April-June 2017 “From the Desk of…” Archives:
April 3: Guest At Your Door
April 10: What are You Looking For?
April 17: How Will They Know
April 24: Walking Down Zion’s Road
May 3: Hearing God’s Voice
May 8: Celebrate Moms
May 15: What’s Your Favorite Fruit?
May 22: For Whom Shall We Pray?
May 29: Where Do YOU Draw the Line
June 19: Become Living Sanctuary
For the week of June 19, 2017
Most, if not all, of us have heard or sung the song “Sanctuary” in which we ask God to prepare us to be a living sanctuary for Him. Last week, after singing the song at a reunion in Iowa, I asked the people gathered there… “Do you really mean it?” They looked at me in a dazed and confused way having no idea what I meant. So, I reminded them what they had just sung. And then I asked them again… ”Do you really mean it?” It wasn’t a trick question. I really wanted to know if they were serious about asking God to help them become living sanctuaries for Him. It seems that all too often, we sing the hymns we sing because they fit the theme…or because they’re familiar…or because they were recommended. The more familiar they are, the less we have to think about what we’re singing, and the more likely we are to make bold requests or significant promises without even realizing it.
The thing is…there is a huge need for sanctuary in our communities and our world. One need not even go outside the church doors to find someone in need of sanctuary…needing to feel safe, welcomed, accepted, valued, loved. Of course, when you open the doors to the church and go out, you can’t even count the number of people who have those needs. Now I believe that if everyone who sang that song really meant it … REALLY meant it, and sought to live their life accordingly, we would be well on our way to being able to fill the need. Here’s the problem…and this may surprise you…for many, “church” and “sanctuary” are not synonymous…and neither are “Christian” and “sanctuary” for that matter.
We may believe that, in fact, those words are synonymous…but whether or not we believe it’s true doesn’t really matter. What matters is if those needing or seeking sanctuary believe it. So the proof is up to us, and we need to take a really hard look at how we present ourselves. What good is it to be pure and holy or tried and true, if what people see in us is judgement, or hypocrisy, or self-righteousness, or exclusion, or condemnation.
To become a living sanctuary, we need to be more than pure and holy…tried and true. We need to be who we really are…imperfect children of God…vulnerable to Divine Grace…who long to be accepted in spite of our failings and loved without condition.
Are you ready to become…?
Blessings,
Blake
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For the week of May 29th, 2017
Studies have shown that persons who witness crimes or violence against individuals often “look the other way.” And, events in Portland last week give credence to the argument that the safer choice may be to do just that.
Last night at the Bible study in Libertyville, we were looking at the 10th chapter of Matthew. It’s all about the cost of discipleship, and it’s not a passage for the faint of heart. Here’s an excerpt…
“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles… have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known…Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword…Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
It’s way easier to say these things than it is to do them. And, I know, reading the Scripture in this way is dangerous and out of context, but you get the idea… “DISCIPLESHIP IS NOT EASY.”
We don’t know if the two “good Samaritans” were Christian disciples or followers of another world religion. We don’t know if they are religious at all, or simply acted out of a sense of humanity and decency. What we do know is that they took action, and it cost them their lives.
Might they have done differently if they could have foreseen the outcome? Perhaps! But, it raises a question that I fear many of us would prefer not to address, and that is: “Where do you draw the line?” How far is too far when it comes to defending: your faith, the life of another innocent human being, the worth of all persons, the rights of those who are oppressed or abused, what is “right” (that is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, might, and mind…and to love your neighbor as yourself…not only in word, but also in deed)? What are you willing to risk losing…for the sake of the Gospel?
If your line is immovable or your willingness to risk losing something is non-existent…you may need to rethink your baptismal covenant, because…at a minimum…to take on the mantle of disciple is to automatically lose your right to ignore God’s call in your life!
Whatever you decide, before you draw the line…have a chat with God!!
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Blake
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For the week of May 22nd, 2017
This week, we mourn with the families of the Manchester bombing victims. We join the voices of outrage that cry out against the unnecessary loss of lives…especially those of innocent children. No one deserves to have their life (or the lives of loved ones) taken so unexpectedly…so cruelly…so senselessly. And in the midst of this unfathomable tragedy, people from around the world…representing a diversity of religions, beliefs, cultures, economic backgrounds, and lifestyles…lift their voices together in prayer.
In the end, it is not only those who are “radicalized”…those who sacrifice their lives for a misdirected cause…who are the “losers.” At times like these, the “losers” are too many to count. In addition to the quantifiable loss of life (which cannot be replaced), there is the loss of hope, security, trust, peace, and innocence (all of which are, at best, difficult to regain). To some degree, we are all “losers” at times like these.
When the smoke clears and the shock wears off (which it never should), we pray…for the victims and their families. It’s what we do. Perhaps because it’s what we’ve been told we ought to do… perhaps because we don’t know what else to do… or, perhaps because it’s all we feel we can do. But perhaps we could do more..
Jesus is recorded to have said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matt 5:43-48)
So, what about the bomber…or his family? What about those persons who are susceptible to being “radicalized” in the first place? Maybe Jesus didn’t mean terrorists, but what about school children driven by bullies to bring weapons to school and kill classmates and teachers? What about persons driven by abusers to lash out in an effort to regain some control in their lives? What about adults (including Christians) who, after having been laid off from their jobs due to circumstances out of their control…unable to find other employment…evicted from their homes…and now desperate…commit “crimes” in an effort to survive or to provide for their now homeless children? Are these not the persons we have decided are our “enemies?” Ought we not to pray for them?
Are we not, because of our own greed, or envy, or anger, or self-righteousness, the “enemy” of someone? Don’t we in our darkest times hope that someone is praying for us? Isn’t that what God would want?
I know…I know…lots of questions. And though there are probably just as many answers…only one answer really matters… We had better be praying for everyone including (if not starting with) ourselves. Hopefully, others will be praying for us as well. This is something we have to do together. If not, we will ALL continue to be “losers” at some level or other.
Blessings,
Blake
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For the week of May 15th, 2017
Love. Joy, Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self Control. Hopefully, you recognize this list? It is the fruits of the Spirit as found in the fifth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The list is offered “in contrast” (cf. v 22) to the works of the flesh.
I had lunch with a friend on Tuesday of this week. We were talking about relationships, living with integrity, and the role of the “disciple”…a person who calls themselves a “follower of Christ.” My friend shared a story of a budding friendship with a person whom he met due to a shared hobby, and with whom he has since shared a meal on a few occasions. He shared how on his second visit with this new friend, the friend had acknowledged (without prompting) a couple of things he had observed regarding my friend’s character, and what he perceived to be my friend’s way of life…specifically that he was a “man of faith.” It should be noted that my friend said he never mentioned God…never quoted Scripture…never said anything against any other person’s actions. He didn’t proselytize, or preach. He didn’t show his credentials, or flash his “Jesus badge.” He was simply living in accordance as best he could with a choice he made long ago…to listen to the heart of God and live his life with integrity.
Suffice it to say…and I think my friend would agree to this…my friend is not perfect (though pretty darn close in my eyes). But, in reality, none of us are! He makes mistakes (though I’d guess not many). And, let’s face it, we all do!! The point is that he lives his life with integrity; and, because of that, others recognize in him something different.
I share this story because we (our church, our communities, our nation, and our world) could use a reminder of the importance of integrity…of truth-telling…of manifestations of the fruits of the spirit. If we set before ourselves the fruits of the spirit as a goal to measure how close to the Word we are living our life…if we establish a lifelong pattern of values, behaviors, and relationships that can serve not only as a “banner” for others to observe, but also as a corrective for ourselves on those occasions when our humanity slips in and causes us to stumble…and if we refuse to allow our pride to keep us from taking responsibility for our mistakes, but instead seek reconciliation and healing…the “tree” that is our life will flourish and bear fruit.
Why wait…It’s Spring, and there is no better time to nurture the tree so that the fruit will grow.
Blessings,
Blake
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For the week of May 8th, 2017
This week, I’m going to step away from the typical inspirational/challenging words found in this blog post and take an opportunity to join others in celebrating a group of people who have been an inspiration to so many…and have provided challenges in our lives that have helped us to grow in ways we might otherwise have done… our MOMS.
For the purpose of this “from the desk of…” I want to recognize biological moms, adoptive moms, step moms, mother-in-laws, church moms, and…moms that became moms by default (such as our friend’s moms…you know, those who fed us when we wouldn’t go home, made a place for us to crash when it was too late to go home, or drove carpool when our parents were busy or otherwise unavailable).
I would be remiss if I didn’t start with my biological mom since my home experience was very positive. Because of the shortness of this blog, I can’t even begin to relate all that my mom has done for me and meant to me. I have been blessed to have a mom that loves me and has worked hard to make sure nothing kept me from achieving my dreams. More often than not, it was her love and commitment that got me through. Trust me…I would not have made it through high school if it weren’t for her amazing typing skills…and the fact that she was willing to put them to use between the hours of midnight and 2 am (many times) when I finally got done procrastinating and got the “rough draft” completed.
Let me say that I realize that everyone’s experience with their mom is may not have been as positive as mine…though I hope it was. My guess is, however, that everyone without exception has a mother figure in their lives (see the list above) that has served as an inspiration and/or cheerleader and has had a positive impact in their life. Though I only have one mother (and I couldn’t ask for better), I have had more moms than I can count, and I can honestly say that each of them have either encouraged me, challenged me, inspired me, disciplined me, or loved me when I needed it most.
So…as we approach Mother’s Day…think about the “moms” in your life. If they are still around, consider writing them a note and letting them know how they have touched your life. If they are no longer alive, consider writing a note to them anyway…then tuck it away somewhere to pull out and re-read on those days when you could use a reminder of how blessed you are to have had them in your life. Then, think about how you will be an inspiration or encouragement to someone else.
Blessings,
Blake
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For the week of May 3rd, 2017
In 1994, when I realized that I was deaf in my right ear as a result of a bout with the Shingles (google it), I was in a bit of shock. I can’t say I was devastated because I had probably been deaf for a little more than a week by the time I realized it. While at home recovering from the illness, I had been in a relatively quiet environment. We only had one child at the time and she was three. There weren’t a lot of noises/sounds competing for my attention during the illness. (If only I could find that quiet space again without having to be sick…hmmm!!)
It wasn’t until I returned to work that I noticed that something was different. I had picked up the phone to make a call, and there was no dial tone. My first inclination was to check with others in the office to see if their phones were also not working. Then the secretary came and checked my phone…and it worked for her. I thought she was pulling a prank on me. Then, it hit me…the sounds were there…I just couldn’t hear them.
Later that same day, while in a crowded room for a meeting, I realized that the only thing worse than not hearing in one hear was hearing everything…all at once…in the one ear that still worked. It had become difficult to determine the source of many of the sounds. To this day, if someone calls out to me from a distance, I cannot tell the direction from which the sound has come.
The good news is…For the most part, I have learned to recognize the source of the sounds (especially the voices of friends and family) so at least I can tell if they are talking to me. And, if I focus, I can even tell what they are saying.
The reason I’m telling this story is because our theme for worship this coming Sunday is “Here His Voice,” and I recently heard a conversation between members who were asking, “How do you know if it’s God’s voice that you hear?” Whether you have two good ears or only one, hearing God’s voice can be difficult in the midst of competing noises, voices and distractions. I cannot lie, it takes focus. Even then, it is easy to be deceived, but hopefully you are constantly developing the ability to recognize God’s voice. I find that the voices that I most easily recognize are those of the friends I spend time with on a regular basis. (HINT, HINT!) One thing I do know is that if the voice(s) you are hearing are telling you something other than that which upholds and uplifts all of God’s children and all of God’s creation…be suspicious…be VERY suspicious!!
Blessings,
Blake
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For the week of April 24th, 2017
Walkin’ down Zion’s road
Gonna lay down my heavy load…
‘Cause Jesus said he’d walk along with me,
Praise God, Glory Hallelujah!
I singin’ all the way,
I’ve got sunshine on every day…
So why not come along and join me…walkin’ down Zion’s road?
I went to campfires at youth and family camps all of my young life and had never heard this song until I became a youth minister and moved to Independence. It quickly became one of my favorites. It had a unique rhythm and a bit of a gospel feel. I couldn’t believe that I had gone all those years singing at campfires and had missed what I considered to be a really cool song! Those were campfires I would never get back.
The lectionary scripture for this week (the third Sunday of Easter) is found in the 24th chapter of the Gospel of Luke. It is the story of a couple of Jesus’ disciples walking down yet another road…the road to Emmaus. As you know, Jesus joins the disciples on the road…walks with them…talks with them…accepts their invitation to join them…sits at their table…and offers them food and drink. Only after all of this do they recognize who has been with them, and then he is gone. They had spent the day with this really cool guy, and they missed it! That was time they would never get back.
How often do we miss something cool, and realize we’ve missed it only after it’s too late to get it back? I had missed years of opportunities to sing “Walkin’ Down Zion’s Road,” but the great news is…I don’t have to miss any more opportunities. From this point on, it’s up to me. I know the song and I can sing it as often as I want.
Perhaps we have missed opportunities to recognize the presence of Christ in our midst in the ordinary routines of life (walking, talking, eating, encountering strangers…). I certainly have! But each new day brings new opportunities. Since we know the “song” and since we know that Christ IS present among us (sometimes in the “stranger” we encounter on the “road”), and since we know His promises to be true…it’s up to us what we do with that information. It’s up to us to sing his song and recognize him in our encounters with others.
So…why not come along and join me walkin’ down Zion’s road!
Blessings,
Blake
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For the week of April 17th, 2017
In 1996, on her self-titled album, Whitney Houston released the song “How Will I Know”. For those unfamiliar with the song, it was a song that asked the question, “How will I know if he really loves me?” It would be perfect for my purposes here if the song was about whether or not JESUS loved her. But, of course, it had nothing to do with Jesus at all.
That said, it is a question that was asked long before 1986, and long after the newness of the song wore off. In the Christian community, and among those trying to determine if there is a place for them in Christian community, it has been around since the beginning. And, I imagine, it will not soon lose its place…not as long as there are those in our world, in our communities, and in our pews who feel marginalized, unworthy, other, and “less than”.
Imagine, if you will, what the disciples must have been feeling on the days following that first Easter. Sure, Jesus had appeared to them…he had made it known that he had risen and that death had not had the final word. But, when all was said and done, for all intents and purposes, he was gone (or would be very soon!). There would be no daily pep talks or beatitudes, and no one to cook them fish on the beach. How would they know that they were loved…that they had not been abandoned? Well, the answer was quite simple…they would know because they had each other. They would know because they had been gifted with a sacred community of persons created in God’s image and called to be the body of Christ in the world.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans (10:12-15) we find these words…
“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written [Isaiah 52:7], “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
As followers of Jesus, we have heard; but, for those who haven’t heard about or experienced the unconditional love of Christ and the value of sacred community, “how will they know”?
We can’t let the message of Easter (“He Lives”) be just another catchy phrase recited one day a year. We must be the “beautiful feet” that bring the good news so that they will know! We have been sent for that purpose!
Blessings,
Blake
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For the week of April 10th, 2017 (Holy Week)
After last night’s contemplative Good Friday service, I decided I would get up to watch the blood moon lunar eclipse. I did not set my alarm, but woke in time to experience the awesome beauty of the heavens from my patio swing. It mimicked my thoughts on Good Friday, the darkness, the blood, and the light reemerging through my tears. The darkness was joined by silence, but as the sun started to rise, the red faded, the moon reappeared and the birds started to sing. It was sacred time, spent with my love, who did not yell at me for waking him up to share the time. The darkness of Good Friday has ended, and the joy of Easter is on the horizon. Blessings to my friends and family, Happy Easter.
This just popped up on my timeline on Facebook and I found myself trying to remember the day. I do not remember the service, but I do remember the lunar eclipse. I should remember the service. The mystic part of my spirituality is moved by contemplative services, and Good Friday has always been special. There is little joy in the service, so it surprises me that I am drawn to Good Friday, but I am.
I believe it is important for us as Disciples of Jesus Christ to remember that our Lord CHOSE to go into Jerusalem. He CHOSE to allow himself to be arrested. He did not defend himself, but stood silently as others accused and persecuted him. He CHOSE not to fight back, there would be no retaliation. He walked as far as he could, and then allowed another to carry his cross. He experienced great pain and suffering. He CHOSE forgiveness through it all.
It’s easy to be an Easter people, to celebrate the joy of resurrection and the promise of light in our lives. It is the easy path. Jesus Christ calls us to be Good Friday Disciples. To walk in faith into the darkness and know that wherever we go, God goes with us. It is not the easy road, but it is the road of a missional people. When we take the name Jesus Christ on ourselves, what exactly is it that we are choosing to do with our lives? Can we journey into our own Jerusalem knowing that there is no safety there? Can we allow our actions to speak louder than words? Can we persevere, especially when we feel like we are walking alone? Can we have faith that Easter is on the horizon, resurrection is filled with the light of Jesus Christ and the journey, difficult as it might be, is always worth the effort?
Doctrine and Covenants 165 1a-e reminds us:
1 a. Community of Christ, a divine vision is set before you. Presented over the years through various inspired phrases and symbols, it is expressed now through initiatives in harmony with Jesus Christ’s mission.
b. As a spiritual venture, boldly follow the initiatives into the heart of God’s vision for the church and creation. Then, in response to growing insight about God’s nature and will, continue to shape communities that live Christ’s love and mission.
c. Lovingly invite others to experience the good news of new life in community with Christ. Opportunities abound in your daily lives if you choose to see them.
d. Undertake compassionate and just actions to abolish poverty and end needless suffering. Pursue peace on and for the Earth.
e. Let nothing separate you from this mission. It reveals divine intent for personal, societal, and environmental salvation; a fullness of gospel witness for creation’s restoration.
The road to personal, societal and environmental salvation sounds like the road to the cross, difficult, hard to imagine, scary to travel on, but oh, so worth traveling, especially if we can do it together.
Shalom,
Tami Perryman, Pastor,
Mission Community of Christ
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For the week of April 3rd, 2017
Several years ago, when my family was moving to Independence MO for my first ministry assignment, we were hoping to find a congregation that would closely match the one in which we had attended previously. Obviously, we knew that none of our options would offer the southern hospitality with which I was accustomed, but we never expected our congregation of choice to be without hospitality altogether. The reality is that the congregation members had no idea that they were perceived as being inhospitable. To the contrary, they felt as if they were one of the most welcoming congregations in the area.
They weren’t, and they are not alone! Because we are part of a church deeply rooted in community, and because most of us have been a part of that community for a number of years, we don’t always maintain our objectivity when it comes to hospitality. Any time we become comfortable with the way things are, or have been doing something (like gathering for church) for so long that we don’t have to think about “what comes next,” we are in danger of assuming everything makes sense and everyone feels the same way we do. Unfortunately, that is often NOT the case…especially with visitors!
This Sunday we will celebrate Palm Sunday, a day which marks the arrival of Jesus (the ultimate visitor) in Jerusalem. Congregants in many churches will wave palm branches, and cry out in praise, “Hallelujah!!” in honor of that special day. And so it should be! But what about the visitor who comes unexpectedly to our congregation…on Palm Sunday or any other Sunday for that matter?
This past weekend, those who participated in the class, Ministry with Latter-day Seekers, got a reminder of the importance of being prepared for the “visitor” in our midst. Perhaps one of the greatest things for us to keep in mind is that often in our technological age, visitors have “checked us out” online before their first visit. And even If they haven’t been online, they probably come to us having at least formed an image of what they expect to encounter. Though Jesus may not have used the internet to learn about the people he would encounter…no doubt he knew what to expect.
The bottom line is…visitors already know about us. If they’ve researched our denomination, they know what we say we believe. If they haven’t, they probably have certain expectations regarding what it means to be “Christian.” The question is, will they find what they are looking for…what they have come expecting?
Obviously, we can’t know the answer to that question until the time comes. However, there are a couple of things that we can do. First, we can make sure that we represent our identity as a Community of Christ by knowing and living out our Enduring Principles both individually and corporately. Second, we can commit to removing obstacles that create discomfort for our guests: lack of signage, missing or otherwise occupied greeters, insider abbreviations and language in the bulletins, mixed messages created when actions and words don’t match…and the list goes on.
We are called to be in mission. We are called to go into all the world and make disciples. But perhaps we need to start at home…preparing for those who are seeking community, caring, and a spiritual home.
Are you ready for the guest at your door?
Blessings,
Blake
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