Over the past few months, I’ve tried to highlight the plight of Syrian refugees.  I tried to inform the congregation, I’ve prayed for the situation, asked others to offer their opinion on how we can help, and held a special offering.

And I’ve dealt with some of the suspicions:  “Why should we help them when we have needs in this country?”  “Who are these people and why do they want to enter the U.S.?”  “What if ISIS terrorists are hiding among them?”  I’ve tried to answer all of these questions as intelligently as possible.

Then the Paris attacks happened.  And with it a lot more suspicion that the refugees are in reality, ISIS members trying to infiltrate Europe and the United States.  Some states have decided against hosting refugee families, others are considering it.

Now the truth is we never know who is a terrorist – no matter what their religion or nationality.  We can look at attacks in the United States perpetrated by people of all different beliefs.  We can point to white supremacist groups, religious fanatics of all “flavors”, the Boston Marathon bombing, the Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting, the Nickel Mines Amish shooting and many others.  Terrorists, fundamentalists and extremists know no boundaries.

But because of 9-11 and radical Islam, this country is much divided over the subject of the Syrian refugees.  Many do not want to help these people who are in dire need.

Then I read some comments from a colleague, Rev. Daniel Smoak (a pastor in South Carolina) who said:

Christian friends: If your church were to work together to sponsor a family of Syrian refugees and one of them turned out to be a terrorist, would he/she be emboldened in their convictions after living with you for a year, or is it possible that Jesus’ love in your church is stronger than hate? Don’t underestimate ISIS? Ha. Don’t underestimate Jesus.

This got me thinking.  If we truly believe in the love of Jesus, and we truly show that love, wouldn’t we overcome more than ISIS?  Think about it.  If we were to actually live like Jesus, loving one another, caring for one another, being more concerned about connecting people to God than judging them, wouldn’t things change for the better – in Syria, in Philadelphia, in Detroit, in any place in the world?

Or am I wrong?

If so, our faith is empty and our God is impotent.  I am reminded what Paul said in First Corinthians:

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not  even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.  More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise    him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

Don’t underestimate Jesus.  Ever.

Recently I have been convicted of something.  I’ve been hearing the stories of the Syrian refugees and have heard God saying to me “Do Something!”  Now this crisis has been going on for a long time, but I paid no attention to it.  And granted, there are thousands of crises out there that I’ve paid no attention to.  And, Lord knows, I have enough crises to deal with.  I’m a solo pastor of a small, aging church.  I took some vacation time and the church totally respected that.  For the first summer in two years I was able to take some time off without having to cut it short, or be “on call”.  My congregation knew I needed some time away (and a huge “thank you” to them).  And as I returned, there were plenty of crisis moments – multiple surgeries, hospitalizations and the like.

But there is nothing like the Syrian refugee crisis.  And for some reason, this was the time that God opened my ears, eyes and heart.  I am convicted that we must act and must act now.  And our actions cannot just be “here is a check.” We, as a congregation, must get involved.

I’ve asked our congregation to consider how to respond.  And on Sunday, I will do something I’ve never done before – devote the sermon to this issue.  I have charged them before, but not on this level.  I am asking the congregation to join me on this.  To do something for God’s children in a way we have not done before (at least during my time here).

On one hand I think I am risking myself.  What if I “rub someone the wrong way”?  What if I “tick off” someone?  But on the other hand I think about what it must be like to be forced from your home.  And as a church leader, my role is to push us into action.  The church must respond to this crisis.  This is not about liberal versus conservative agendas.  This is not about the latest issue within the church.  This is about life.  The lives of so many people who have no place to live, no place to work, no place to worship because they have been forced out of their homes.  And this is about God.  What does God say regarding refugees?  What does God say about people?  We say “God is love.”  Well it is time to prove it.  It is time to “put up or shut up.”  It is time for action.

Brothers and sisters, please pray for me.  Pray that I deliver the sermon that has been bubbling inside of me.  Pray that our local congregation can do something to help someone in this crisis.  Pray that I am brave enough to follow through with this.  But most important, please pray for those refugees.  Pray for the people truly suffering.  Pray for a response.

As my congregation is well aware, one of the questions I always ask is “what gifts to you bring?”  I was having a conversation about the church in general with a family friend when I asked her that question.  She jokingly replied “I bring dessert.”

Then I told her this story:

We were at a neighborhood picnic for Memorial Day when someone mentioned that I make a good pumpkin crème brulee.  The neighbors asked “where is it?”  I said I would make them some.  Along comes July 4^th, and they are asking again “where is it?”  Two weeks later we had a picnic and again, “where is the pumpkin crème brulee?”

So, while on vacation I made it and started to deliver it.  Most of the neighbors were surprised, not thinking I would ever make it.  But then one neighbor told me his story – his niece was just diagnosed with a serious condition that would take her life at an early age.  With all my seminary training and pastoral work, I stood there and said “I’ve got nothing.”  And he said, “no, you brought this, something nice for us.”  What began as a joke between our neighbors became a source of comfort for someone hurting.

God will use our gifts – whatever they may be.  We just have to be open to using them ourselves.

Peace,

Bill

Oh – and one more thing.  Please pray for the little girl – God will know who I mean.  Thanks.

We were sitting poolside having some ice cream when one of the party said “I’ve always wanted to ask God one question.” We, of course, asked what that question was.

“Does everything happen for a reason?”

Out of the mouth of a 10 year old came one of the most asked questions of all time. Does everything happen for a reason? You’ve probably heard it hundreds of times; “everything has a reason.” You may have even said it. It is one of those non-scriptural phrases that we treat like Holy Scripture. “Well, remember, everything happens for a reason.”
So the question was out there – and answering it can take many forms: Philosophical, theological or dogmatic. Then there is the pastoral answer, one formed of the other three – using our theology and philosophy to explain dogmatic concepts – explaining the nature of God, in a way that informs and builds up a person.
And the nature of God is truly at the heart of the question “Does everything happen for a reason?” Who is God? What is God like? We say a lot about God when we answer that question:
If everything has a reason says that God either made it happen (fatalism) – everything (good or evil) that happens is because God willed it so – God becomes the author of evil. Or there is the approach that God did not will it to happen, but allowed it to happen (as in “great, I will let Bill do that sinful thing BECAUSE it serves my purpose”). Either one doesn’t say much about a God of love does it?
But if we say things just happen, we start to chip away at God’s omnipotence. Is God really all-powerful? Can’t God prevent these things from happening, and why not?
But all of these answers take away that pesky little thing God gave us – free will. We have the choice of doing good or evil. We have the choice of preventing evil from happening. We have the choice – given by God. And yes it causes problems, because we often make the wrong choice, especially when we choose not to follow God. But even in this, God can do good.
Look at the Genesis story of Joseph and his brothers. Genesis 50:20 says “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” When the brothers tossed Joseph into the pit, they were doing evil – they intended harm. God “allowed” this (he gave the brothers free will to make their choices), and used it for good – God can make good out of all bad. God can and will do good things, even when we make the wrong choices. God didn’t say “great, the boys are working according to my plan” rather God took what was bad and produced good – the rescue of God’s people.
God “cannot” prevent us from doing evil – because God gave us the choice to follow or not to follow. And that choice is precious – we would do well to use it wisely. But when we falter, we know we can turn back to God – and God might just do something incredible.

Authenticity is the latest “buzzword” among the church. People are seeking authentic leaders, authentic relationships, and authentic believers. But it is not like there is an “authenticity meter” we can apply to anyone. Yes some people put on their Sunday best for church, and their Monday worst right after the service, but for the most part, we strive to follow Jesus the best we can in a fallen and sinful world. And the best way to do this is to be ourselves while allowing the Spirit to transform our minds into the likeness of Christ.
Memorial Day was a great opportunity for our congregation. The local Memorial Day parade goes right past the church building, and stops for a brief ceremony at the cemetery. We set up a table with information on the church, and gave away bottles of water and lollipops. As people were lining up for the parade, we handed out information on Vacation Bible School and the upcoming Strawberry Festival. No hype or pressure, just a couple of us talking with the community, telling them about some upcoming events.
Now here is the great part. Our neighbors brought their kids to the parade – and they got to see me in “Pastor Bill Mode”. They saw me interact with the community and with church members. And guess what? They saw the same guy who stands in the pulpit every Sunday preaching God’s word. The same guy who leads a tribe of children during VBS shouting chants like a drill sergeant (although much more fun). The same guy who talks about super hero movies, loves model trains, and shares his faith in a simple, authentic manner. The same guy who, a couple of hours later, sat around the picnic table with them, sharing a beverage and a discussion about religion in the United States.
So can I declare myself “authentic”? Or is that an unauthentic thing to do? I have no clue. What I do know is this. I am a sinner in need of a savior. I am a decent guy who tries hard to follow God’s path. I love Jesus. And all of this is true whether I’m in the pulpit, the community, or my backyard.

Peace,

Bill

I was doing some reading when I came across this statement:

A great Orthodox theologian once said that we do not believe in a God who will show us how all of the pieces of the puzzle fit together in the end. We believe in a God who will wipe away every tear from every eye.

Now I am not sure who the theologian was, nor the site where I found that quote. But it speaks to me. So often in the course of ministry we get asked the question “why?” We get asked “if God is good, why do bad things happen?” And we try to answer, often using Systematic Theology, which is a wonderful tool, but doesn’t really address the immediate need. Or we resort to the pithy statements that people make to comfort someone…statements like
“On this side of eternity we only see the hanging threads and knots, but on the other side we will see the great tapestry God is weaving.” And even though I’m sure I’ve said some version of this, I pretty much cannot stand it.

When someone is hurting and saying “why do bad things happen?” they are really asking “what is going on?” “Where is God in all of this?” And we actually have answers, some of which a hurting person is not ready to hear. But one thing they are always ready to hear is this. God loves you and wants to comfort you. A human may have hurt you; the fallen, sinful world might have hurt you. You might have hurt yourself. But God is. And God loves you. And God will wipe away every tear. That is one of His promises.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4

At the March Presbytery meeting, an amazing thing happened. It was, once again, a vote on a controversial topic that threatens to tear apart the denomination, so emotions were running high. People were speaking, debating, praying, and getting ready to vote. The outcome would mean a winning side, a losing side, and more negativity. There was a feeling of apprehension and anxiety in the air. People were saying the same battle lines over and over. But then it happened.

In addition to “THE TOPIC”, we had a mission speaker (Rev. Doug Baker) who reminded us that whatever the result of the vote, there are good things happening in this denomination, and we have an important ministry. In particular, he talked about an incredible mission program for young people.

It got me thinking. Yes there are problems within our denomination, within our presbytery, within our congregation. There are problems with our jobs, our schools, our nation, our government, even our families. But instead of always looking at what is wrong, let’s consider what is right.

What is right with…
Our denomination
Our presbytery
Our congregation
Our pastor
Our ministries
Our jobs
Our families
Our homes
Our communities

What is right? So here is the challenge. During the month of May, I want each of us to consider what is right. Each day think about one good thing you experienced, or one good thing going on in any of the above list (or your own list). Maybe you can write it in a journal. Perhaps around the dinner table families can share one good thing that happened that day. Couples can pray together at the end of the day, giving thanks for one thing that is right. Maybe we can even post some on the bulletin board, or give a brief testimony or praise during worship for what is right.

On Sunday April 19th, I preached about making efforts to be positive, loving Christians – showing the world Jesus. This would be a great way to do this – to seek out what is right.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

It is “Easter Tuesday”. Holy Week is over. The Easter Sunday service is over. I took Monday off to “rest”. Okay, actually I had to replace a leaking pipe on the kitchen sink and unclog the shower, but I did take the day off.

Now that it is all over, I want to reflect on the past week. After her first Holy Week, a friend and colleague began calling it “Holy Cow Week”. Holy Week can be grueling. It is not just a few “extra services”. Each service requires energy – physical, emotional and spiritual energy. The Palm Sunday service is filled with pageantry but in our case, shifts into the passion. On Maundy Thursday, instead of a sermon, I do drama – usually a monologue of one of the biblical characters. This year I was Pontius Pilate. Trust me; even a short drama takes a lot of energy to deliver. On Good Friday the service was small and quiet, but reading the passion scriptures is quite emotional. By Sunday morning, I was running on adrenaline, and there was still a big service to do.

The Easter Sunday morning service is always a joyous event. We have extended family, visitors and many members attend. It is always great to see the sanctuary packed – and there is a lot of energy in the room. This year was no exception – and I was fired up and ready. My sermon on Easter is pretty simple – the resurrection happened, and its power and effect are still relevant. He was not just risen 2000 years ago, but He is still risen. This should mean something to us all. God has acted in the world, God is acting in the world and God will act in the world. God is always at work, and we, as His followers, should claim that “resurrection power” as we act in the world as well.

Brothers and sisters, He is (still) risen! He is (still) risen, indeed!

Bill

It is early Saturday morning. I’m not able to sleep, probably because I am overtired from the week. The adrenaline is flowing. It has been a very busy week. The Palm Sunday service was filled with a lot of energy beginning with the children processing into the sanctuary with their palms. The service then transformed from the Palms to the Passion.

On Thursday we held two Communion services, one during our Shepherd’s Kitchen ministry, and the other during our Maundy Thursday service. Again, lots of energy extended for those events.

On Friday the church was open for meditation from 12-3 and images of the stations of the cross were projected upon a screen, with music in the back. Friday night we held a quiet service as we walked with Jesus along the way to the cross. While it was a quiet service, it still took lots of energy.

And now, Saturday morning, we wait. Holy Saturday is a day of waiting. Yes we know what happens. Yes we know that Sunday morning we celebrate, but it is a day of waiting anyway.

Many of you might be waiting for God. There might be something going on that is far beyond your ability to handle. Perhaps you have been lifting it up in prayer, but so far, no answers. Well, there is good news. God will respond. God will act. Sometimes we just need to wait. That is the message of today – the message of the Saturday before Easter. We wait.

But come tomorrow…

Why is it called “Good Friday”

My daughter keeps asking this question. She knows what happens. She is now old enough to understand that dead is dead and that killing somebody is wrong. So she keeps asking “why is it called Good?”
Now she knows the Sunday school answers: “Christ died on the cross for our sins.” She knows to say that during the Children’s Sermon, or whenever asked, but she is also smart enough to know that answer is a bit too pat. Why “Good?”

As a pastor, I read the Good Friday scriptures every year. And honestly, every year I choke back my own emotions as I read “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last (Luke 23:46).” Every time I reflect on this, I feel the anguish and torment of my own soul, for I am a sinner. And then something else happens. While I cannot explain it, while I cannot even fully comprehend it, I know. Deep in my soul I know. Jesus died for my sins. And that, my friends, is good.

Where the whole realm of nature mine
that were a present far too small
love so amazing, so divine
demands my soul, my life, my all