ahhh...

If you were in church this morning, you may have noticed I was not. I am finishing up my much needed post-Easter vacation. It wasn't filled with much adventure. I spent a couple of days in Dallas visiting family and have spent the rest of the time at home just hanging out.

I haven't accomplished much except finishing a few books. (Stay tuned for reviews) The yard also looks a little better. (If you live in the neighborhood you might notice the giant pile of limbs out front.)

Perhaps I can catch one more nap before I return to work.

peace,

will

Holy Week! Part II

Holy Week is a very special, spirit-filled time of prayer and reflection... for many. For me, it seems to be about details. On Easter Sunday, we can expect an attendance of over twice our normal Sunday gathering. For me that means lots of logistical worries. That large a crowd means we worship in two difference spaces, the sanctuary and the gym. Two worship spaces means even more details. This morning, I am working on nailing down a second video projector for the second space.

Easter Sunday is an important day for many reasons. The one I focus on is that with double the worship attendance, there are a lot of people who aren't normally with us. If we can do a great job of showing them worship that is vital and relevant to their lives, if we can truly welcome them and give them an opportunity to experience the risen Christ, they might come back.

Blessings on your Holy Week.

peace,

will

Holy Week!

Holy week has arrived. I hope you will consider taking advantage of the special services we will offer at Grace:

Maundy Thursday - 7:00 p.m. From the United Methodist Book of Worship: On this night Christians commemorate the supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion, when Jesus washed the disciples' feet (John 13:1 17) and instituted the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:26 29; Mark 14:22 25; Luke 22:13 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23 25).

Pastor John will be preaching.

Good Friday - Service of Tenebrae - 7:00 p.m. From the United Methodist Book of Worship: A Service of Tenebrae, or "Darkness," is based on a twelfth century late night/early morning service and is an extended meditation on the passion of Christ.

I have opted to not have a sermon on Good Friday so that we can concentrate on the Tenebrae. This is a very powerful service all by itself. There will be no need for me to say more.

peace,

will

Sermons, Sermons, Sermons

I just posted a huge backlog of sermons, including the one from this Sunday. You can find them all:

http://gracesermons.blogspot.com/

peace,

will

The Misquitoes Are Back...

I forgot how much I truly dislike the mosquitoes. I was trying to work on something in the garage today and got like a billion mosquito bites. Ugh.

Happy scratching.

peace,

will

Sunday Preview (I actually have most of a sermon!)

Sunday Preview:
5th Sunday in Lent
Scripture: John 12:1-8
Sermon: "Wonderfully, Abundantly Wasteful"

What is the most expensive, extravagant gift you have ever given someone to show that you love them? If you come Sunday morning, I will tell you mine.

This Sunday we continue our Lenten journey with Jesus to the cross with a stop in Bethany for a most peculiar account of Jesus, a woman named Mary and an outrageously extravagant gift.

peace,

will

p.s. Looking for a way to spend a little more time in God's presence during Lent? Join us again Sunday evening at 6:00 in the sanctuary for our Lenten Vesper Service

Maybe it is not just the blogging that is blocked.

I posted yesterday about having a bit of blogger's block, but as I sit at my desk this morning I realize that maybe it is not just the blog. Here it is Thursday, a day on which I am usually fine tuning my sermon, working on some powerpoint slides and just generally finishing up. But this week, I am not fine tuning because there is no sermon yet.

But don't panic or make other plans for Sunday. Although I like to work in advance, some of my most inspired sermons have been written Saturday night. There is still plenty of time.

peace,

will

Is there such a thing as blogger's block?

I have been staring at a lot of blank posting pages lately with good intentions of writing but nothing to write. Of course, the best cure for writers block is to write. So, I guess the best cure for bloggers block is to blog.

The church is a flurry of activity as we prepare for Easter. During Lent we are offering a weekly contemplative service (technically a vespers service - a service of evening prayer.) There is also a lot to do to get ready for Holy Week with services Thursday and Friday evening and then, of course, Easter Sunday itself.

I have been teaching quite a bit as well. I will actually teach three nights this week. I taught Prayer 101 last night. Tonight I have Disciple Bible Study and Wednesday I will teach the confirmation class about the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. Fortunately I love teaching. Although I don't mind being at home in the evening once in a while.

peace,

will

Is it dark, or is it just me?

This earlier daylight savings time adjustment has really left me in the dark. When I left the house on Sunday morning it was so dark, I was pretty sure I had set my clocks too far ahead.

It takes me back to my radio days. In the early part of my d.j. career, I often had to move day parts. In my first job after college, I worked midnight to 6 a.m. However, whenever someone went on vacation or was sick, I was called on to fill in their shift and have a part-time person fill in my overnight shift. So it wasn't that unusual to work midnight to 6, go home, take a nap and then fill in mid-days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sometimes, in the same week, I would end up filling 7 p.m. to midnight or even 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and then back to the overnight. It is amazing what this sort of thing does to a body's internal clock. I would often wake up in the dark and wonder what that meant. Was I up late or up early? Even looking at the clock didn't help, especially in the dark of winter. The clock says six, it is dark. Is it a.m. or p.m.? And does that mean I should get up, or just go back to sleep? It all makes getting up in the dark on Sunday morning seem not so bad.

May you find light in the darkness.

peace,

will

In Case You Missed it or Don't Get our Newsletter

This was in the last issue of the Grace newsletter:

During the season of Lent, as I prepare my own heart for the wonder and glory of Easter, I have decided to pay more attention to my commitment to sabbath rest. You have probably heard me talk about the fourth and longest commandment:

Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.

-Exodus 20:8-11

Most Christians observe Sunday as the Sabbath, many considering it simply as a day of worship. Sunday is rarely restful for me. Although I enjoy worshipping, three back-to-back services along with various other pastoral duties makes Sunday the hardest day of my week. So, on most weeks, I observe Friday as a day of sabbath rest. What that means for me is less about legalism and more about the spirit of the commandment. I try not work. That can be pretty tricky. I don’t work on sermons, but I will write in my journal. I will read, but I try to limit myself to books I enjoy. I don’t mow or trim the yard, but I will go fishing. I try not to drive unless it is necessary, which is it if I want to go fishing!

I think that it is legalism that keeps most Christians from truly experiencing the gift of disciplined sabbath rest. My father in law, when he worked as a Sheriff’s Deputy truly found rest and recreation working on his yard. A professional fisherman might not find relaxation at the fishing pier. And there are some things that just have to be done. I don’t think I am missing the spirit if I change Josh’s diaper or take him to the doctor.

I think a less legalistic question may be, “Am I finding this activity (or lack of activity) restful?” And, if not, “Is this something that I need to be doing today?”

Sabbath, for me, is truly about discipline. For in a day set apart for rest, the world does not just tempt me, it screams at me, laying before me demands and temptations. As I sit and read or play with Josh, I can become overwhelmed with the need to go to Home Depot to pick up some fertilizer, (the parsonage lawn doesn’t get that green all by itself,) or to Wal-Mart to get some diapers. My laptop beckons from inside my briefcase, “Don’t you just want to see if you have any email?” My nap might be interrupted by thoughts of a small matter that I left undone at the office.

Sabbath, for me, is not just avoiding these temptations and resting, it is about considering why these temptations are so tempting. On a day that I have dedicated to rest and be in God’s presence, why can I not let go of the desire to produce and consume? Won’t Home Depot have fertilizer when I drive by tomorrow? Don’t I have enough diapers to last until the next trip to the grocery store? Is the email going to evaporate in my inbox? Will God’s work through the church halt if I don’t do something? If I take one day to consider these things, that perspective stays with me throughout the week and I have an opportunity to listen to God’s leading in my life instead of being directed by the call and direction of the world in all its busyness.

I pray that you may find, at least some moments of sabbath in your Lent.

peace,

will

Greetings from the Conference Office

I feel like I haven't seen much of Corpus Christi this week. I spent Monday through Wednesday in Kerrville at the annual Bishop's Convocation and then at my Covenant Connection retreat. I came back last night and am now back in San Antonio for a meeting with the conference Future's Committee. Fortunately the Conference office is WiFi enabled so I get a chance to check in.

I will be glad to be back in the coastal bend tonight. Blessings on the rest of your week and weekend!

peace,

will

Follow Up on "More Controversy, More Conversation"

A little more depth on the issue:

Scholars Criticize New Jesus Documentary

will

More Controversy, More Conversation

In case you haven't heard yet, director James Cameron is claiming to have found the coffins of Jesus Christ, his mother Mary and Mary Magdalene. Of course, there will be a movie.

I've found the coffin of Jesus, says film director

I know this will infuriate a lot of Christians. However, I think there are wonderful opportunities for witness in moments like these. When we, as Christians react with rage, protesting and boycotting, I think that sends a message to those who don't have a relationship with Christ. Whether or not our indignation is righteous, we appear to be closed-minded, judgmental and reactionary. What if, instead, we rest in the assurance of what we believe and use these opportunities to express our tolerance and open mindedness? Perhaps that might lead to meaningful conversation that helps others to see the power of our convictions. Just something to think about.

peace,

will

Applebee's America

You just have to love the title of this book if nothing else. I just finished reading Applebee's America, How Successful Political, Business, and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community by Douglas B. Sosnik, Matthew J. Dowd and Ron Fournier.

This book is as much about business and politics as it is about church but it is still an important book for people who want to help the church thrive in the present and future. There is a quote in the very beginning from American social philosopher Erif Hoffer:

"In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."

I think that speaks directly to the future of the Christian Church which tends to not like change. However we must always be sorting out what should not change (the core message of the Gospel) from what can change, (the culturally relevant ways we connect people to the Gospel.)

Some leaders are somewhat afraid of entering into conversation with business and political leaders about issues related to church growth. We are right to remember the religion is not a business and it is not the same as politics. However, smart business people and political consultants are much more away of how the world is changing. If we can learn from them about how the world is changing, we can be better able to reach out to the world with the life-changing message of the Gospel.

Along those lines, the book is full of helpful information about how people communicate, how they are influenced and how businesses, churches and politicians are more effectively communicating shared values that draw people together.

The most wonderfully frightening aspect of this book is the details of how political campaigns are using "LifeTargeting." They are using the frightening amount of data that is available about all of us to more effectively target potential voters. It is all quite eye opening and really shows a glimpse of the possible future of American politics.

This book will be churning around in my head for a while.

peace,

will

Ash Wednesday

It is hard for me to believe, but tonight is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent that leads us to Easter. In case you are wondering what Ash Wednesday is all about here is a little blurb from A Dictionary for United Methodists, (Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press.)

Ash Wednesday - The first day of Lent. It marks the beginning of a period of reflection and penance. In the Bible, sprinkling oneself with ashes was traditionally a sign of one's sorrow for having committed sins. In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday also marked the beginning of preparation for the understanding of the death and resurrection of Christ. The particular symbolism of ashes for this day comes from a practice in the Roman Catholic churches in which the ashes from the palms used in the preceding year's Palm Sunday celebration are blessed. With these ashes, the priest on the first day of Lent marks a cross on the forehead of each worshiper. This practice has become a part of Ash Wednesday services in many United Methodist churches.

If you have never attended an Ash Wednesday service, I encourage you to come and join us tonight at 7:00.

peace,

will

Christianity for the Rest of Us

I was glad to finally find some more reading time and I spent it with a book from Diana Butler Bass, Christianity for the Rest of Us, How the Neighborhood Church Is Transforming the Faith. Diana Butler Bass takes a serious look at the myth of the death of the mainline denominations. In an amazingly deeply researched work, she looks at mainline protestant churches that are thriving and asks what is making them thrive. Bass starts by looking at what happened to the “neighborhood church” in the first place, why so many mainline congregations have died or are dying. She then points out ten signposts for renewal that we should all pay attention to: hospitality, discernment, healing, contemplation, testimony, diversity, justice, worship, reflection and beauty.

I am sure you will read and hear more about the book in sermons and on the blog, but I also highly recommend the book. It speaks a lot to where Grace is or could be going as a congregation.

peace,

will

U2Charist

Last evening, I attended a U2Charist at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church right down the road on Leopard. (It is the one close to Home Depot.) In case you haven't heard of a U2Charist it is a becoming sort of a phenomenon within the Anglican (Episcopal) Church. It is a service of Holy Communion that uses music from the band U2 in place of traditional hymns. Different churches around the world have done this is a number of ways. Many have rock bands perform the songs. For those without their own band or the ability to hire one, there is the option of using recorded music. That is the route St. Andrew's went.

I had read about the service before I attended, but I wondered if it would have the same sort of power using recorded music. Somehow it did. They used powerpoint to overlay lyrics on top of music videos for each of the songs. The service, that included some non-musical pieces of prayer, confession, scripture and blessing of the elements featured songs like "Pride in the Name of Love" "Beautiful Day" and "One" The service also included a "sermon" by U2 lead singer Bono on our need to support the movement to eliminate extreme poverty in our world in our lifetime. He asks people during his message to support The ONE Campaign, a movement to add voices to the cry to eliminate poverty.

I really applaud Rev. Jeff Hammond and everyone at St. Andrew's for doing this. It really draws attention to two things. One is our need to be open to new possibilities in worship. I am sure that playing rock music videos in the sanctuary and then service communion makes people nervous, but if that connects people to God, I think that it is a good thing. Second is our need to stop ignoring the inhumanity of global poverty. It is just obscene that it a world where we, as Americans, can have nearly anything we want, some dies every three second simply because they are too poor to live.

One love
One blood
One life
You got to do what you should
One life
With each other
Sisters
Brothers
One life
But we're not the same
We get to Carry each other
Carry each other

-U2

peace,

will

Busted

Our dogs, Bodhi and Violet coexist pretty well, but they aren't really best friends... until there is a new bed in the house and they both want to lie on it. Picture one is Violet making her move. It only took her a little while to advance to picture two.

Something to Think About

I came across this earlier this morning at the Sacred Space website (www.sacredspace.ie).

Almost a hundred years ago, the philospher Friedrich von Hügel described how we progress towards God. He wrote of an inital institutional stage, followed by a critical stage, and culminating in what he called a mystical stage. By 'mysitcal' he didn't mean magic or heavenly voices, but rather this: age makes us realise that we have seen it all, and brings us to know that good and evil, like the wheat and cockle of the parable, coexist not merely in countries and institutions, but in each of us. Pitch darkness and pure light are seldom the order of the day, but we learn to live with both, light emerging out of darkness. We do the best we can, and are ready to renounce the seductions of having the perfect formulation of reality, or the perfect formula for everyone's life.

In the mystical phase we still carry with us the institutional phase: we still love the sights and sounds of worship well carried out, and the sense of participating in a great body of believers. We have not left the critical phase behind, but carry it with us: we use our heads about our religion, and have no illusions about the weaknesses of Jesus' followers - after all, Peter, the first Pope, had to live with the memory of denying the Lord publicly, again and again. But when we have argued about all the great questions of human existence, especially the mystery of evil, we realise that we rely more on the gift of faith than on clear-cut reason.



Institutional, Critical, Mystical. Where are you?

peace,

will

Sunday Preview

Here is what is going on this Sunday at Grace"

Week #3 of "Who Was Jesus? A Look at the Person of Jesus"
Sermon Series and Small Group Study

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11
"Jesus the Rule Breaker"

Our sermon series continues this week as we look at the rule-breaking side of Jesus of Nazareth. Sometimes we paint Jesus as an upright and moral type who followed all the rules. Some of us fall into the ideology that being a follower of Christ is simply about following a set of moral instructions. But Jesus questioned the rules, asked people to consider what they were all about and called us to a much richer and deeper relationship with God.

If you would like to study along with the series, leader's guides, study guides and copies of the sermon will be available in the glassway Sunday morning. You can also receive them electronically if you send me an email at pastorwillrice@gmail.com.


peace,

will

p.s. Remember to stop by the fellowship hall this Sunday morning starting at 11 for "Souper Bowl" Sunday. Enjoy some great soup and help us celebrate our faithfulness in supporting the mission goals of the United Methodist Church.