Book of Faith - Luke 10:38-42 - Mary and Martha, Luke 11:1-4 - The Lord's Prayer

This blog will cover two Wednesdays of study.  I'll begin with the first passage from Luke, which is the story of how Martha was upset with Mary, because she was not helping provide hospitality for Jesus and was simple sitting listening to him.  Martha is reprimanded by Jesus saying that Mary chose the better portion.  The group as a whole felt that Martha was unfairly scolded.  Mary wasn't helping.  What lessons can be learned from this encounter?

One observation was that Martha was going beyond the simple need of hospitality.  We can be excessive.  The story was told of a grandmother who spent all her time in the kitchen when the family visited.  When asked to join the family in conversation, she insisted that she could hear perfectly well from the kitchen and that the family enjoyed their time together.  Of course, the reason the family was together was to visit with grandmother, not each other.

Another observation was that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.  He wanted to spend time with those he loved.  Martha missed the point of the visit.  The story was told of visiting someone as they are dying and people talking about everything else than what they need to talk about.  What is really important.  How to say goodbye and bring closure.

The final observation was that it was Martha's house.  She was obligated to provide hospitality, not Mary.  In addition, her activity was not one of joy in serving, but simple obligation.  She was anxious, rather than joyful.  Stories were told of doing what is right grudgingly.

The lesson from Luke is the Lord's Prayer.  The question was asked.  Since John was referenced as giving a prayer to his disciples, what was his prayer?  There have been some suggestions:

"Father, show me you son.  Son, show me your spirit.  Holy Spirit grant me wisdom through your strength."

"Holy Father, consecrate me through your strength and make known the glory of your excellence and show me your son and fill me with your spirit which has received light through your knowledge."

Holy Father, guard your strength and show us your glory and make your son known to us and fill us, my Lord, with your spirit which gives light through your knowledge."

It was noted that there were those who continued to follow John the Baptist and rejected Jesus.  One of those groups was the Mandaeans.  They were/are a branch of gnostic thinking.  Gnostic believe in general believe in a radical dualism between good and evil.  They reject the God of the Old Testament and not a pure expression of the true God.  They hold only to parts of the New Testament.  They reject a human Jesus.  The position of Gnostics was rejected by the early church and is reflected in the creeds that became the center of Christian theology.  

There was conversation around "your kingdom come".  This seems to echo the theme of Advent with Jesus coming again.  An event, for which we would prayer.  There is also the thought about God's kingdom breaking into our lives today.  There was conversation about liberation theology, which argues that the church should be at work bringing in the kingdom of God through social justice.  There was conversation that wherever and whenever God's will is being done, there is the kingdom of God.

Finally, there was a great deal of conversation about this prayer not really being a Christian prayer.  It was a prayer offered by Jesus to his disciples that is truly a Jewish prayer that reflects Jesus' faith.  It is a prayer that could be offered in any synagogue today and be accepted.  All the themes and petitions are found in Judaism.  All of this begs the question of rediscovering and incorporating our Jewish roots.

You are now caught up with our Wednesday conversations.  Keep following this blog or join us some Wednesday at noon at the Christian Education Building.  We are continuing in the 11th chapter of the gospel of Luke.

Peace,

Pastor Summer

Book of Faith - Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents

Our intention on Wednesday was to continue to the Gospel of Luke, but we couldn't get past the gospel reading on Sunday.  The reading was the Parable of the Talents from the Gospel of Matthew.  What are we to make of the master who is harsh and reaps where he does not sow?  Can we blame the third servant who hides his talent?  Is the master supposed to represent God?

The discussion was exciting and rich.  The parables do not come across as analogies where one person or thing clearly represents another, in this case, the master representing God.  The parables invite us into a story where we discover not just one truth, but many.  Each time we enter the story, there are new possibilities.  The parables open us up to allow God to speak through the Holy Spirit.  

Certainly, the parable holds a word of judgment, but is it an ultimate judgment?  The third servant is cast out into the darkness, but, as we discussed the last time, does that mean that the judgment in permanent?  This parable, during the last week of Jesus, is one of many parables and statements of judgment, but all of them are tempered because they occur this side of the cross.  In them I confront the hard truths of my life, but then comes God's response of the cross.  I am guilty, but I am also forgiven.  Such is the wonder of God's grace.

The man who received the one talent and buried it was aware of the expectations of the master.  The servant was not given a small sum of money.  One talent represented two years of wages.  He was entrusted with a great deal of money and knew what he was supposed to do.  He could have simply put the money in the bank.  It's curious that he throws the guilt back on the master rather than owning his own failings.  It has the same feel as a child accusing a parent of being mean when they don't do their homework.  

This brought the discussion to verse 29 where it seems as though the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.  Is this a justification for the prosperity gospel?  Again, the parable invites us to explore.  What if the point is that when we share the talents we have been given, the world opens up to us in wondrous ways and when we bury those talents, the world closes in on us?  How many people do we know whose world has grown smaller when they bury their talents?  How many churches have literally gotten smaller when they have circled the wagons, guarded what they have, and tried to simply survive?

Going in another direction, what if the verse is about perspective?  How do we view what we have been given?  Do we see it as abundance or scarcity?  We live in a wealthy community, yet we can hear people speak of their scarcity.  We can find ourselves doing the same thing.  "I do not have what some other people have..."  How we view what has been given makes all the difference in the world.  If we believe we have been blessed abundantly, we will live abundant lives.  If we believe we live with scarcity, we will live lives of scarcity.  The world would have us focus on our scarcity.  The Gospel would have us focus on our abundance.

At the end of the class, we marveled at all the roads we traveled during the discussion.  The parables do not lead to one answer only.  We are meant to explore with others all the possibilities.  We are meant to ask questions, struggle, and debate.  We are meant to be open to hearing God's voice.  And the wonder and promise is that the Holy Spirit is in our midst and we are blessed each and every time.  

Peace,
Pastor Summer    

Book of Faith - Luke 10:21-23 - Keeping the Light On

This week, the comment at the end of our Book of Faith discussion was that we only covered three verses.  However, the consensus was that our conversation was worth slowing down.  In reading this passage, what struck the group was that these three verses don't sound like Luke, they sound like John.  "No one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."  A layer of interpretation seems to have been added.  Was this addition the original words of Jesus or did the interpretation come later in the life of the early church? 

Jesus speaks of things hidden from the wise and intelligent.  There were certainly those individuals who took those words and ran with them in the early church.  People began to speak of secret knowledge given only to those in the inner circle.  Those people were called Gnostics and the church viewed them as going too far down the road suggested by Jesus' words.  We always seem to get into trouble when we think we have figured God or Jesus out.  If the Eastern Church has taught us anything, it is to celebrate the wonder and mystery of God.  Rather than saying Jesus has secret knowledge that is passed on to his disciples, say that the Gospel is so surprising, so unexpected, so wondrous, that even the smartest people will not be able to understand or accept it.  In fact, even the disciples who knew Jesus, were taught by Jesus, traveled with Jesus, in the end, didn't understand.  And they, in the language of the passage, had the opportunity to see and hear what prophets and kings would have loved to see and hear.  In the end, their inside knowledge could not save them.  In the end, only the cross could save.  Secret knowledge does not open the gates of the Kingdom for us, only Christ. 

These observatons led to a discussion about being chosen, another wonder and mystery of God.  The logical step is to say that if God ultimately chooses some, then God ultimately rejects others.  Again, our temptation is to create a logical system.  Luther rejected a systematic approach.  For Luther, God always chooses us through grace.  If people stand outside the Kingdom, that is their action, not God's.  Luther's understanding is not wholly logical, but Luther argued it was the truth.  Again, the Eastern Church would declare that grace is a holy mystery to be embraced and celebrated rather than logically understood. 

This conversation led us back to the passage in Matthew where the one individual is tossed out to the marriage banquet because he is not wearing a wedding garment.  He chose not to wear a garment and is therefore responsible for being on the outside, but the passage does not say that he needs to remain outside forever.  The doors still stand open to him.  The invitation is still given.  The light remains on for him to return.  This is the note of God's grace. 

If the "light always stays on" with God, then we talked as a group about the ultimate meaning of the Kingdom of God.  Does the light stay on after death?  C.S. Lewis suggests such an idea in the Great Divorce.  Hell is a spreading metropolis, with everyone trying to get as far away from each other as they can.  Eventually, some people grow tired of Hell.  In the center of the city is a bus station and every day there is a bus to Heaven.  Every day there are people who make the trip (the light stays on) and every day there are people who get back on the bus, once they've been to heaven, and return to Hell.  C.S. Lewis' book is worth reading.  There is something powerful about the image of a gracious God who always keeping the light on, the door open.    

For those following this blog, the next one will be in two weeks.  At that time, we'll pick up where we left off.  Keep the conversation going.  Keep asking questions.  And keep reading the Bible.

Peace,
Pastor Summer

Book of Faith - Luke 10:1-20

We're back in the gospel of Luke after an excursion into Matthew the past two weeks.  Today's text was the sending out of the 70.  We noted in class that there was a change in the message. Up to this point the message has been one of repentance and forgiveness.  "Repent for the kingdom of God has drawn near."  Now the message is prepare to receive the coming of the promised one, Jesus.  The group of 70 seems to just appear in the story and after they return to report their good news, they disappear.  Several observations were made.

Do the 70 represent the 70 nations that encompassed the whole world at that time?  Certainly, Luke’s understanding of the gospel is universal.  Is this a foretaste of what will happen in Acts?  Do the 70 represent the elders appointed by Moses?

The 70, or rather the 35 pairs, seem to give the towns one shot to receive Jesus before they move on to the next town.  Was this the feeling of urgency in the early church the result of their feeling that Jesus was coming in the near future and there wasn't time to linger?  In the places that did not receive Jesus, was there the surprising reversal found elsewhere in the gospel where the faith is stronger outside the people of Israel?  Is Luke making a point that would have people who believe they are on the inside take a closer look at themselves?  What does that have to say to us as the churchgoing people who can come to believe that we are on the inside?

The words of taking back the peace that is given and brushing off the dust if the community is not willing to receive Jesus seem harsh.  Is Luke being descriptive of what literally happened before the gospel was written or is Luke anticipating what would happen in the future?  Jesus makes the statement that he would come again before this generation passed away.  Does that mean that he was wrong about the timetable?  Does his being wrong take away from his being the Messiah?  Does his being wrong take away from our own understanding of Jesus?

There are passages that do not sit easily with us, particularly passages of judgment.  What do we do with such passages?  Certainly there is judgment that we need to hear.  The promises of the gospel always start in the truth of our lives.  I own that I am a sinner and this becomes the occasion of my being graced.  Beyond needing to hear the truth, are some passages not reconcilable with the gospel of Jesus Christ?  In the Old Testament, God is given credit for leading the armies of Israel to victory.  Does God lead armies or did the people of Israel, at that time, simply give God credit as an expression of their understanding of God who has not been completely revealed?  Does the cross change that understanding?  An example we discussed was when someone survives a terrible event like 9/11 and gives thanks to God for saving them.  Without taking away from their experience of gratitude, what does it say about those who did not survive?  Did God choose not to act to save the rest?  What does the cross say to that situation?  Somehow, who God is and how God acts lies beyond our ability to put into words.  Our efforts always fall short.  Does the Bible, at times, fail to capture all that God is and all that God does?  Luther spoke of the Bible as being uneven.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ shone more brightly in some places than in others.  How does that understanding help us as we read the Bible?

These are some of the observations made and questions asked this week.  Again, I invite others to join the conversation.  Please feel free to make a comment or join us on Wednesday at noon at the CEB.  A similar experience is also taking place at the Adult Forum on Sunday during Sunday School at the CEB.  Until next week, keep reading the Bible.    

Peace,

Pastor Summer

Book of Faith - The Story Continues

I want to thank everyone who has joined the conversation.  This is an exciting new area of communication to explore.  Last week, we began this adventure with Matthew 22:1-14 (Luke 14: 16-24).  At this week's Book of Faith meeting, the intention was to return to the gospel of Luke, chapter 10.  However, we couldn't leave last week's discussion.  Let me share some of those thoughts and observations.

The story as recorded in Matthew is harsher than the one told in Luke.  What do we do with the man who is thrown out of the wedding banquet because he has no wedding garment?  Is part of the reason that the gospel of Matthew was written for a Jewish audience and Luke was written for a Gentile audience?  Matthew had a deep concern for his own people and therefore extends the warning. 

There is a great deal of judgment in the stories and parables of Jesus in that final week of his life.  As mentioned last week, all of this is given this side of the cross.  The cross allows us to face the hard truths of our lives because the cross speaks the word of forgiveness.  However, we can't avoid the judgment.  To avoid the judgment is to "cheapen" God's grace.  A child understands forgiveness when they are caught standing next to the broken vase and have no excuse, yet their mother or father forgives them.  The power of that kind of forgiveness is transformative.  We encounter that grace only in the truth of our lives.  The gospel is death and resurrection.  The women hear the good news of Easter after they have made their way to the grave. 

It seems as though Jesus changes in the New Testament.  There seems to be some truth to that observation.  Jesus' own discernment of his ministry seems to change as he encounters people.  He discovers greater faith in those outside his own people.  His sense of mission expands beyond the people of Israel to the whole world.  A change in Jesus' own understanding of his call speaks wonderfully to his humanity.  Certainly, Jesus is now one who understands my own struggle in finding my purpose in life. 

Finally, God seems to change through scripture.  On the one hand, the Bible is the witness of God's people through time.  Since God is a God of revelation, then our perception will change through time as God reveals more and more.  As the ultimate example, the cross was a revelation that would change everything.  In that way, God changes through scripture not because God changes, but because our perception of God changes.   The Bible is a faithful witness to the journey of God's people, giving expression to the God who has been made known to them.  On the other hand, there is scriptural evidence that God is dynamic rather that static.  God is a God who is moved, who responds, who listens, who suffers, and who loves.  God is not the Greek idea of God of one who is unchanging, unmovable.  God is the dynamic God of Eastern thought who is unchanging only in God's faithfulness and love. 

This is just a sample of the conversation that took place with the group on Wednesday.  I would love to hear from others.  Join us in the discussion.  We would love to hear from you.

Peace,
Pastor Summer

You're Invited!

Does this sound like you?  How can I be a part of an ongoing conversation about the Bible?  I love the idea of the Book of Faith Initiative, but my schedule makes it difficult to attend the class on Wednesday at noon or the Adult Forum on Sunday.  If this sounds like you, I want to invite you to participate by joining my blog on the Gospel of Luke.  For the past couple of months, I have been wondering what to do with my blog.  Is it another thought for the day, like a newsletter article?  Is it a diary of my adventures as a pastor, like my experience in Orlando?  Or can it be a means to explore the Bible together with a much larger audience than a weekly class?  This idea popped up at this week's Book of Faith class.  Every Wednesday, we have such a great discussion.  We wondered, "Why not let others in on the conversation?"  And so, this new adventure begins.  Each blog I write will focus on a passage from the Bible that we are using in the Wednesday class.  At the present, we are studying the gospel of Luke.  The blog will lift up our discussion at class and invite others to make comments, raise questions, and offer insights.  In other words, join the conversation.  To get started, click on Summer Views on our website.  Read the passage and blog.  Make your comments.  Let's get the discussion going!

The Parable of the Wedding Banquet - Luke 14:16-24 (Matthew 22: 1-14)

This week, we wandered away from our usual course in studying Luke.  A question was raised about the gospel for this past Sunday, the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, as recorded by Matthew.  Matthew differs from Luke by including the second part of the parable, where the man without a wedding garment is thrown out of the banquet.  What does that mean?  Is there some requirement to be at the banquet?  What is the role of grace?  Many interpreters, recognizing the difficulty, suggest that the second part of the parable is best left as a warning without an explanation.  As a class, we were not deterred.  In was suggested that the passage was a lesson.  One needs to be prepared.  We're not talking about a simple garment, but an attitude and way of life.  A similar parable was offered by the rabbis of Jesus' time.  There was a king who told people to be ready for a wedding banquet.  The time was unknown, but they were to be prepared.  The wise made provisions and were ready when the king announced the banquet.  The foolish were not prepared, and were not able to join the celebration.  The class appreciated this insight.

Setting the parable in the context of the larger story, this account was told during the last week of Jesus' life.  During this time, we see Jesus challenging the religious authorities, the Pharisees and Scribes, again and again.  He is forcing them to make a decision about him.  Jesus is not the innocent victim who happens to wander into Jerusalem and is arrested.  He is in the Temple every day forcing the issue.  The parable is for the authorities.  Jesus is being descriptive.  Those who were first invited by the king said no and so the door to the banquet has been opened to the most unexpected of people.  People who the Pharisees and Scribes would never have included at the wedding banquet.  As far as the man who was tossed out, again the message is for those in authority.  How can you be invited by the king to the wedding banquet of his son and not wear a garment of joy?  Again, Jesus is being descriptive.  He looks at those who have been invited, who are sitting at the banquet table, and there is no joy, no grace, no thanksgiving.  How can that be?  There is a disconnect.  They don't have to be thrown out, they are already stand outside the banquet.  For us, in the living of our lives, we are invited every week by the King to the banquet of His Son.  How can we not be adorned in a garment (life) of joy?  People should be able to look at us and say they have been to the King's banquet.  You can tell by the way they live their lives.

One final note, this parable, along with may others during that last week, have a real sense of judgement.  However, they are all offered this side of the cross.  If the parable tells the truth about us that we often to not accept the invitation of the King or dress for the occasion, the cross tells us that we are forgiven.  The King would have the right to cast us out, but the surprising response from God is that, through the cross, the King takes us in.  That's the Good News.  

Well, what do you think?  Let me know.  Join the conversation.  My hope and prayer is that we have opened the door for many of you to participate in the Book of Faith as a part of your faith journey and devotions.  

Peace,

Pastor Summer 

Ordination

This past Sunday, September 18, I had the opportunity to preach at the ordination for four young seminarians.  The service was held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Trenton.  I was given permission to leave the pulpit and preach in the congregation.  In particular, I wanted to preach to these young people entering the ministry of word and sacrament.  I met with them prior to worship.  They were all so excited and hopeful.  As we talked, I remembered the day I was ordained and the excitement and hopefullness I felt.  Of course, I was ordained before these four pastors were born, but the feeling was the same.  Ordination is an amazing experience.  Knelling before the altar, the pastors assemblied place their hands on your head, and you are delared a pastor.  You are both deelply grateful and humbled.  You have been charged with proclaiming the Gospel, offering the sacraments, and serving as a shepherd of your flock.  The feeling of responsibility is overwhelming.  Of all people, God has called you to this work.  When I preached, I reminded those seminarians, that they had been called by God and although the call would humble them (It certainly humbled me), God would be with them every step in their journey.  Whatever challenges awaited them, God would lift them up.  And through it all, God would bring them great joy.  That has certainly been my experience and I wanted them to know.  I told them that there's nothing better than being a parish pastor.   

Orlando - Day 6

This is my final blog from Orlando.  Actually, it from my desk at home on Saturday morning.  With the thunder storms last night, my flight did not come into Newark until 10:00.  We were delayed 4 hours and took the scenic route from Orlando by way of Boston and Albany.  Though delayed, I was very grateful for a safe trip.

The final morning was a whirlwind of activity.  Besides getting ready to come home, there was still work to be done in the plenary session.  Everything was accomplished in good order and the session was closed with only a 15 minute addition.  We left the hall with many hugs and goodbyes and headed for the closing worship.

For one last time, we gathered around word and sacrament.  Of all the services, this is the one that moved me the most.  The sermon was exceptionally powerful.  Among the many story shared, the pastor told of being in Haiti when the earthquake hit.  Her husband was one of those buried in the rubble.  He sang hymns as they tried to get to him, but they were unsuccessful.  She spoke of the days that followed filled with the deepest sorrow, but also amazing grace.  She spoke of witnessing the presence and power of God in the lives and faith of her Haitian brothers and sisters.  In truth, she spoke the Gospel, death and resurrection.  There are moments in these assemblies that take your breath away and renew your faith.  This was one of those moments for me.

I return home weary, but deeply grateful.  Grateful for the opportunity to attend the assembly.  Grateful for the church, of which you and I are apart.  And grateful, for the congregation I serve with my partner in ministry.  It was a great week.

Peace,
Pastor Summer

Orlando - Day 5

It's hard to believe that the assembly is drawing to a close. The day began with a breakfast meeting around immigration and refugees. It's hard to imagine that the Lutheran churches of all stripes first came together for mission after World War II to address the situation of Lutheran refugees in Europe.

After breakfast, the focus of the plenary session, both in the morning and the afternoon, was on the Social Satetement on Genetics and the numerous memorials that have been brought to the assembly for consideration. Having a committee of 1,025 made the process difficult at times, but I appreciated the end results. There is still more work to be done tomorrow. I was impacted by the number of people who spoke in favor of the social statement on genetics as being a real sign of hope. There was the woman with stage four cancer, the farmer from Iowa, and the genetic scientist each saying how proud they were of our church taking a stand. Their witness may me consider the social statement more carefully. The memorials also brought forward the voices of many people who feel forgotten in our times from those who are bullied, to native Americans, to our Islamic neighbors, to undocumented children. These individuals put a face and story to the actions we were taking. I will share those decisions when I return home.

Along with the legislative activity, their was still time for worship, Bible study, and fellowship. I had a wonderful lunch with my friend Gary Wollersheim and his wife Polly, who I haven't seen since seminary. It was good to catch up, share pictures of grandchildren, and talk about the joy of ministry. In the evening, the New Jersey delegation went out for dinner together to enjoy each others company and talk about the assembly. Oh course, we went to an Italian restaurant. All in all, it was another full and rewarding day. We will meet one more time in plenary session tomorrow morning, close with communion, and board our flights for home. It's been an incredible experience, but I will be glad to be home.

Peace,
Pastor Summer

Orlando - Day 4

Today started bright and early with a plenary session at 8:00. We heard the report from the secretary, vice-president, and treasurer. I have a much better idea of what is happening around the church. Some synods have lost 16% of their congregations related to the 2009 decision on sexuality. The New Jersey synod has not lost one. Along with the financial downturn, the finances of the church have been deeply impacted, though we are trending up again.

While the news about our church's struggles was troubling, the report from the new head of the Lutheran World Federation was both exciting and powerful. Our church is making a real difference around the world for the sake of Christ. One example is what's happening in Somalia. The ongoing war and drought have been devastating. LWF is in charge of the largest refugee camp between Somalia and Kenya. 1,000 refugees a day arrive in the camp, and we are there providing food, water, shelter, and hope. The ELCA has contributed 1.5 million dollars to this effort. This is only one example.

Worship, bible study, and prayer continue to be at the center of our assembly. The worship again reflected the global nature of our witness. I thoroughly enjoyed the hymns from France. All of them were new to me. The preacher was from Haiti and the worship concluded with a great rendition of "Keep Your Eye on the Prize". Bible study is held every day for all 1,025 delegates. These are wonderful moments of renewal as we wade through the legislative work.

The legislative work filled the rest of the day. There are constitutional changes, memorials, and the LIFT document. Robert's Rules of Order have been a blessing and a curse. There are times when they clearly help us and times when they seem to frustrate our efforts. Again, I have been deeply impressed with the recommendations, arguments, and insights of the delegates.

I was very happy when we ended at 6:00 and we got the evening off. I had dinner with some of my fellow Jersey delegates and then went for a swim. You should see the size of the pool and I loved the hot tubs. That's right, hot tubs plural. I look forward to getting to bed a little earlier. The work will continue tomorrow. Please keep the assembly in your prayers. I'm sure I'll more stories to tell.

Peace,
Pastor Summer

Orlando -Day 3

Today was another full day. The plenary session began at 8:00 on the dot. Bishop Hansen gave his report outlining his great sense of hope with the church. Lifting up one ministry after another, it was hard to disagree. What is amazing is the impact our church has globally. One illustration is how FEMA loves us. FEMA recognizes us as a community of faith that always resonds when there is a need and we stay until the work is done. That is true is Haiti, the Gulf Coast, and those areas devastated by the recent floods and tornadoes. I felt very proud to be a Lutheran.

After the Bishop's report, we took up our duscussion of the Lift report. Many questions were resided and we did not take any action and will wait until the next plenary session on Wednesday. We moved into worship, which was another rich experience. The music and liturgy had a real Asian feel. It was all new, but I loved every minute.

We had a bag lunch. Most of us headed outside. The hotel can be downright cold. The people from Minnesota may love it, but the rest of us didn't pack sweaters for Florida. After lunch, there was bible study with New Jersey taking the lead. Since we were all in our blue New Jersey shirts, it was good that we had a specific role to play. Once again, I enjoyed the conversation around the table with people from all across the country.

The bible study led to two mission encounters. Each one was a presentation of some of the exciting ministries taking place around the world and around the country. I almost didn't attend the second one since the first one was two hours. I'm glad I decided to attend the second. The music was amazing and the stories compelling. I'm sure some of those stories will make their way into a sermon or two.

Our dinner had a mission theme with a global choir singing songs of praise from around the world. The people at my table were from Nebraska, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma. It was difficult to speak over the music, but somehow, everyone could hear me.

Leaving the banquet hall dancing, our synod delegation met to discuss the days events and decisions and to work through the long list of nominations. I was very impressed with the conversation and feel very honored to be a part of this delegation. Our work concluded at 9:45 and I am once again sitting in the WiFi cafe writing this blog. They are still trying to serve me drinks, but I may be the only Lutheran in the cafe not enjoying the beverages. I will be heading to bed shortly. I continue to be grateful for this experience and look forward to bringing home what I have learned.

Peace,
Pastor Summer

Orlando - Day 2

The assembly officially began today. I registered as a voting delegate. The first order of business was to attend a hearing on the social statement on genetics. I was very impressed with the people who developed the statement. My one question was very practical. How do you translate this document into parish life? Why is the question important for us as a church? It certainly has made a big splash in the genetic world. I was assured that they would address my concern in the study guide that is being developed for congregations.

An orientation was provided following the hearings. We learned how to use our electronic voting devices. They look like a remote control for your TV. They certainly make voting easy. After learning the ropes, lunch was served in one of the four ballrooms. I enjoyed meeting people from other parts of the ELCA. I also had the chance to catch up with an old friend from seminary, Gary Wollersheim. He is presently the bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod. He spoke of the challenges in connection with the social statement on sexuality, which has led to a number of congregations leaving the ELCA in his synod and the financial downturn impacting Illinois. Amidst our talk about the future of the church, we also had the opportunity to share stories about our grandchildren.

The first plenary session was held in the afternoon. The budget was presented. The projected income is down 24% from 2009. This is forcing some difficult choices in the life of the church. Staff has been reduced significantly and programs have been cut. However, Even with the downturn, the church does amazing work.

The LIFT study was then introduced. LIFT is Living into the Future Together: Renewing the Ecology of the ELCA. The purpose of the study is "to recognize the evolving societal and economic changes of the twenty years since the formation of this church and to evaluate the organization, governance and interrelationships among this church's expressions in the light of those changes". I have a concern that the study and recommendations do not fully capture the challenges facing the church. At dinner, we had conversation around the table in connection with LIFT. So many congregations and pastors are struggling. As I listened, I remain so grateful to be serving a congregation that is alive, active, and engaged.

Between the plenary session and dinner, we had our first communion service. There's nothing like 1,025 Lutherans singing. The worship was wonderful. They had a full range of insruments, a beautiful choir, amazing banners, and the Bishop delivered a great sermon. The focus was the disruptive nature of the Holy Spirit in the lives of people and the church that opens up new opportunities and growth. I felt renewed.

In the evening, we met again in plenary session. There was an additional presentation on LIFT and then a presentation on the Malaria Campaign. The assembly voted to support the campaign through 2015. We will be joining forces with many other organizations to help eliminate malaria in Africa by 2015. Malaria remains the leading cause of death in Africa and it is both preventable and treatable. A number of synods have already launched efforts. The session closed at 9:45 and I'm writing this blog before I go to bed. If people are interested in following the assembly, they can go to ELCA.org and follow the directions. If you visit the site, the New Jersey delegation is all the way in the back. Keep the assembly in your prayers and I'll write again tomorrow.

Peace,
Pastor Summer

Orlando - Day 1

I have arrived in Orlando. The flight was uneventful and was only delayed by 1/2 hour. I had a delightful shuttle ride with a couple on their honeymoon. They were going to Disney World as Bonnie and I had done 38 years ago. He was back from Iraq and they were about to enjoy what they had postponed because of the war. They were so happy. It did my heart good to listen to their plans and obvious excitement. I wished them well in their life together. I told them that Disney World had been a very special place for Bonnie and me in our life together.

The shuttle arrived at the World Center, which turns out to be a five star hotel. I got lost in the lobby. I think they have eight restaurants. I set out for the Food Court. I'm assuming the church got a good deal in the middle of August. The delegates are arriving as I sit in the WiFi bar. They keep asking me if I want a drink. I have been a disappointment to the wait staff.

I have read through the material for the assembly. I am very impressed with the work that has already been done. There are so many memorials from the various synods, but all of them have been processed and recommendations have been made. I am very impressed with the consideration given to each memorial. Each recommendation is thoughtful, Biblical, and gracious.

Tomorrow the real works begins. Registration is bright and early. I can hardly wait to hear that many Lutherans sing. Well, I'm off to find my room again. I left bread crumbs. I will write again tomorrow night. Please keep the assembly in your prayers. I am excited about this opportunity to see the church-at-large at work.

Peace,
Pastor Summer

Genesis is Beautiful

Recently, I learned that the Hebrew word for "good" is also "beautiful".  Reread the first chapter of Genesis  substituting "good" with "beautiful".  You will get a very different feeling of that powerful account.  The light is beautiful.   The waters are beautiful.  The stars in the heavens, the plants that grow, and the birds of the air are beautiful  Everything that God created is beautiful, including you and  me.  The world has a way of saying that we are ugly, not God.  And the sad truth is that we come to believe the world.  In God's eyes, we are all beautiful.  We are all exactly what God intended.  We are all the work of God's hands.  This is a word of grace in our lives.

There was an old TV show called Cheers.  The comedy is set in a bar in Boston.  One of the main characters, early on in the show, was an older gentleman by the name of Coach.  He was gentle, funny, and a little confused.  In one of the shows, his daughter comes to visit.  He goes on and on about how beautiful she is.  When she arrives, she is not beautiful in the eyes of the world.  She is not beautiful in her own eyes.  At the end of the show, she confronts her father.  "Look at me", she says, "Really look at me."  She wants him to realize that she is not the beauty he tells everyone she is.  Coach takes a close look and gasps, "Oh my, I never realized how much you looked like your mother."  At that moment, his daughter realizes that her father will always see her as beautiful and she opens herself to the gift and says to him, "And mom was beautiful".  In the eyes of God, we are all beautiful.  May we be open to that gift of grace. 

Pentecost: Don't Get Lost in the Special Effects

My wife and I just saw the movie "Super 8".  We thoroughly enjoyed the show.  Without giving away too much, the movie is about a group of young people who, while filming a movie, are a witness to a train crash.  What they do not know at the time is that an unknown monster escapes from that train and becomes the cause of a number of strange incidents in the town.  What we loved about the movie is that the story did not get lost in the special effects.  The movie is really about that group of young people, their relationship with each other, their interactions, and their decisions in response to a crisis.  We enjoyed the special effects, but we were moved by the young people and their story.   

Pentecost is one of those stories in the Bible where you can get lost in the special effects.  Those effects include the wind that blows through the room where the disciples are gathered, the Holy Spirit descending as tongues of fire on each person, and the miracle of those disciples, running out into the streets of Jerusalem, being able to speak all the various languages of the people who had come to Jerusalem.  All in all, the special effects are quite amazing.  What can be lost is what I believe is the true miracle, the story underneath the special effects.  What I find amazing is that all those people in Jerusalem, who listened to those first disciples speaking in their own language, heard the disciples' witness as good news.  The wonder of Pentecost is that the Gospel is universal, not the wind, fire, or gift of language.  The truth is that every person want to know that they are loved by God.  Every person wants to know they are forgiven.  Every person want the promise of new life.  The list continues with hope, peace, joy, purpose, etc.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone.  That is the story of Pentecost.  That is what we celebrate.  And that wonder should not be lost is the special effects.

The Day After the World Ends

At 6:00 pm on May 21, the world was going to end according to some people.  The prediction was picked up by the media and was given a great deal of attention.  Comedians joked about it.  Newscasters may the date a part of the headlines.  People spent their savings warning others of the event.  Judgement Day was at hand they proclaimed.  May 21 arrived and went and the world did not end, but tragically, it did end for some people.  A tornado ripped through Joplin, Missouri and in minutes lives, homes, and dreams were shattered.  The world did not end in the Biblical sense, but for those caught in the storm, their world, as they knew it, ended.  And now, they find themselves living in the day after their world ended.  Here is where the Gospel speaks with power for me.  The promise is that God meets us when our world ends, when our lives are shattered.  The promise is unfolding in Joplin as people reach out to one another, as the rest of the country responds with goods and prayers, as stories of grace are told.  The mayor of the city is right is saying that Joplin will rebuild.  The tornado did not bring the end.  In the language of faith, there will be an Easter.  The storm is not the final word.  This is the promise of the Gospel.  As many others, I have been captured my the pictures of the devastation.  My heart and prayers have gone out to the people of Joplin.  But one picture in particular caught my attention.  The picture was of a church that had been destroyed, but in the center, the cross was still standing.  For me, that is the Gospel.  God meets us when our world comes crashing down, and though the winds may blow, the cross will still stand.  Even when the ends comes, God's grace remains.        

In Defense of Gray

I want to take a stand for gray.  I am amazed at the number of people who want only black and white answers.  In a black and white world, to suggest that real answers are often nuanced, contextual, and complicated, is often to open the door to being called  wishy-washy or indecisive.  In my experience, this is true in the area of faith.  People want "Yes" or "No" answers.  There can be no gray area.  While I appreciate clarity and clear choices, I believe that life is more complicated and that God's grace appreciates and often works in the gray.  In the Bible, a woman is caught in the act of adultery and Jesus is approached by the no gray crowd about what the response should be.  The law at the time was clear and was seen in black and white terms.  She had been caught, she was guilty, and she was to be stoned for her crime.  However, Jesus did not live in a black and white world.  He understood that God's grace works in the gray.  And so, Jesus tells the people who are gathered with rocks in their hands that whoever is without sin may cast the first stone.  One by one, the people leave and Jesus is left with the woman.  He asks her, "Is there no one left to condemn you?"  And she says, "No."  Then Jesus says, "Neither do I, go and sin no more."  Jesus' words for that woman are an occasion of grace.  Jesus is willing to stand in the gray.  In fact, he chooses to stand in the gray and he is neither wishy-washy or indecisive.  He speaks the truth.  He speaks God's grace.  For myself, I'm going to stand with Jesus.

"Dear Occupant" World

Have you ever recieved mail addressed "Dear Occupant".  It's an interesting combintion of words.  "Dear" is personal and intimate.  "Occupant" is anything but personal.  "Occupant" is generic.  Anyone and everyone is an occupant.  There are many times when it feels as though we live in a "Dear Occupant World".  We long for intimacy and connections, something personal, but feel as though we are just an occupant, a number or statistic.  When I was younger, I vowed that I would never memorize my social security number.  I didn't want to become an occupant.  Of course, I can now rattle off my number.  In fact, my number is a stronger identifier than my name in most situations.  I access most of my information and accounts by my number.  I am a "Dear Occupant".

As a person of faith, one of the things I love about the Gospel is that Jesus never reduces people to "Dear Occupant".  Again and again, he recognizes and afffirms the person.  Jesus sees Zacchaeus in the tree, Levi sitting at the tax collector table, the Samaritan woman at the well, Peter, James and John in their fishing boats, the leper by the side of the road, the woman who touches the hem of his robe, the criminal hanging next to him on the cross, and Mary Magdalene in the garden at Easter.  With Jesus, it is never "Dear Occupant".  I find the image powerful in the living of my faith and life.  Grace is always directed personally.  It is not "Dear Occupant", but "Dear Mark".  This is true for every indivitual.  I find that to be Good News in this "Dear Occupant World".

Opening Thoughts

Entering the world of blogging is a little intimidating.  All of a sudden, you have stepped into a much larger world.  As a pastor, I speak regularly to crowds, but this is different.  Who knows how many may be listening?  Who knows what stories have shaped those listeners?  Who knows what impact you will have on them?  In this increasingly connected world, I wanted to experience this forum and try my hand.  I feel like I'm taking my first baby steps.  Everything feels brand new and I'm sure I will fall on occasion, but I hope and pray that I will be making progress as I go along.  In the weeks to come, I plan to wrestle with questions, make observations, and share my journey of faith.  And so the adventure begins.

Peace,
Pastor Summer