Ask the Pastor

Advent

2009-12-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

Longing. The church calls this time before Christmas the Advent season. Advent means coming. We know God is coming, inteh child of mary and Joseph born on Christmas. We'd also like God ot come and fix things. That's the longing part. God, I wish my life were better, my relationships sounder, my circumstances different. There is so much that is dark and hurtful in the world, and I wish you'd fix it. We really need the peace and joy of Christmas and we need it to last all year. At St. Mark's we have a candle stand where people can say a prayer and light a candle. The candle table faces a window. At night we offer our prayers, light a candle, and when we look up--guess what we see? Our faces! It seems God is answering our prayers by reminding us that it starts with me. If I'd like a happier life, well, do something about it. If I'd like a more peaceful world, well, start by creating understanding with the people closest. God says, "Sure I can make the world better, but I need someone to be my hands and feet. How about you?" May God grant you the wisdom to work with the Lord in making your life, and this world, better.

Imagination

2009-11-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

Imagination is critical to finding new and better ways to live. Imagination helps us picture a newer, brighter future. The Bible in the book of Revelation invites us to imagine eternal life with God and Jesus, the Lamb of God. Chapter 7 decribes worship around the throne of Christ.

Knowing what's ahead, we are free to work hard here and now to carry out God's loving mission on earth. Putting the two together--worship in heaven and good works now--is a challenge, but Bono from the band U2 does a marvelous job in this clip. I wouldn't look forward to angels strumming harps, but I could really get into U2, the lights, and the joy in this link. And then listen to his comments at the end, which cut to the very heart of the Christian life:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OJk8SJ_FNQ&feature=email

Don’t get me started on Halloween…

2009-10-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

I’m sorry but I think we’ve gone overboard on “fall festivals’ and banning costumes from school. I know some Christians object because it seems we are worshiping the dark side or because the festival has pagan roots. Here’s my perspective:

If memory serves, the word Halloween is from the phrase “All Hallowed’s Even”, meaning the night before All Hallowed’s Day (or today, All Saints Day, November 1). Because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death, the forces of evil and death are sent flying. In its place is the celebration of the Saints, of those who have died in the Lord, whose heavenly rest is celebrated on All Saint’s Day. Far from being a celebration of the dark side, it is another example of the power of God in Jesus.

And as far as its roots in pagan festivals, the same can be said of Christmas. Christians took over the Roman festival honoring the sun God Sol, who had demonstrated his power by reversing the loss of light with the winter’s solstice. Believers used it to honor the Son of God, Jesus, who came to earth as the light of the world.

It could be that some people are celebrating the dark side, but for most of us it’s innocent fun, and the chance to try out a new personality. I kinda liked being the Big Bad Wolf…

So, then, enjoy your Halloween romp, but also be at church on Sunday…
I’m giving you permission to enjoy Halloween, but to complete the weekend celebration, be at worship to thank God for the Saints November 1! I think it’s a package deal.

Name your Goliath

2009-07-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

As you know, Goliath was the giant Philistine warrior who faced off with young David in 1 Samuel 17. When David witnessed the Goliath show he was shocked that no one would stand up to him. He saw this not as a military issue but a theological one. Goliath was dissing Israel’s God, and no one would stand up to him. So David did just that. He rejected the armor of the king (the traditional, human answers to this problem) in favor of a new, faith-driven, innovative solution. He took his shepherd’s staff, his sling and 5 smooth stones, went to battle, and killed the giant with the first shot. He didn’t even need the other 4 stones! David had confidence in his slingshot, but mostly David had confidence in his God. He just knew that God would help him, and that his God was bigger than any Goliath or army.

Who’s your Goliath, challenging and mocking you today? Who taunts you and overwhelms you with their threatening size and strength? Who’s got you shaking in your boots? Running in fear? Filling you with doubt, self-loathing and regret? Is it an addiction? The economy? Family issues? Money problems? Crime? Health concerns? Doubts? Anger and depression?

Whatever your Goliath looks like, remember David. Remember where your help comes from (Psalm 121). Believe that God has already given you something to draw upon to defeat your Goliath. Then act on it. In faith and confidence!

What are the Goliaths confronting us today? What new weapons do you think we have to fight them? Add your comments below.

The blur of a wedding day

2009-07-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

I recently got to see a wedding from the other end of the aisle—as a proud Dad walking his oldest daughter down it. I now know why people take so many photos at weddings—the day becomes a blur of wonderful activity. Without the pictures I could wonder if I was really there, and if a wedding took place. I have a new appreciation for those guys bringing daughters down the aisle!

This week's question: Dads, Moms, what was your experience at your children’s weddings? Did some of it seem surreal at the time? Add your comments below.

The Shack

2009-05-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

After being asked that question several times, I did read the best selling book “The Shack” by Wm. Paul Young. We discussed it at the Women’s Word Bible study yesterday. It’s the story of a father’s conversation with God after a great tragedy (I’m not going to tell you more in case you are waiting to read it). The book has created quite a stir, especially among people who are—or used to be—in the church. It addresses what theologians call theodicy (“the defense of God’s goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil”—Webster’s).

Have you read The Shack? What did you think of it?

dropping out?

2009-05-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

Why do you think so many young people are dropping out of church?

On aging gracefully

2009-05-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Think of someone you know who has aged graciously. Who was it? How do/did they do it? How did they impress you? I’m reminded of a lady in my first parish. She was our choir director, advanced in years, with many physical ailments. Yet she was always happy, thankful and positive. I always took her with me to the local nursing home. She was happy to do the music for our service because, as she said, she loved “old people.” And they cherished her. In fact, as long as I brought her and my 2-year-old Thomas, I didn’t really have to say or do a thing. It was enough for me to be the chauffer! Your thoughts?

Could it be Spring?

2009-05-07T09:37:00.001-07:00

What do you associate with spring? What are your childhood memories of springtime?
Please add your comments below.

Hurry up and wait

2009-04-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

When to act? When to wait? When to study? When to decide? When to buy or move or start a family or get back into the market or change a relationship?

If you struggle with these issues you are in good company. We second-guess ourselves all the time. We have buyer’s remorse. Or kick ourselves for missing out. The disciples of Jesus faced similar dilemmas. After the resurrection Jesus meets his followers and gives them their marching orders to carry out the mission. Then comes this curious verse, from the very end of Luke: “And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised (the Holy Spirit); so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Well, what is it? Get going or wait some more?

The Bible has several stories of people told to wait. “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). All of this activity will come, but first we have to wait. At his baptism Jesus received the Holy Spirit, the power to do his ministry, but then spent 40 days in the wilderness, waiting. Paul’s life got turned around on the road to Damascus, but he had to go into the city and wait.

This is a hard task for the Church and believers. We are told to get going, but also told to wait, to discern, to think and pray. For the past year we at St. Mark’s have spent a lot of time waiting. Even when the youth director position opened up we waited to see what else needed doing. Now it is time to act. We know what should be included in the job description and what we are looking for. It is also true for the next step. After reading and discussing and praying and setting goals and consulting with experts it’s time to move ahead, and it begins with “40 days of community” which we’ll be doing in September. Because we were patient and waited we now can act. Stand back!

And what about you who can’t decide what to do? I think not knowing is a sign you need more time. I still remember a devotional book I read a long time ago titled “Creative Brooding.” The word brooding has a negative feel, like we are unhappy or plotting something. But think of a chicken or any bird. Brooding means to sit on the egg and wait. It may seem like nothing important is happening while the chicken sits, but something is. Don’t be afraid to brood, to think, to pray, to talk to a trusted friend. When it’s time to act, you’ll know. You’ll just know.

Question....Think of a time when you had to wait. How did you know when it was the right time to act? Click on "comments" to add your feedback.

40 days in September

2009-04-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

I think St. Mark’s is ready for something new; ready for a chance to become more Christ-centered, our number one vision. This September we will embark on a congregation-wide campaign called “40 days of community—better together” which asks the question, “What on earth are we here for.” Like the Purpose Driven Life series, this campaign challenges church members to discover the purpose of the church. You’ll be encouraged to meet with other believers for 6 weeks in small groups to watch a DVD and talk about what you see and hear.

This week’s blog question: What is your experience with the Purpose Driven campaigns like “40 days of community?” What have you heard about churches who have done them? Click on "comments" below to post your experience.

How do you feel about Holy Week?

2009-04-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

My mother did not like Lent. She felt it was too negative, too depressing. I think she didn’t want to go where the season takes us. How about you—do you embrace Holy Week, or just wish it would get over? Please add your take on Holy Week by clicking on "comments" below.

Where is everyone?

2009-04-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Attendance has slipped across all services. This makes me uneasy. I know a segment of our congregation is aging but the drop off is seen in the Wednesday service, too, which includes many young people. Are you included in the numbers, or are you one of the missing?

Financial giving is down about $11,000 from last year, but by this time last year we had already celebrated Holy Week and Easter. I encourage you to keep your spiritual connection to God through your giving. It will be a blessing to you and to your church. And, as I like to say, “See you in church!”

What do you think the slip in attendance and giving means? Click on "comments" below to add your feedback

Water, ice and snow

2009-03-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

The news from the Red River Valley is bad. Our hearts go out to those who are working day and night to prevent a major flood. I can’t imagine a more disheartening circumstance, with blizzards followed by melt followed by rain, and now more ice and snow and the threat of historic high water. We hold these people in our prayers, and thank those who are able to run up there and help. I know several people from St. Mark’s who either go to school in the Fargo area or who have gone to render aid. May God help them all.

Have you ever been in a natural disaster? What/where was it? How did you cope with it? What did you learn from it? Talk about your experience by clicking on "comments" below.

Spring break memories

2009-03-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

This week's question is about spring break. Think about an especially memorable spring break. Was it a service project? A fun destination? A scary story of near disaster? A time when you went off on a wing and a prayer? One of my most memorable was the spring after my wife Marge died. I remember asking my grown kids, as we drove home from making funeral arrangements, if they’d like to get together in March in Mexico. I first thought they might think it kind of no fun to do spring break with their Dad, but they instantly agreed. So we spent a week in Mexico hanging out, remembering, relaxing, and soaking up the sun. It was a wonderful thing to look forward to, and even more fun to experience. There, that’s my story; what’s yours? Click on "comments" below to share your story.

With whom do you identify in the Bible?

2009-03-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

This Sunday’s sermon is on Jesus #1 disciple, Peter. In a Bible study this week I asked members the above question and of course they turned it around to ask me the same. I think I identify with James, Jesus disciple. In Acts 15, James is in charge of the Jerusalem church (this might be Jesus’ brother). Anyway, James was close to Jesus, one of the inner circle but not out front. Plus he was able to lead the Acts church during a time of change. So, with whom do you identify in the Bible? Why? Add your thoughts by clicking on "comments" below.

Giving it up for Lent?

2009-02-26T11:49:00.000-08:00

I think the hardest Lenten give up and add on was the year I gave up beer and took up jogging. Easter couldn't come fast enough!
In the past, what have you given up for Lent?
What were the results?
Click on "comments" below to add your experience!

Signs of hope

2009-02-11T08:45:00.000-08:00

Where do you see signs of hope in the world today? Amidst the obvious darkness of world events and a slipping economy, where do you see hope? I saw it Monday at Luther Seminary, interviewing a new generation of Church leaders. What about you?

Click on "comments" below and add your thoughts. Thanks!

Baptism

2009-02-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

I got to baptize my three youngest children. I remember Kristina's--my Mom missed it because she was hospitalized. I remember Mary's because I took the sermon I wrote, "A Letter to Mary" and made it into a brochure I still share with parents (and I'll repeat it Wednesday, Feb. 11, too). And Lizzy was at the last service at the church I started and served for 24 years.

What do you remember about family baptisms?
What stories have you been told about your baptism?

Click on comments below to add your thoughts or read what others have experienced.

Small groups: pros and cons

2009-01-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot buzz generated lately about small groups.

What has been your experience with small groups?

Would this be a good thing for St. Mark’s?

Click on "comments" below to add your response, or read what others have experienced. If you have a question that you would like to see in a future posting, please contact me via e-mail.

A new president

2009-01-22T08:45:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday it seemed the whole world was focused on Washington, D.C. and the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama. It’s more than the changing of administrations and parties which we’ve witnessed before. Some of the excitement is because he is a Black American; some because he is young; and some is just having new leaders to look at the old problems we’ve got. Whether on the Mall, or at work, or in school, or in theaters, even Las Vegas casinos, Americans gathered to witness this event. Something about the day pulled us together, united us in a shared experience of hopefulness.

How did you spend Inauguration Day, and what did you experience?

Click on "comments" below to add your response, or read what others have experienced. If you have a question that you would like to see in a future posting, please contact me via e-mail.

Good times and bad times

2009-01-15T08:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first posting for my new Ask the Pastor blog. Here I will propose questions or take them from you. My hope is that we can have, online, what we have at worship when I hold Ask the Pastor sermons.

This week’s questions:
1. When has God seemed closer, in good times or in bad? Why?
2. Are these the hardest times you’ve lived in?

Click on "comments" below to add your response, or read what others have experienced. If you have a question that you would like to see in a future posting, please contact me via e-mail.