slogans, phrases, and bits of information that one can remember.  I can remember our home telephone number from the farm.  I can remember our CB number.  Remember those days back in the 70’s?  Our home base was KRF-2145.  My CB handle was “Trailblazer.” (There’s a story behind that, which I’ll tell another day.)  Mom was “Organ Grinder” because she played organ and piano at our little country church.  Such useless information that still has a spot in my memory banks.  (I can even still remember the phone number to Nancy’s home in Iowa that I called.)

I also found myself thinking about some old commercial tag lines.  One of the oldest I can still easily remember is, “Don’t leave home without it!”  How many of you remember that one? Do you remember what the product was being sold with that line?  Do you remember the first “big name” actor who made that tag line famous?  Yes, the product was a credit card. 

Speaking of credit cards, another tag line that really isn’t all that old, 20 years, that is still used to this day is, “What’s in your wallet?”  This series of commercials strive to show how good things happen to a person when they have and use this particular credit card.  So, the tag line, “What’s in your wallet?” is intended to get you to question what credit card you have and use. 

Well, to be honest, I don’t really care what is in your wallet, credit card wise.  But the line or phrase that I do care about and that has come to mind more often in recent days, especially in our current days is this, “What’s in your heart?”

Now, there is a bit of a story behind the question, “What’s in your heart?”  It is said that years ago John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement, was involved in a heated theological debate with a pastor of another faith tradition.  It was obvious that neither individual was going to change their position or beliefs and they were simply wasting time debating.  Finally, Wesley paused in the discussion and said, “If Christ is in your heart as he is in mine, give me your hand.”  What that means is that if the love of Christ is contained in one’s heart and life, that’s really all that is necessary.  Even though there may be different opinions and beliefs, it is still possible to take each other’s hand in friendship, or as co-workers for Christ, and not dwell on the differences but rather share in ministry where they can further the work of Christ and the Kingdom of God. 

I believe these are such powerful words, words needed to be heard and lived out in our day.  Yes, right now we live in a world that is rather divided.  It seems everywhere one looks, there are forces at work seeking to make people chose sides.  What if the side we chose was that of the side of living Christ’s love?  That does sound rather familiar… “A new command I give you…love one another.”  There are always going to be things that divide us.  I like peanut butter and chocolate together.  Some people don’t.  Hmmm, seems like there’s an old commercial about that too!  😊  But especially in the Church, we would do well to remember and live Wesley’s words.  “If Christ is in your heart as he is in mine…give me your hand.”  That’s all that really matters.  Let’s work…and love the world together.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Spiritual Updates Available 3.25.22

My cell phone has a wonderful feature!!  No, I’m not talking about the video chat feature.  Though that is pretty great for being able to see our grandson at a distance.  I’m not talking about the messaging and social media apps that help me stay connected with people in my life.  I’m not even talking about the Amazon app that will track my package and even tell me when it’s out for delivery and how many stops there are before my package is delivered (I think that one is verging on TMI – To Much Information).  I’m not even speaking of the navigation app on my phone that will tell me turn by turn, lane by lane, etc. how to get to the destination I wish to arrive at.  That one is pretty amazing.

No, the feature I’m thinking of is the “Update” feature.  There isn’t even anything I have to do to activate this feature.  It simply informs me when there are updates ready for the apps on my phone or for the operating system that my phone uses to function. 

Now the reason for the updates is that there might be some new technology available to help the app run better.  Or there might be some problems, or bugs, in the older version of the app that was making it not work properly, so the update includes the “fixes.”  Or it could be there are simply new ways of doing things, new understandings of how to do things, or there might be some new features being added to the app or operating system.  Thus, the need to update the instructions that make the phone or the app function at its best. 

Like I said, the update feature on my phone is really wonderful.  I only wish my spiritual disciplines, faith development, and understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus would update as easily and as quickly as the apps on my phone do.  It seems there’s very little that is quick or easy about updating my spiritual life. 

In the book, Spiritual Formation by Henri Nouwen, that a group of us are reading for Lent, Nouwen talks about spiritual formation or growth often coming about through struggle, challenges, and even pain.  Yes, it can also take place through blessing, celebration, and pleasure.  However, we humans are more likely to change, grow, and take on new behaviors or life patterns when there is discomfort or disruption in our lives.  You see, when there is comfort in our lives, we tend to get comfortable…and want to stay there.

Lent is an intended and intentional season for doing some of the hard work of faith development and spiritual formation or updating.  It’s a season of asking God questions like, “How can I become more Christ-like in my life?”  “How can I better love God and love my neighbor?” “In what ways can I display Christ’s love more fully?”  “God, how can I reflect your Kingdom and serve you more fully in my life?”  These are just a few of the possible questions one can ask, but the intent is to get us looking outside ourselves, and beyond what is comfortable in our lives so that God might be able to do a “new thing” within us. 

The other truth we need to embrace is, just as updates can come any time during the week, month, or year for my phone, the same is true with our spiritual updates.  Lent is a great season to focus on spiritual formation and growth, but really, faith growth can and does happen at any point during the year, not just in one six-week season.  As we continue our journey through Lent and 2022, may we keep our hearts, minds, and spirits open to the presence of God’s Spirit gently (and sometimes not so gently) guiding us to the places within us where the message has been received, “Updates Available.”

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

We Can Do Hard Things! 3.18.22

I am not the most tidy person around.  For those of you who have seen my desk in the “Pastor’s Office” at the church, you know the truth of which I speak.  I tend to have lots of “stuff” laying around.  None of you reading this have seen it…buuuutttt my home office isn’t any better.  In fact, it’s probably a bit worse.  You can’t see her right now, but just imagine Nancy, my wife, nodding her head and rolling her eyes!

One piece of my struggle is there’s so much I want to do, it’s easy to simply jump into a new task, book, project, article, etc., without properly putting away the items that I was using for the last project I was working on. (And I might need some of the same “things” for this next project…so why put them away.  I’ll just get them out again.)  Another part of my disorganization is that as long as things are “filed” in my disorganized way on the floor or on my desktop, I tend to know where things are.  It’s when I put things away in an organized manner, such as in a file folder in a file cabinet, that I begin to lose track of where things are and then I can never find it when I need it.  We are all complicated and imperfect people…at least I know that I am.

Of course, my intentions are always good.  Once I get things cleaned up, which always takes place with the help of Nancy, my intention is to regularly take a few moments to put things away, to organize, and clean up.  But then I’m running late, I’m not feeling it, something more urgent comes along, etc., and suddenly I’m back to a big mess.  (Heavy sigh!)

I understand so well what the Apostle Paul means when he writes, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.”  (Romans 7:19)  Yes, that’s me too sometimes.  I believe an important part of our faith journey is recognizing the places where we fall short, or where God is nudging us to grow, and then to take some steps, as small as they may seem, to grow. 

This, for me, is why Lent is such an important part of the seasons of the Christian year.  Lent is a season of self-examination and reflection.  Yes, it’s a time of listening for the messages that God wants us to hear and yes, it’s a time of recognizing our sinfulness and seeking ways to live that reflects the light and love of God more fully.  But Lent should also be a time of celebrating and recognizing the places where we have grown in the past year, and where we are walking more closely with God than we have in the past. 

You see, Lent is not about suddenly being perfect, whole, or complete (as if that is ever possible).  Lent, like the faith journey, is about movement, it’s about steps, it’s about moving in a direction that takes us more into the heart and hope of God, not just for ourselves but for the world and all creation. 

So, what is an area I’m seeking movement or growth in for this season of Lent, as well as for the year to come?  I’m going to live into a T2  strategy for dealing with the mess in my office – and who knows how that will affect other areas of my life.  Each day while in my office, I’m going “Take Two” items and put them away.  No, it doesn’t sound like much, but over time it is likely to make a big difference.  Lent really isn’t about giving things up, per se.  The fasting or “change” of Lent is really about recognizing within ourselves that change is possible and we can do hard or uncomfortable things…if we really want to. 

Yes, two weeks of Lent are behind us.  There are still four weeks ahead.  Plenty of time to take some small steps to move in a new direction, to live into a little bit of change, and to walk and live more closely with God.  We can do it…Together!!!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Looking For The Treasures 3.11.22

I am a geocacher.  That means I participate in the activity of geocaching.  Some of you know exactly what that means, others are sort of familiar with the activity, and others of you haven’t a clue what I’m talking about.  The simple explanation I tell people is that geocaching is treasure hunting with technology.  Fellow geocachers hide small containers, or caches, in public places and then post the coordinates (latitude and longitude) on a special website on the internet, and then other geocachers use the posted coordinates to find the cache that is hidden.  There’s usually a logbook in the cache container, so once the cache is found, the person signs the log and then puts the cache back in place for the next person to find.  There are thousands of caches hidden all around the world and at least 60 caches here in Mitchell.  So far, I have found 754 caches. 

Part of the fun of geocaching is the search.  The caches are often placed at unique and interesting locations.  So, in the process of the “hunt” for the geocache, a person is often taken to places they might not ordinarily go, and sometimes the description of the cache location will tell a little bit of the story of what makes that spot interesting or unique. 

Yet, the process of finding the cache can take some time and work.  You see, the tracking equipment one uses to find the location of the cache, via the coordinates, doesn’t take you to the exact spot.  They say it’s likely to be within 10-15 feel of the location. And the other factor is that the cache container isn’t painted a bright orange to help you locate it, it’s usually camouflaged to help it blend into the setting so other people don’t find it and run off with it.  If the cache container is large enough, it might also have some little trinkets in it.  But for me the fun part is finding the cache, signing the log, and enjoying the location.

In many ways, the season of Lent is a bit like geocaching.  There’s a beginning point – Ash Wednesday.  There’s an ending point – the cross of Good Friday.  And then there’s the journey in between those two points.  What one experiences along the way can vary from person to person, but there is always a treasure or two just waiting to be discovered.  When a person is open to the leading of the Spirit of God there can be all sorts of unseen treasures just waiting to be found and applied to life.  But it takes the willingness to put in the time and energy to seek out and notice the treasures hidden along the way. 

In geocaching, the most common container might be something like a rectangular Tupperware container or even a pill bottle that seals tight.  However, there are some individuals who get really creative with the caches they create and hide.  They blend in so well it takes a careful eye to find them.  The same is true for the treasures that await us in Lent…or in the faith journey.  Sometimes the faith treasures are in plain sight and sometimes they blend in to the surroundings and take a careful eye to find.

Recently I was reading from Psalm 62.  It’s one the Psalms written by David.  As I read the first two verses, I found myself reflecting on David’s dependence on God, especially in some very difficult moments.  Through it all David was able to say, “For God alone my soul waits in silence… God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.”  As I read those words, they spoke to my soul.  With a number of different things going on in our world, I have found myself longing for something stable.  David reminded me of the true source of stability in life.  “God is my rock…I shall not be shaken.”  What a wonderful treasure those words are.  In fact, it is now my goal to memorize Psalm 62:1-2 as a part of my Journey in Lent.  This was an unexpected treasure just waiting to be found.  I hope you find a treasure today…or in this season of Lent too.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

It’s a Journey! 03.04.22

There’s a picture in my office that has become one of my favorite pieces. The image is almost a silhouette scene showing a man and a woman traveling.  The woman is riding on a donkey.  Faces aren’t visible, in fact it’s kind of a blurred or out of focus image.  Of course, with what I’ve just described the thought is this is a scene depicting Mary and Joseph on their way from Nazareth to Bethlehem. 

The picture shows heads slightly bowed, as if the travelers are weary.  There is no obvious destination that can be seen, yet the brightness off in the distance gives the impression there is hope, there is something worthwhile being pursued. 

This picture was given to me by several staff here at our church because it reflects one of my favorite sayings they’ve heard me repeat regularly, “It’s a Journey!”  I often say this because I’ve come to realize in life that rarely does one arrive at the desired destination quickly.  It takes time…it is a journey.  I think of Abraham and Sarah who were promised to have a heritage numbering more than the stars of the sky, and yet they seemed unable to have children.  I think of Moses who led the Hebrew people out of Egypt with the Promised Land before them.  Yet it would take 40+ years to achieve that goal…and Moses the leader didn’t get to enter into the promise.  I think of David who as a boy was told that he would be king.  Yet it took many, many years, struggles and challenges, and even threats on his life before that promise was fulfilled.  I think of Solomon who was considered the wisest and wealthiest man for his day, sort of the Bill Gates of his time.  And yet it took years, likely most of his lifetime, for him to discover what true happiness was really about.

In fact, I’ve heard it said that here in America we tend to have “Destination Disease.”  Meaning, we tend to focus so much on the destination or “getting there” that we overlook the experiences, needs, or even the process of the journey.  Destination Disease has been the cause of a number of airplane and vehicle accidents in which the pilot or driver is so focused on the destination that he or she overlooks some important details essential for the flight.  (I was almost victim to this disease years ago.)

This week we have begun the journey of Lent.  It’s a journey that starts with ashes and realizing our sinfulness and mortality, and it ends with us all at the cross, staring at the face of love and true sacrifice.  I know, the temptation is ever present to jump straight to Easter.  Let’s celebrate life, get out the bright colored clothes, and rejoice in our living and present Savior.  I understand that.  Yet I believe this can be a form of spiritual destination disease. 

You see, I believe God wants us to experience something deep and meaning-filled in Lent.  Pope Francis in his Ash Wednesday address said the real journey of Lent isn’t about giving up candy, alcohol, red meat, or Facebook.  He went on to say what we really need to give up is our indifference toward others.  Yes, that takes real work.  Yes, that takes time and effort.  That is a journey that truly takes a lifetime. 

This picture in my office is a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey, but it is also a reminder of the journey that God has called me…and all of us to share.  What is it we desire to experience this Lent?  How do we anticipate God to shape us along the way?  Don’t forget to be open to the journey because the truth is, God isn’t just present with us at the destination.  God is with us, teaching, shaping, guiding, nurturing, challenging us every step of the way.  Yes, even in Lent, the brightness of the future proclaims there is something worthwhile and meaningful we are pursuing…even in the journey of today!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Praying for Ukraine 2.25.22

“Can’t we all just get along?!”  Those haunting words kept coming back to me yesterday (2.24.22).  Like all of you, I woke up Thursday to the news that Russia was invading Ukraine.  Throughout the day there were reports about happenings in Ukraine.  Military power was being used against another nation, boundaries violated, people were dying. It seems that ego, anger, entitlement, etc. have taken center stage.  I shouldn’t have been surprised by the news, after all, we’ve been hearing about the military buildup along the Russian / Ukraine borders for weeks.  And yet when the invasion happened, at least for me, it was sort of surprising. 

I’ll be honest, I don’t know all the history for this region of the world. I’m sure there are many complicating factors and lots of history that feeds into these most recent developments.  I’m sure there are many accusations that each side can make against the other.  There always are.  So, once again, violence and aggression have taken hold in a part of our troubled world. 

Now I realize the line, “Can’t we all get along?” was spoken by Rodney King, an African American man that was severely beaten while being arrested back in 1991.  Mr. King spoke these words in May of 1992 in the midst of what is now known as the LA Uprising and Riots.  The riots started at the conclusion of the trial in which the four police officers charged with beating Mr. King, were acquitted.  Mr. King was trying to help restore calm and bring an end to the violence on all sides by calling for peace, or that we simply, “get along.”

So, why I kept hearing those words in my mind yesterday isn’t totally clear…and yet it is.  You see, it’s easy for me to call out violence, inhumane actions, uncaring attitudes, and a bullying mentality when it’s on the other side of the globe.  But when it’s here in our own country, or even here in our own region, or even in my own life it’s much more challenging to do so.  It becomes more personal. 

In fact, just a couple days ago in my personal Bible reading time, I read a passage in the New Testament book of Romans that really spoke to me.  In this section of the letter, the Apostle Paul is sharing about what it means to live a new life in Christ.  He speaks of various gifts that Jesus Followers receive and that we are to use our gifts for the greater good of the body or faith community.  Then he talks about the qualities that are to be lived out in our lives as Christians.  He talks about rejoicing in hope, being patient in suffering, and persevering in prayer (Romans 12:12)  (You might remember that was a passage I encouraged us all to memorize and use at the beginning of the pandemic.)  Then in verse 12:18 Paul writes, “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”  So far as it depends on me…live peaceably with all. 

Yes, this makes me think of a couple recent experiences in which my temper got the best of me.  I made some judgments that I now realize were likely inaccurate.  Did I become violent with anyone?  No, but some of my actions or attitudes may have been disrespectful. 

Today, my heart…and my prayers go out to the people of the Ukraine.  Especially the innocent who are caught in the middle of the fighting.  I hear Mr. King’s words still ringing in my ears, “Can’t we all get along?”  And then I read Paul’s words and realize I have work to do in my own life to live peaceably with my brothers and sisters of the world…and even my brothers and sisters here in my own community.  Yes, there are times to take a stand, as they say, but usually it can be done in ways that aren’t degrading others or stirring up violence in others or myself.  You know, this “Love one another” stuff is really hard work.  Jesus never said it wouldn’t be.  And by the way…be sure to be praying for the people of Ukraine…and all in our world who are living in war and violence.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

What are the values of our church? 2.18.22

We all have them.  We all use them every day.  Whether we realize it or not, they guide us each and every day in the decisions we make, the actions we take, the activities we participate in, and the attitudes and beliefs we hold.  Generally speaking, we are all guided by our values.

The word “Values” is defined as, “The moral principles and beliefs or accepted standards of a person or social group” (Collins online dictionary).  Values are also defined as that which we give high regard to.  In other words, values are those beliefs, principles, or standards that we use to guide our life and that help us make decisions and what we consider important. 

We gain our values through a number of different means.  Sometimes our values are put in place through the family dynamics that we grew up in.  Sometimes our values are set through experiences that we have, either positive or negative.  Sometimes values are learned or gained through a sense of learning, philosophy, or religious influence.  Values can be gained through the various organizations that we associate with.  Values can even come from a place deep within us that we may not be sure where they come from.  And, I’m sure there are other ways that we gain the values that we hold to in life.  But the reality is, values are a part of each of our lives. 

The truth is values are also a part of the organizations and even the societies that we participate in.  Even as Christians, as followers of Jesus there are values that guide our lives, values that Jesus expressed, taught, and lived that are to characterize our lives too.  A good exercise in each of our lives, especially during the season of Lent, which starts in just a few weeks, is to make a list of the values that we live and express in our life and faith and then ask the question, are these values that Jesus lived and taught?  Once you have your list, connect with a spiritual director, pastor, or trusted Christian friend that will be honest with you, and go over your list of values that guide your life and compare them with the values of Jesus’ life. 

Values are so important to be aware of because they are like the “operating system” in our computers or phones, etc., that run quietly in the background telling our devices what to do.  It is important that organizations, even churches, be clear on the values that guide them.  This is why our church is holding a “Values Clarification Workshop” tomorrow, (Saturday, February 20 from 8:30am – 12:30pm).  The purpose of this workshop is to help our church clarify our values.  Knowing these values has the potential to effect decisions we make and the ministries that we offer.  After all, churches that have misaligned values and ministries struggle and wonder why there is tension within their faith community. 

If you are a part of our church family, I invite you to join us on Saturday morning here at the church (in the chapel) for our Values Clarification Workshop.  You are asked to fill out an information sheet before you come.  There is also a video of Rev. Rebecca Trefz explaining the importance and process of this workshop, that you are asked to watch before completing the worksheet.  If you can’t attend, we would still like to hear your voice as a part of the process.  There is a link below for the video, as well as for the on-line version of the values worksheet.  You can also go to our church website to find these links.  Click on the “Events and Calendar” link on the menu tab at the top right corner of the webpage – www.downtownfirstumc.com. 

Please be praying about this event.  Clarifying our values will help guide us in the future as our leaders make ministry decisions for the future of Downtown Mitchell First United Methodist Church.  Thank You!!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Click here to watch the pre-work video.

Click here to take the survey if you are not able to make it.