Jan-Mar 2017 “From the Desk of…” Archives:

January 6: Focus on the Small Steps
January 9: What are You Looking For?
January 16: Its Time for Bifocals
January 30: Leave the Light On
February 6: Freedom of Speech
February 26: A Storm is Brewing
March 6: This is Us
Nature vs. Nurture, March 13
March 20: March Madness
March 27: Alter Your Course

 
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For the week of March 27th, 2017

The captain of a ship looked into the dark night and saw faint lights in the distance. Immediately he told his signalman to send a message: “Alter your course 10 degrees south.” Promptly a return message was received: “Alter your course 10 degrees north.” The captain was angered; his command had been ignored. So he sent a second message: “Alter your course 10 degrees south–I am the captain!” Soon another message was received: “Alter your course 10 degrees north–I am seaman third class Jones.” Immediately the captain sent a third message, knowing the fear it would evoke: “Alter your course 10 degrees south–I am a battleship.” Then the reply came: “Alter your course 10 degrees north–I am a lighthouse.”
Author Unknown

I have a confession to make, one that probably won’t come as much of a shock to those who know me, but… I’m a bit of a control freak. I don’t know why I’m like this. I just know I am, and I’ll bet some of you are too. We try to control everything; the temperature, the television channel, our children’s personalities, even our walk with God. Too often, instead of walking with God, we insist that God walk with us, we ask God to bless what we want to do instead of getting involved in what God is already blessing.

We are at a crossroad in the life of our church, on a congregational level, Mission Center level and even a World Church level. Financial stressors, dwindling attendance, exhausted leadership, changing culture and political landscapes are just some of the issues facing us as we attempt to discern a pathway for the future. It can be daunting and paralyzing. But roadblocks and diversions are not new challenges for us as a prophetic people. In 2007, President Veazey warned us about being distracted by such issues:

11 a. God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Through divine grace and wisdom, this faith community has been given abundant gifts, resources, and opportunities to equip it to become such a people. Chief among these is the power of community in Christ expressed locally in distinctive fashions while upholding a unity of vision, foundational beliefs, and mission throughout the world.

b. There are many issues that could easily consume the time and energy of the church. However, the challenge before a prophetic people is to discern and pursue what matters most for the journey ahead. Doctrine and Covenants 163:11

What matters most is the mission of Jesus Christ. Not my mission, not yours, not even the perpetuation of our congregations or our denomination. What matters most is the mission of Jesus Christ. So, for lent this year and from now on, I’m rededicating myself to seeking God’s will for my life. I’m choosing to make room for the lighthouse. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” I’m choosing to trust in the Lord. After all, who better to guide our journey than the one who created both us, and the pathway?

Happy Easter and God bless.

Craig Perryman
 
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For the week of March 20th, 2017

Northwestern basketball fans started the month having a lot to be excited about. They had been waiting 78 years for this day to come…almost as long as the Cubs waited for the pennant!! It’s amazing how much energy and enthusiasm is created when such long-awaited dream has finally come true. For at least that moment in time, you are on top of the world. And the way some fans celebrate, you would think they had been on the court and made the winning basket themselves. Unfortunately, the same is true when the tables turn for a favored team. Dreams are crushed. Perhaps you saw the video clips of the young boy in the stands during the Northwestern/Gonzaga game who was obviously distraught in the final moments of the game when Gonzaga moved toward victory. It was as if his world was ending.

So I have to be honest…I’m not a huge basketball fan. Consequently, I’m not that wrapped up in March Madness. As a matter of fact, I am so “out of the loop” on the whole thing. When I hear the phrase “Sweet 16,” my thoughts are more likely to turn back to what was a significant birthday in the lives of each of my daughters, than they are to turn to the bracket of a basketball tournament. I know…un-American, right? What can I say…I’ve spent more time raising girls than I ever have spent on a basketball court. And when it comes to my family…I celebrate their victories as if they are my own, and am devastated when their dreams are crushed.

The reality is that we all have something to get “mad” (excited, crazy, goofy, over emotional, etc.) about. So here are some questions…for you and for me… to ponder:

“When was the last time you experienced “madness” with regards to your relationship with God?”

“When was the last time you celebrated the ‘victory’ we can experience every day because of God’s love and grace?”

“When was the last time you were devastated or distraught by the knowledge that everyone on God’s team (a.k.a. God’s children…our family) weren’t allowed to fully experience that victory because of poverty, abuse, oppression, rejection, discrimination, etc.?”

Perhaps March Madness doesn’t just have to be about basketball. They way I see it…in the kingdom of God, there’s lots to get “mad” about.

Blessings,
Blake
 
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For the week of March 13th, 2017

I’m sure you’ve seen the story by now. It’s been on the news and all over the internet for days. And, in contrast to all of the “bad” stuff we find in the media, this story brings a smile to your face…touches your heart…and shows the hope that lies within us. It’s the story of Jax and his friend Reddy. It’s a simple story really, but at the heart of the story is a deep affirmation of something we sometimes forget…all that God has created is inherently good…what we do with it can make all the difference in the world.

Here’s a clip from Jax’ mother’s facebook post showing how it all started…

This morning Jax and I were discussing his wild hair. I told him that he needed a haircut this weekend. He said that he wanted his head shaved really short so he could look like his friend Reddy. He said he couldn’t wait to go to school on Monday with his hair like Reddy’s so that his teacher wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. He thought it would be so hilarious to confuse his teacher with the same haircut.

The two boys are 5 years old, and they live in Louisville, KY. What you don’t know from the clip is that Jax is white, and Reddy is black. But it is evident that they don’t see color…at least not as a characteristic that distinguishes them from one another. They have not yet been jaded by a world that likes to point out differences between people rather than concentrate on the things that they share in common. They are not old enough to have been convinced that some people are better than others because of the color of their skin, how wealthy they are, the size of their house, the brand of clothes they wear, the church they attend (or because they attend church at all), their faith, or even who they love.

The debate of nature vs. nurture will probably not soon end. But, when it comes to prejudice and hatred and division…we can’t blame God or nature. These things are learned. Wouldn’t it be great if we could spend our “teachable (nurturing) moments” praising our children for reminding us of the things we seem to forget…and convincing ourselves that on matters such as these…they should be doing the teaching.

Blessings,
Blake
 
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For the week of March 6th, 2017

In September of 2016…in the midst of an unprecedentedly chaotic, mud-slinging presidential campaign…a new show aired that said it all…This is US. Of course, the show has absolutely nothing to do with the presidential campaign, or any other campaign for that matter. What it is about is a diverse group of people who play the role of family to one another. They are black, white, young, old, single, married, child, adult, heterosexual, homosexual, drug-addict, male, female, fat, thin, bearded, clean-shaven, depressed, well-adjusted, blonde, brunette, short, tall, diseased, healthy, broken…but through it all, they are family…and more importantly, they are children of God…trying to get through life together as best they can. Sound like any group of people you know?

As I watched the show the other night, I couldn’t help but think about the Community of Christ in the Chicago Mission Center and find myself saying … “This is US.” We represent every one of those diverse categories. Like them, we succeed some times and we fail sometimes…in our relationships…in our faith journey…in our self-care. We inadvertently hurt each other by what we say and, sometimes, by what we don’t say. We long to be loved and accepted for who we are, all the while depending on one another to help us achieve a better self and a more loving community.

If this is not US, it should be. If you’ve watched the show, you know that this “family” is not perfect, and they are constantly getting it wrong in their relationships with one another. And so it is in the church. The great thing is that in the church, and in the coming Kingdom of God, we have the knowledge of grace and forgiveness…of hope and mercy…of love and compassion. And, we have the faith and experience to know that God’s love looks beyond our categories to meet our needs.

As disciples…those who carry the knowledge and experience of God’s love to the world…we can ask no less of ourselves. So I ask you…If someone showed up this weekend on your church’s doorstep…looking for a community that was quick to love and slow to judge…a community that didn’t see categories, but rather children of God, could you in good conscience say, “Welcome! This is US”?

Blessings,
Blake
 
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For the Week of February 27th, 2017

Monday afternoon, I found myself checking the weather forecast several times…waiting for news about storms that were predicted for portions of the Chicagoland area and, therefore, the Chicago mission center. People that we know and care about were preparing for the imminent danger associated with tornadoes and the strong winds that accompany them. And, though no one could do anything to change what was coming, there was at least some notice given that “a storm was brewing.” Thank you Live Dopplar Radar! While some “hunkered down” to ride out the storm…others made plans to swoop in and provide assistance to those in need…setting up shelters, gathering food and clothing, etc. While I am happy to say that none of our membership were directly impacted by the storms that came, the fact remains that there are many in need of our thoughts and prayers as they recover from tremendous loss (homes, precious possessions, and in some cases loved ones).

As I reflect on the idea of brewing storms, I am reminded that in life, there is no designated storm season…weather is not the only source of life’s storms…and, for most of the “storms” in our lives, there is no “Live Dopplar Radar” to warn us of what is ahead. So many people in our communities, our country, and our world deal with storms in their lives every day. The reality is that what seems to be a “light Spring rain” to some in our community may seem more like a “flash flood” to others. We all experience life in different ways, and we all have different levels of needs. When tragedy strikes…when life doesn’t go as planned…when people feel alone or hopeless or helpless…when “the walls” come crashing down…there is not always time to prepare. Sometimes, life just happens. Storms come!

Though we need not be obsessed with checking the “forecast” several times per hour…fixating on the problems and storms of life that may or may not come, we DO have a responsibility to respond in love and grace when there are those in our communities that have need of that which we possess…knowledge of a God who loves us and does not abandon us…a God who weeps for those who suffer and rejoices with those who find abundant life in sacred community…a God who calls us beloved.

If a storm is brewing in your life, reach out to someone for sanctuary from the storm…if you’re storm free, ask God for whom you can be sanctuary.

Blessings,
Blake
 
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For the Week of February 6th, 2017

There’s much talk about freedom of speech these days, and with it, a debate regarding whether or not that freedom gives people the right to offend others. There’s a fine line between speaking out against something that is not right and speaking out against something with which you disagree. They are not always the same thing!

Technically, we all have freedom of speech which gives us the “right” to say whatever we want…whenever we want. But with rights come responsibilities. And, as Christians, those “rights” also come with accountability…to God and to each other.

Consider these words from the online article What Christians Want to Know:

“We live in a world that enjoys tearing people down. From reality TV shows to the coarse interactions on talk radio—there is a continual display of putting people down instead of building them up. The misuse of words and actions can bring destruction spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

However, it should never be said of those who follow Christ. The church is built on the foundation of Christ’s love and continues to grow as we build up or edify other people with our words and actions. As followers of Christ, we are mandated by the Spirit of God to enlighten or improve the whole body of Jesus.”

Don’t forget…as members of the Community of Christ, we hold sacred a set of enduring principles which include, but are not limited to: Worth of All Persons, Unity in Diversity, Responsible Choices, and Blessings of Community…all of which ought to serve to guide our reactions to and interactions with others…regardless of age, religious affiliation, economic status, race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or any other defining, and potentially marginalizing category.

As you browse headlines, twitter feeds, facebook posts, etc., consider your response carefully. Does it tear others down or criticize their point of view or does it engage them in edifying debate/conversation? Does it offer encouragement for a more Gospel influenced response, or does it encourage a counter attack? Is it “care full” or careless?

It is my prayer that here in the Chicago Mission Center, we will be forerunners of Christ’s peace! We can make a difference!

Have a great week!
Blessings,
Blake
 
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For the Week of January 30th, 2017

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “We’ll leave the light on!”? Do you think… “wow, that’s extraordinary hospitality”… “hey, that’s Tom Bodet”… “well that’s a waste of electricity” …or, ”of course you will because you never know what might happen if you turn them off!” (spoken by one who has experienced firsthand the motel to which the phrase is forever linked). Actually, if you’re like me, you don’t waste too much energy thinking about it all.

But maybe you…and I…should think about it more.

Take this weekend for instance. Hundreds of thousands of people across North America will gather in all kinds of places for Super Bowl parties; and, whoever is hosting will surely leave the lights on for their guests. Now whether or not the people are actually interested in football is debatable. Of course, many are interested in football, but even more will gather for the food, the time with family and friends, and the commercials. The bigger draw is the hospitality symbolized by the lights that are always on.

When we gather for worship this weekend, we will be confronted by the words, “You are the Light of the World” taken from Matthew 5:13-20 . Jesus’ proclamation here brings attention to the fact that the purpose of light is to illuminate that which is shrouded (hidden) in darkness and to eliminate darkness altogether. And, oh by the way, we are the “light” that is to be left on. We, the body of Christ, are the symbol of hospitality.

Here’s the thing though…as the “light of the World,” we have a responsibility to do more than just leave the light on in the church (or even on the porch outside the church). We need to let our light shine so that the world can see what brings us together, what gives us hope, and what fills our dark and empty places. We need to let our light shine so that those things…cultural, political, or religious (cf. D&C 163:3b) … that exclude others or demean others are illuminated and eliminated. We don’t need to leave THE light on, we need to leave OUR light on. It may take a lot of “electricity,” but I guarantee it will be worth every KWH (kilowatt hour)!!

Blessings,
Blake
 
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For the Week of January 16th, 2017

I remember when I was in my mid-30s and a friend of mine…who was turning 40…found out he needed bifocals. He was so devastated by the reality of it, and his wife made it worse by calling the local radio’s morning show and announcing it to the world. He was 40. He needed bifocals. He was just plain OLD! I was so glad it wasn’t me. I didn’t need bifocals and I didn’t want to get old. Imagine how excited I was that, for me, both 40 and 50 came and went without mention of bifocals (the ultimate sign of old age according to my friend). It appeared I was destined to by young forever.

Then, yesterday the eye doctor told me that I was old. Actually, he didn’t really say that. What he said is, “you need bifocals” (same thing). Well…I refuse to admit getting old, so, I’m choosing to look at things a different way. As a matter of fact, the more I think about it, the more I’m convinced that all Jesus followers could benefit from a pair of “bifocals.”

In daily living, there are lots of people that have perfect vision. They can see things clearly both up close and at a distance. Some, on the other hand are either near-sighted or far-sighted…and need assistance with one or the other. Still others, like myself, have at least occasional need for assistance with both. I happen to believe that more often than not when it comes to our spiritual life and other things that really matter, we all need vision correction for one or the other (if not both).

How often do we get so focused on our goals or what lies ahead that we lose sight of those blessings that are right in front of our eyes? Or, how often do we get so comfortable with or distracted by what is right in front of us that we forget to look ahead…to hope and dream…to imagine future possibilities.

It is important that God’s children be able to see clearly the blessings and struggles in this moment as well as to be able to live into God’s vision for the future. If God’s peaceable kingdom is to become a reality…if the hungry are to be fed and the oppressed set free…if peace and justice and reconciliation are ever to be fully experienced by all of God’s creation, we can’t afford to spend another day with our present or our future out of focus.

I refuse to admit getting old, but I think it’s time for bifocals!

Have a great week!
Blake
 
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For the Week of January 9th, 2017

The same thing happens in life with the things that we see and hear. Often, two people can be in the same place at the same time where one person sees something completely missed by another. There are also times when a group of people can look at (or hear) the same thing and come away with completely different impressions, or a single person might look at (or hear) something multiple times and see something new each time. The reality is that we each approach life with different perspectives and lenses, and as John Lubbock says, “What we see depends mainly on what we look for.”

This week’s scripture text from the Gospel of John has Jesus asking John’s disciples, “What are you looking for?” One might think that the answer would be simple. After all, those who follow Christ are all looking for the same thing…right? Well…apparently, the answer is no, as so much has been done (good and bad) in the name of Christianity over the years. Obviously, we can’t do anything about what has been done in the past. But…we can influence the future.

Although we represent a variety of views and perspectives, we do…as the Community of Christ, claim a set of core values that challenge us to “look for” and support those things that uphold the worth of all persons and bring about reconciliation and healing for all. Earlier this week, In the aftermath of a divisive election season, and in anticipation of the potential for additional divisiveness, members of the National Council of Churches published a statement reminding us that, “Our faith teaches us to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21).” The published statement also reminds us that, “throughout Christian scriptures, we are instructed to care for the poor and the most vulnerable.”

As we in the Chicago Mission Center give prayerful consideration to “what we are looking for,” I pray that we will look beyond personal perspectives so that we may “see” and “be” a people of Christ’s mission…a people that truly stands up for that which we claim.

Blessings,
Blake
 
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For the Week of January 2nd, 2017

Perhaps the best advice I ever received regarding New Year’s Resolutions was to not make them. The theory is that you can’t fail at something you never tried. But one might also say that you’ll never know if you can unless you try. So…I’m forced to turn to the second best advice I received on the topic…to “take small steps.” I heard a fitness guru say just the other day “Attainability equals Sustainability.” If my resolution is to run a marathon, I probably won’t succeed any time soon…certainly not in the first month…or the second…OK, probably never. If, however, my goal is to run to the mail box every day (which is not hard given recent bitter temperatures), I am more likely to fulfill my resolution, feel better about myself, and gain confidence to push myself by expanding my goals. Who knows…after a couple of weeks, I might also be able to run back from the mailbox without having to take a 10 minute rest at the curb!!

Discipleship is not a lot different than everyday life when it comes to making resolutions. We want to be more spiritual. We want to be closer to God. We want to be more loving and patient and kind. We want to pray more often…and the list goes on. (Perhaps I should say “I hope these are the things we all want.”) So, we resolve to make drastic changes in our lives such as read the entire Bible in 30 days, or commit to journaling everyday before bed, or taking an hour a day to pray, or inviting 20 people to church. Then life happens. I can’t tell you how many times I have resolved to start journaling. The good news is that every time I have resolved to start…I have started. That said, I think my longest run at journaling was three days straight. Most of my entries begin…”Well, it’s been a long time since I last journaled…” The truth…I like the idea of journaling, and I even like the insights that have occasionally come when looking back at previous journal entries.

The typical outcome of starting with extravagant resolutions and failing to achieve them is guilt. And, when guilt enters into our lives, it robs us of the joy that God has intended for us, and limits our ability to walk closer with God. On the other hand, when we focus on taking small (attainable and sustainable) steps, we are more likely to reach our goals and experience joy and fulfillment. Why not start off with a resolve to start each day with prayer…even if it’s two minutes or less. Why not start with a resolve to invest more deeply in one relationship at work or in your neighborhood. Remember, it wasn’t Jesus who invited the whole town to come to the well…it was the one women he had met there and with whom had taken the time to share that did the inviting. Small steps!

As you commit, re-commit, and adjust your New Year’s Resolutions, think carefully about the small steps God has enabled you to take on the journey we call “Discipleship.” Then, focus on those steps and trust God to lead you to even more small steps.

Blessings,
Blake
 
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