A New Kind of Church

I made a brief reference to the book, A New Kind of Church, A Systems Approach by Dan Dick and Evelyn Burry in my sermon on Sunday:

I actually read it as part of the project I am writing for my ordination process. (See more details are in a previous post "Where is Pastor Will's Stole... And Where is Pastor Will?") The book really supports what I am writing about and what I have been talking about in different team meetings in the church, our need to take a more systematic approach to making disciples. As I say over and over, the church as a whole has forgotten about what happens to Christians after they make the initial decision to accept the grace the God offers them. In theological terms we talk of the grace that calls us into relationship with God prevenient grace. We talk of that moment (or moments) of "conversion" where we see who we are, accept our need for God and turn our hearts toward God as justification and speak of God's action in that as justifying grace. Practically, we are all pretty clear on that. However, John Wesley believed that God's work wasn't over. It is God's sanctifying grace that continues to work in us moving us on toward perfection in love, on toward re-creation in the image of Christ. Wesley believed that God did this work, but there was work we should be doing in the process, like praying, receiving communion, studying scripture, and meeting in community.

This is where I contend the church has lost some direction. This is where we need to follow Wesley's desire to have more systematic approach to helping people move on to and through this next stage. This is where the "ocean diagram" I bring up in just about every meeting we have comes in. It is simply a graphical way to see that they journey is not over when someone joins the church.

Anyway, this is some of what is going on in the book. As you can see I am pretty deep into this project, so I can't stop writing about this stuff. The book is really great though. It is a book I wish some other people were reading and asking about. If you are interested in how the church is evolving and changing to make disciples, give it a read and let me know what you think.

peace,

will

Not recommended for all (but some of you will love it)

This is another book I picked up at random at Half Price Books. Scott Adams is the creator of the Dilbert cartoon which you probably either love or hate. Adams' irreverence takes on religion instead of the corporate world in this little book which is sort of a follow up to God's Debris.

If you are at all sensitive or easily offended about differing ideas about religion you should probably consider reading something else. However, if you don't mind being challenged and want to laugh a bit, check this out. Adams writes a smart and funny and strange story of the religion war to end all wars and the funny little man who saves the world.

peace,

will

This Week's Sermon

For the first time in a while I am not horribly behind and I am posting my sermon on Monday morning! Yeah!

Sermon #40 - "One"

You are invited to use the post to respond with any thoughts and/or comments!

peace,

will

Good to Great

I finished reading Jim Collins' Good to Great a couple of weeks ago and am just getting around to writing about it.

This is a fantastic book and I think it is one secular book that should be required reading for all who consider themselves leaders in the church. Over and over we get people telling the church to acts more like a business in one way or another and most of those models fail. The church is not a business. However, this book does not lay out another "fad" for building a better business, it simply looks at what makes great companies great. The book is the product of a fairly insane amount of research into companies who made a transition from poor or mediocre performance to a place where they consistently outperformed other companies in the same sector with similar situations. The author and his team looked for things that these companies, from a wide variety of different industries and service sectors, had in common. The results were remarkable clear.

The consistently great companies held in common:

• a higher level of management
• focused on building a great team before choosing a new direction
• were willing to confront the brutal facts of their current situation
• were able to determine what they were passionate about, able to do better than anyone else and actually profit at
• were disciplined
• used technology to accelerate performance, not jumping on technology bandwagons but carefully selecting only new technology that helped them with their core competency
• understood the flywheel concept (sometimes success doesn't come over night, but building momentum is the key.

I have oversimplified this all a bit just to give you a little taste. What I love about this book in terms of thinking about the church (and I am talking about churches in general) is that, as I have said before, I think that churches don't think much about being great. I think that is unfortunate. I know some people don't like my way of thinking and believe that it is inappropriate to think of church in these terms. However, I think that the institutional aspect of the church should be the BEST institution. We should do a better job than any other type of organization in sharing our message because our message is vitally important.

I apologize in advance for this comparison if it offends you. Gillette from 1980-1995 outperformed the general market by over 7 times. The study showed this was due to all the characteristics I listed above. They were selling razors. Nice, sharp razors with multiple blades are really nice, but they haven't really changed the world. The mainline church in America, which can share a message of grace and salvation that can change the world is on the decline.

If the church really wanted to reach as many people with the message of grace and salvation as possible, it wouldn't need to follow a business model, but it would need to decide it wanted to be great and think about getting the best people on the team (clergy and lay people) think about facing the brutal facts, consider what aspect of sharing the gospel or building the kingdom each individual church was best at and had a passion for and do that, be disciplined and use technology to accelerate a clear mission.

If you are still interested, read the book. I would love to hear your thoughts.

peace,

will

Save the Darfur Puppy

I read this op-ed piece by Nicholas Kristof last week and wanted to post a link but The New York Times won't let me do that with their "premium" content. However, it was such a good piece that is has now been reposted all over the blogosphere. I don't think I am going to comment on it, I just commend it to you.

Save the Darfur Puppy by Nicholas Kristof

peace,

will

Going Retro... Here is Last Week's Sermon

This never got posted last week.

Will Rice - Sermon #39 - “When You’re Tempted to Go Back to Your Old Life: Living as an Easter Person in an Ordinary World”

peace,

will

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's day to all the moms and moms to be and all the mothering types who make the world a better place! This week has proven to be a good mother's day week for me. I got to spend time with a brand new mom and her baby, a great-grandmother and, of course, my wife Alisha who is celebrating her first mother's day. Last evening, I also got to preside over a wedding, which is sort of how the whole mom thing usually gets started.

peace,

will

Live from Kerrville, It's Covenant Connection!

I am spending another couple of days in Kerrville for my Covenant Connection retreat. Mt. Wesley (our Methodist retreat center) installed wireless internet this year. I, at first, thought it was a good thing. Now I am convinced I liked it before when I couldn't do as much work.

peace,

will

Cleaning off my bookshelf, part II

I just don't feel like I can put books away until I have written about them on the blog. (If you ask my wife she will tell you I just don't like to put books away period.) So, here is another recent read.

I just think Robin Cook books are fun. They are about one step from watching TV. Cook always tries to weave some current controversial theme into his books and, because he is a doctor, they tend to be medical. This one, in the midst of a good story, took on health care specifically the concept of concierge medicine. Concierge medicine is a fairly recent movement in the health care business to enable people to have better access to a physician by paying a retainer. (There is a quick article on the topic from Newsweek here: House Calls)

That's all the review you get on this one. You'll find some more depth in some of the other books on my stack as I continue to clean off my bookshelf.

peace,

will

Cleaning off my bookshelf, part I

I am way further ahead in my reading than my weblog suggests. I need to start posting some comments on some books I have read and moving them off the sidebar. So, here goes.



I picked up Vodka by Boris Starling on a whim and lucked out. I guess the title isn't what some expect to find on their pastor's bookshelf. Interesingly, it is actually about vodka or, at least, the story line revolves around out. It is sort of a drama, thriller set in Russia in the 90s with much of the plot involving a giant vodka producer in Moscow. It was a pretty enjoyable fiction read with lots of well developed characters.

The thought that comes to mind when describing this book is that it like Tom Clancy meeting Fedor Dostoevsky and deciding to write together. But at 656 pages, it is more like The Brothers Karamazov than Crime and Punishment.

peace,

will

You Are What You Eat, The Complexities of Hunger

I don't know if it is because I am from New York or just because I like their writing, but I read The News York Times nearly every day. Through the wonders of technology, I get to read it on my Palm Pilot at the kitchen table over breakfast. Their were two articles this week that caught me attention and they were both about food. I usually hesitate to post NYT article links on the weblog because you need to sign up at the Times website to read them. But, it is free and if you sign up now, you can read more links I will post in the future.

Here is an excerpt from the first article entitled "You Are What You Grow "

A few years ago, an obesity researcher at the University of Washington named Adam Drewnowski ventured into the supermarket to solve a mystery. He wanted to figure out why it is that the most reliable predictor of obesity in America today is a person’s wealth. For most of history, after all, the poor have typically suffered from a shortage of calories, not a surfeit. So how is it that today the people with the least amount of money to spend on food are the ones most likely to be overweight?

The simple answer is that processed, high fat, junk foods are much cheaper, per calorie than the fresh, healthy foods. Which means, if you are eating on a budget, it is cheaper to eat badly and get fat. My wife and I have talked about this before. When we try to eat right, our grocery bill goes through the roof. We have the choice of making budget decisions to still eat well, but if we were living in poverty the decision would be much more difficult.

The reasoning behind all of this is more complicated and contained in the article. Give it a read:

You Are What You Grow

The other article that drew my interest is on international food aid. (I know, a riveting topic, but this is the sort of thing that interests me.) The reason I draw your attention to this article is simply that it shows how amazingly complex feeding the hungry can be especially on a global basis. It is a wonderful glimpse into government agencies, non-government agencies, American farmers, farmers in poor countries and how the whole mix works together to find the most efficient (and sometimes the most inefficient) ways to feed people who are starving. It was interesting to read of a group that, in order to me more efficient, raises crops and animals in America, sells them here and then sends the money to developing nations to grow their own food.

You can read the article here:

Bush Administration Gains Support for New Approach on Food Aid

peace,

will

This week's sermon

Sunday's sermon is posted if you would like to see it. I have the comments feature turned off on the page that the sermon is posted, so feel free to return to this post to comment.

Sermon #38 - How To Meet the Risen Christ Today

peace,

will

Some Perspective... Worrying about the right things

You have probably heard me say it before, I think we worry about the wrong things. In our media soaked culture, we spend a lot of time thinking and worrying about things that are statistically unlikely to happen, while paying little attention to the things we really should worry about.

I got an email this morning about the dangers of dying from a reaction to toxic mold from eating expired pancake batter, which could actually happen, though the chances are astoundingly remote. I also read the following story in the Washington Post which points out that according to the World Health Organization, the leading cause of deaths of people 10 to 24 worldwide is... do you want to guess? Injuries related to traffic accidents. Check out the whole story here:

Traffic Deaths a Global Scourge, Health Agency Says

We spend a lot of time worrying about terrorism, rare diseases, abductions, and other scary things, and they are real fears, but we spend little time worrying about the more likely scary things: auto accidents, heart disease, diabetes. And these are things we can at least help to prevent by paying more attention when we drive, or taking better care of our health.

Just some things to think about.

Drive safely,

will

A Week Away, A Week Behind

I am still not convinced that one week vacations are all that helpful. The week before is extra stressful trying to get far enough ahead and the week after is extra stressful trying to catch up. A friend of mine (who gets a bit more vacation than I do) takes all his vacation in one big clump. He takes a whole month off. While there is a little stress getting ready, he finds that once he gets back people have figured out how to get along with out him and there isn't that much waiting for him.

Gotta go, I am a week behind.

peace,

will

Where is Pastor Will’s Stole… And Where is Pastor Will?

Every so often someone asks me why Pastor John wears a stole and I don’t. Some people already know and some people don’t think much about it. I thought I would take this chance to address the question since it ties into some things that are keeping me quite busy these days.

First, what exactly is a stole and what is it for?

A stole is a long, narrow strip of colored material worn by ordained elders and deacons as a symbol of their ordination. Ordained elders, like Pastor John, wear the stole around their neck. Ordained deacons, wear stole over their left shoulder only. Stoles are often in the appropriate color of the day or season of the Christian year and are often decorated with Christian symbols.

As United Methodists, we are not always very fussy about details. Sometimes you will see a local pastor (someone who is not yet ordained but has been appointed to serve as a pastor in a local church), a probationary elder (like me, see more on this below) or a probationary deacon wearing a stole. While I have yet to find anything in writing that explicitly forbids this, it is certainly contrary to the symbolic meaning of the stole in our tradition.

My current status as a pastor is that of Probationary Elder. I have been commissioned by the Bishop to serve while fulfilling my period of probation and all of the elements related to it. If all goes according to plan, in June of 2008, the Bishop assigned to the Southwest Texas Conference will lay hands upon me and ordain me as an Elder in Full Connection. A stole will then be placed around my neck and over my shoulders to signify my ordination. Before that, you are not likely to see a stole around my neck.

My ordination in 2008 is a really big deal. (And that is a really big understatement.) It will represent over eight years of work on my part including a discernment process, three years of seminary, psychological evaluations, a theological examination and interviews, three years of probationary ministry and continuing education, mentoring, and spiritual development.

After all I have already done, I am really just starting the big push. Before my ordination in 2008, I need to accomplish a number of things. First, I will need to complete an extensive theological project to be presented to my Covenant Connection committee (the group that oversees my probation.) For my project, I am writing on developing systems for discipleship in the local church based on John Wesley’s understanding of sanctifying grace. Second, I need to write another theological examination to be read by members of the Board of Ordained Ministry. The exam I wrote before my commissioning was around 35 pages. It includes fun questions like, “What does it mean to affirm that “Jesus is the Christ” or, alternatively, “Jesus Christ is Lord” in our modern, religiously pluralistic culture?”

It is typical for a probationer like me to remain at an appointment for the entire length of their three-year probation. Therefore, the cabinet is likely to let me remain at Grace at least through May of 2008. So, it is likely that I will be here, as your pastor, as I am making the last push toward my ordination. This will all be quite a bit to juggle: being a pastor, working on these projects, raising a little boy, being a husband, and somehow staying healthy. But, through God’s grace and your love and support, I will persevere. And if all goes well, you can come and see me wear a stole for the first time on the stage at Selena Auditorium during the ordination ceremony in June, 2008!

peace,

will

If a world class violinist plays in a subway and no one stops to listen, does he still make a sound?

I read this yesterday in the Washington Post. It is a wonderful article and well worth the read.

Pearls Before Breakfast

peace,

will

What is happening to the bees?

Not that we should panic and stop using our cell phones, but there is an interesting piece about the mystery of the disappearing bees in The Independent (UK)

Are mobile phones wiping out our bees?

will

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.

I just can't get used to this.

It is not that I am afraid of lizards or reptiles of any sort, it is just still sort of freaky for me to find them in the bathtub. (These things don't live where I come from.)

What I find fascinating is that these neat creatures, that can climb up and down nearly any surface, can get trapped in my bathtub. It has to do with the science of how their feet bond with the molecules of the surface they are touching. Obviously my plastic-like bathtub is not good for bonding. Anyone who knows more science than me (that won't be hard) is welcome to post a comment explaining that better.

This little guy was safely returned to the outdoors where he most likely quickly found a way back in. It is cold outside.

peace,

will

Watching the Simpsons at Church

January has been a pretty busy month, but I am getting to do a lot of fun stuff. Tonight is the second week of The Gospel According to The Simpsons that I am leading with the youth. I really enjoy this course because, for some reason, watching The Simpsons really helps a lot of people self-reflect and be open about their own relationship to God. I think there may be something to seeing someone else get it so wrong that allows us a little room to examine ourselves.

I plan on offering this course again this year for anyone to take. In the meantime, if you are interested, there is a great book on the subject. Check out Mark Pinsky's The Gospel According to The Simpsons: The Spiritual Life of the World's Most Animated Family.

peace,

will

Maintenance or Mission

I have been working a lot this week to get ready for our annual Grace Leadership Retreat. The subject of this year's retreat doesn't sound very exciting at first. We are going to be talking about meetings. However, when you think of the fact that everything we do as a church relates to reaching out to share the abundance of God's love and deepening discipleship, meeting become really important. How we meet affects directly how we make disciples.

As I was thinking about that, I came across a blog post from Will Willimon, Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. It is from last year so I don't quite know how I stumbled upon it. In it, he quotes a piece from Harold Percy's Good News People. I am going to repost it here. This piece ties well into what we are doing tomorrow. Is also ties into the Congregational Transformation Process which we are in the middle of. The process makes us look at the church in terms of whether we are dying, maintaining or transforming. The theory behind the process is that churches that are maintaining, if they don't move toward transforming, will eventually be dying. This piece puts that in terms of maintenance vs. mission:

MAINTENANCE OR MISSION?

1. In measuring the effectiveness, the maintenance congregation asks, "How many pastoral visits are being made? The mission congregation asks, "How many disciples are being made?"

2. When contemplating some form of change, the maintenance congregation says, "If this proves upsetting to any of our members, we won't do it." The mission congregation says, "If this will help us reach someone on the outside, we will take the risk and do it."

3. When thinking about change, the majority of members in a maintenance congregation ask, "How will this affect me?" The majority of members in the mission congregation ask, "Will this increase our ability to reach those outside?"

4. When thinking of its vision for ministry, the maintenance congregation says, "We have to be faithful to our past." The mission congregation says, "We have to be faithful to our future."

5. The pastor in the maintenance congregation says to the newcomer, "I'd like to introduce you to some of our members." In the mission congregation the members say, "We'd like to introduce you to our pastor."

6. When confronted with a legitimate pastoral concern, the pastor in the maintenance congregation asks, "How can I meet this need?" The pastor in the mission congregation asks, "How can this need be met?"

7. The maintenance congregation seeks to avoid conflict at any cost (but rarely succeeds). The mission congregation understands that conflict is the price of progress, and is willing to pay the price. It understands that it cannot take everyone with it. This causes some grief, but it does not keep it from doing what needs to be done.

8. The leadership style in the maintenance congregation is primarily managerial, where leaders try to keep everything in order and running smoothly. The leadership style in a mission congregation is primarily transformational, casting a vision of what can be, and marching off the map in order to bring the vision into reality.

9. The maintenance congregation is concerned with their congregation, its organizations and structure, its constitutions and committees. The mission congregation is concerned with the culture, with understanding how secular people think and what makes them tick. It tries to determine their needs and their points of accessibility to the Gospel.

10. When thinking about growth, the maintenance congregations asks, "How many Lutherans live within a twenty-minute drive of this church?" The mission congregation asks, "How many unchurched people live within a twenty-minute drive of this church?"

11. The maintenance congregation looks at the community and asks, "How can we get these people to support our congregation?" The mission congregation asks, "How can the Church support these people?"

12. The maintenance congregation thinks about how to save their congregation. The mission congregation thinks about how to reach the world.

peace,

will

Problem Solved Audio Now Available

Since I moved to the new and improved blogger, I was having some problems with posting the audio versions of my sermon. I believe the problem has been solved. Let me know if there are any glitches.

"Jesus the Troublemaker" Audio Version

peace,

will

The Real Life of a Pastor

I sometimes forget that people without much connection to the church figure that a pastor's normal day is something like this:

Rise early for prayer
Eat simple breakfast
Pray
Read Bible
Work on sermon
Pray
Eat simple lunch
Pray
Visit sick person
Work on sermon
Pray
Eat Simple Dinner
Watch "Touched by an Angel" on DVD
Pray
Go to Bed

Just to continue to debunk that myth, let me share how my day started today.

I got up early because I was assisting with a funeral today and wanted to go over some things.
I got out of bed, fed and let out the dogs, made coffee, prayed, ironed a shirt, let the dogs in, took a shower, went over the notes and prayers I had for the funeral, got dressed, and ate my usual breakfast of Kashi Go-Lean Cereal mixed with Fruity Cheerios.. I was waiting for the last minute to wake up Josh, feed him breakfast and get him dressed for Mother's Day Out. I had it planned out so that I could drop him off and have just enough time to take care of some last minute details before the funeral. When it was time, I went upstairs, and Lo! (that is usually only used in the Bible, but it fits here) Lo! The Smell! There had been a catastrophic poopie leak during the night. I reached for my cell phone to contact FEMA when I realized there wasn't time. Fortunately Alisha was right downstairs. I owe her big time for taking charge of the mess so that Josh and I were still able to get out the door in time. Though that smell is still in my nose.

The moral of this story is... well there isn't one.

peace,

will

This Week's Sermon

This week's sermon, the first in the five week series, "Who Was Jesus?" has been posted. You can read it here:

"Who Was Jesus?" Week 1 - Jesus the Troublemaker

With the new blog setup I am having a little trouble posting the audio version. I hope to have it up later this week.

peace,

will

Pretty New Colors, Same Old Blog

Blogger has updated their technology a bit so and I have migrated the weblog over to the new platform. I thought a little color change wouldn't hurt either. Let me know if you find any kinks in the blog.

peace,

will

Jesus the Troublemaker

The sermon series, "Who Was Jesus" starts this Sunday. I am preaching on "Jesus the Troublemaker." You still have time to start a small group. The group leader guides and study guides are pretty much ready. They are still being proofed, but if you want to see one now, email me and I will send you the draft.

peace,

will

Can't you find time for just one blog

My only excuse for these giant gaps between blog entries is just that I am swamped. I have been about a week behind since before Christmas and I just can't seem to catch up. I tend to blog when I have just a couple of free minutes but those minutes keep getting taken up with trying to sneak in couple of minutes on something else I am behind on. The good news is that when I am busy, it often means that there are cool things on the horizon, like these cool things:

• Who Was Jesus, a sermon series on the person of Jesus begins this Sunday with "Jesus the Troublemaker" The small group guides will be available tomorrow. (If I don't blog too long.)
• Starting next Wednesday, I am leading one of my favorite classes, The Gospel According to the Simpsons. I am leading it this time with the youth, although a number of adults are coming anyway.
• The annual Grace leadership retreat is coming up on Saturday the 27th, the theme is "Leading and Becoming Disciples." Leaders of our congregation give up a big part of a Saturday for this, I like to make sure it is totally worth it.
• Just when you thought everything was calming down after Advent and Christmas, February 21st is Ash Wednesday already which means we are already planning for Lent and, you guessed it, Easter.

I swear I will be back on my blogging routine soon. I hope you are having a great new year!

peace,

will

I hate reruns...

I know how you must feel when you click over to the weblog and find nothing new. Television has been like that lately. Except on tv, you might find a rerun you haven't seen. I have been a little lax in blogging because the rest of my life has been a bit hectic. To catch you up, here is some of the good and the bad.

• We had our first Christmas with Joshua, which was more exciting for us than him.
• Christmas week consisted of 8 services. (I only had to preach at three)
• All of the Christmas services were wonderful with a great turn out with lots of faces I have never seen!
  
• Three funerals in one month wore me out. (See this earlier post for why they take such a toll.)
• My father got to spend Christmas with us.
• My iPod broke making me wonder what my ears did before. As a former professional disc jockey, I can say with some authority that the radio stations here aren't that great. (Well of course except for KFTX.)
  
• In a marvel of modern, quality customer service, Apple overnighted me a little box, into which I placed my broken iPod. I called DHL who came and got it. Apple informed me the next day that they had it and would send it back fixed or send me a new one very soon.
• Joshua started Mother's Day Out here at the church three days a week. Alisha gets a little break and Josh seems to be having fun.

If I am waiting for things to settle down, I have a bit of a wait. I am off the Mt. Wesley in Kerrville today for a meeting. I will come back Saturday night, be in worship on Sunday and then head off the Mt. Wesley again Monday for Covenant Connection. (See this post for more info on that.)

If I get some time at Mt. Wesley, I will try to write about some of the cool things coming up this month.

peace,

will

Sunday Preview

Sunday Preview
Sunday, December 31^th 2006 (First Sunday of Christmas)
Wesleyan Covenant Service

I have never been one for New Year’s Resolutions. I have never been very good at choosing things to resolve and I have never been very good at sticking with them. I am much better at New Year’s Rededication. I like to take time at the beginning of the year to think about what is important in my life and rededicate myself to that.

I believe what needs to be most important in my life is God. If God is at the center, all those resolutions that I don’t make have a way of taking care of themselves. Through the year, it is pretty easy for God to slip from that top spot, so I think it is important, at the threshold of a new year, to rededicate myself to God.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement shared this belief and developed a service for this purpose called The Covenant Renewal Service. It has been traditionally held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

I hope you will join me at any of our three services this Sunday, 8:30, 9:45 or 11:00 to worship, give thanks, and rededicate yourself to God on the eve of 2007.

peace,

will

What Should a Billionaire Give – and What Should You?

I just read an amazing article from the Sunday New York Times Magazine by Peter Singer a professor of bioethics at Princeton. Singer combines some of my favorite subjects, philosophy, economics and the need to end extreme poverty in the world.

What Should a Billionaire Give – and What Should You?
By PETER SINGER
Published: December 17, 2006
A philosopher’s case for donating more than you’re comfortable with.

Here is an exerpt:

Few people have set a personal example that would allow them to tell Gates that he has not given enough, but one who could is Zell Kravinsky. A few years ago, when he was in his mid-40s, Kravinsky gave almost all of his $45 million real estate fortune to health-related charities, retaining only his modest family home in Jenkintown, near Philadelphia, and enough to meet his family’s ordinary expenses. After learning that thousands of people with failing kidneys die each year while waiting for a transplant, he contacted a Philadelphia hospital and donated one of his kidneys to a complete stranger.

The article is pretty long, but worth the read.

peace,

will

Sunday Morning

I am wondering as I prepare worship for the fourth Sunday of Advent, Christmas Eve morning, if I can expect many worshippers to join me. Christmas Eve is one of the biggest services of the year and John and I thought for a long time about what to do with the morning services. Some churches have cancelled or combined services but we opted not to. Here was our reasoning: First, we believe that the season of Advent is a really important time. We really need this time of preparation for Christmas to mean all that it can mean. We didn't want to skip the last Sunday of Advent. Second, a more practical reason, it is hard to get the word out when you change services. Say that our church decided to have one morning service at 10:00. Say that we spent weeks telling everyone in the congregation about it to make sure they would come at the right time. Then say someone we have never seen before wakes up on Christmas Eve morning and decides to go to church. Say she has been by the church before and thought about it and jotted down the service times. Perhaps she looked in the yellow pages. Maybe she even cut out our ad a few weeks ago from the newspaper when she was thinking about going to church. Say she decides to come to our 8:30 service and we were not there. We would like to think that she would go home and come back at 10, but realistically and statistically, she wouldn't. I would rather be here. Just in case she comes.

peace,

will

The Longest Night

We will be hosting a special service this Thursday night at 6:30 called "The Longest Night." The service is especially for people who may have trouble celebrating at Christmas. There are a lots of things that happen in our lives that make things especially hard at Christmas when everyone else seems to have so much to celebrate. Bring someone along and join us as we try to experience Christmas in a different way, looking for the word of hope in Christmas, even when hope seems far away.

peace,

will

Blog Slacking

Apologies to my regular readers. Two funerals and a one day trip to Austin have gotten me off my blogging track. I am now prepping myself for the week before Christmas. Christmas in the life of the church was a little odd last year with Christmas falling on a Sunday. It is even stranger this year with Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday. That means we will have three services Sunday morning and four services Sunday evening, which will make for sort of a long day. I believe it is totally worth the work though. We all know there is something about Christmas that inspires people who have been away for a while or who have never been to church to come and see what all the fuss is about. We want to make sure we have plenty of room.

Peace to you in this last week of Advent!

will

Live from my office... it's Monday night!

Monday night is not a time I usually spend in my office. It is either meetings or at home. But this is a busy week. In an unusual turn of events I am presiding over two funerals this week. Funerals take a lot out of me. They are hard, but not for the reason many people expect. I have learned to deal with the sadness of being around people suffering loss. I won't say that goes away but, as a pastor, you need to find some way to deal with it in a healthy manner.

What gets me is the pressure and the pressure comes directly from me. I believe that funerals and memorial services are part of an incredibly important process. It is not just the service itself. There is so much possibility of healing and reconciliation that takes place all around those moments that follow the death of a loved one. I get the honor of being a part of that and I take it about as seriously as I can without being either self-centered or completely burned out.

When it comes to the service itself, I ponder every word, every piece of scripture, every song. I never get it perfect, but I try to do my best. Those who have left us and those who are left behind deserve nothing less.

peace,

will

Sunday Preview

Sunday, December 10^th 2006 (Second Sunday of Advent)

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16

Even for someone like me from Western New York, it is starting to feel a bit like Christmas. The cool weather and my neighbor'’s Christmas lights (mine aren'’t up yet) are helping me to get ready for one of the most joyous celebrations of the year.

The four Sundays of Advent are the church's way of preparing for the arrival of GodÂ’s most precious gift, Jesus Christ. This week, the choir is going to help us prepare by offering us the gift of music as they present, Night of Wonder, A Cantata for Advent or Christmas. At all three services, they will present this offering of choruses and readings that will trace the journey from the Advent prophecy to the annunciation of Mary and from the birth of Jesus to the heavenly host proclaiming, "“Glory to God in the highest!"” I hope you will consider inviting your friends and family to experience the wonder of Christmas celebrated in music!

peace,


will

The rough times...

There are times in life when things are just too much to bear. There are others when things are so good that we make up things to be aggravated about. As I was sitting at my desk working on a sermon series for January, I became aggravated when I realized that I left the house today without my iPod headphones and the Pop-Tart I had intended to snack on this afternoon. When something like that is the largest aggravation of the day, life is pretty good. Though I am still missing that Pop-Tart.

peace,

will

It's cold, leave me alone.

The little cold snap has left Bodhi a little lazy and a little stubborn. In case you can't tell from this picture, Bodhi is not allowed on the furniture. Although, we just got that chair a few weeks ago when one of our neighbors moved, so no one has told him specifically to stay off that chair.

peace,

will

You Don't See This Much Here

Notice the bottom two numbers on this picture of the clock in my office. On the left, just above the date is the inside temperature, a cool 69 degrees. On the right, just above the day is the outside temperature, a cooler 45 degrees. It is pretty rare here in lovely, tropical Corpus Christi that the number on the right falls lower than the climate controlled number on the left.

Welcome Winter! Enjoy your brief stay in the Coastal Bend.

peace,

will

What would you suggest...

It is that time of the year when pastors answer lots of questions and fill out lots of forms for the church the district and the conference. Here is one of the questions on one of those forms:

What resources would you suggest to colleagues to help restore emotional or spiritual health?

My answer:

Take a Sabbath, every week. Be lazy, take a nap or go fishing and forget to take bait.
And get a dog, not a little dog, but a real dog, like a lab or a pit bull or something.
And watch House, Tuesday nights at 8 on Fox and GreyÂ’s Anatomy, Thursdays at 8 on ABC.
And when you hear a cool song on one of the above shows, download it from iTunes and put it
on your iPod.
And call someone younger than you and ask them what iTunes and iPod mean.
And read books, fiction and non-fiction. Read a lot of them. There are a lot of books out there.
They print new ones faster than I can read the old ones.
And do something that scares the ______ out of you. Mountain climbing, sky diving, or foster-
parenting all count.
And convince at least one person that they are worth being loved by the creator of the universe
And experience something every year that makes your jaw drop and tears come to your eyes. It can be good or bad. Many of the things above will facilitate this.

peace,

will

Not what I thought it would be...

I just finished George Barna's Revolution (Carol Stream Illinois: Tyndale House Publishing, 2005). It didn't take long at 144 pages. It really wasn't what I was expecting. George Barna and the Barna Group he created are renowned for their research within and outside the realm of religion. In this book, the author makes the point that his research is showing a radical shift in Christianity to something that is happening more and more outside the walls (physical and otherwise) of the institutional church. I believe that his theory may be correct, however, what Barna does not share is the research that backs it up. He also does quite a bit of theologizing of his own. Perhaps some of it based on research, but there is no way of knowing.

There is a lot of good in this book, I think Barna can help the local church see how it can be part of the changing landscape of Christianity and can help people who feel out of place in the local church see that they are not alone. However, the helpfulness of the book can be a little hard to get at as it is somewhat buried in the author's still emerging conservative faith. There are times when I couldn't tell if his personal understanding of spirituality was pushing us forward to something new, or simply pulling us back to the way it used to be (in other words, toward another type of fundamentalism.)

So, you can read it for yourself and see what you think. Or you can wait for the review of the book I am reading now, Christianity for the Rest of Us, by Diana Butler Bass, which seems to be a little more on target.

peace and happy reading,

will

Life Underwater

Alisha, my sister, my brother law, my niece, Joshua and I went to the aquarium on the day after Thanksgiving. The Aquarium is truly one of Corpus Christi's treasures. They also have one of the best playgrounds on the planet, complete with that cool rubbery surface covering the ground which provides for very little crying even when little boys fall down.

peace,

will

This Week's Sermon - Text and Audio

Sermon 33 is posted in text an audio form:

Sermon 33 - What Kind of King - Text Version
Sermon 33 - What Kind of King - Audio Version

Your thoughts and questions are always welcomed!

peace,

will

Live from my office... It's Saturday Night!

I don't often find myself working late on Saturday to finish a sermon for Sunday, but here I am. It is not that I got a late start or that Thanksgiving put me off schedule. I wrote a sermon early in the week and was just planning on polishing it Wednesday evening before my sister and he family got here Thursday morning. When I read it Wednesday it was fine except... I didn't really believe it. Occasionally, in my effort to read scripture and deliver a message, something goes awry and I end up with a finished product that just isn't right. I think people can tell when the pastor doesn't really believe what they are saying. For me it is more than that. I can't bear to stand up there and proclaim something that I don't believe. So, if you are in church tomorrow morning or if you read or listen to the sermons online, you get a whole new sermon tomorrow. This one I believe.

peace,

will

Some "not so light" reading

I just finished Kevin Phillips latest, American Theocracy, The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money. This goes on my list of the top five books of the year. However, I am not going to recommend it for all readers. Most people just don’t care enough about economics, politics, and theology to tackle four hundred pages of fairly dense, although well written, text.

Phillips book is critical of the Republican Party and the conservative Christian coalition which will displease some who follow that party or group. However, he is deeply historical, tracing patterns that have led to the downfall of other superpowers, and very insightful toward economic data as it paints of picture of the state our nation.

If the book does nothing else, it does an amazing job of showing the complexities and interrelations of economics, politics and religion. What we believe, what we empower our leaders to do and what we participate in simply by our unknowing has serious consequences on every single citizen of our country and every person attached to our world economy.

If you are into this sort of stuff, it is actually a fun read.

peace,

will

For I was suffering from low food security and you gave me food?

Check out this editorial from this morning's New York Times:

Brother, Can You Spare a Word?

It seems that the annual government hunger report (which showed a small amount of good news this year) has dropped the word hunger in favor of "suffering from low food security." I guess it is a lot easier to sleep at night with a lot of people suffering from low food security than with a lot of hungry people.

peace,

will

Rob Bell Revisited

I wrote a review a couple of weeks ago about the book Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. In case you missed it, just click on the title in the last sentence and you can read it. I bring it up again because I visited the website of Rob's Church, Mars Hill. (www.mhbcmi.org) First of all, what a great website! Second of all, all of Rob's sermon are available for download. I downloaded one at random last week and put it on my iPod. Rob is a great preacher. He is not a great preacher of the variety that is incredibly exuberant, or entertaining, or funny. He just really knows his stuff and can translate it in such a way that anyone can understand.

Rob follows the trend of many modern preachers, a trend that seems to buck conventional wisdom, he preaches very long. The sermon I listened to last week clocked in at just over an hour. (And some people complain when pastor John surpasses the 20 minute mark.) Preaching long certainly doesn't seem to be hurting his church, Mars Hill is one of the fasted growing churches in American history.

I know a few people who like to listen to other sermons besides the ones on Sunday morning, which is great. However, there is a lot of bad theology out there. So, might I suggest downloading one of Rob Bell's sermons to your computer or iPod. Be prepared to be engaged and learn a lot.

You can go directly to the audio sermons page:

http://www.mhbcmi.org/listen/index.php

I started with the September 10th sermon, "Jesus Wants to Save Christians." The title is deceiving, it is a great sermon.

peace,

will

Newsletter Column

I know a lot of folks who read the blog don't read (or don't get) the Grace newsletter. So, here is my column from this week:

I haven’t had a chance yet to formally thank everyone for the abundant outpouring of love and support upon the arrival of our foster son Joshua. Alisha and I have truly been moved by the love shown through diapers, toys, gift cards, and offers for babysitting.

I cannot begin to tell you what a joy it has been to open our home and share our love with one of God’s beloved children. It is my prayer that the love we share will give him a chance at a truly full and abundant life.

It is also my prayer that Joshua’s presence among us may inspire someone else to hear God’s call to foster parenting. I realize that such a ministry is a big step and one not to be entered into lightly. I also realize that there are some people who are truly equipped and called to such a ministry and that there are many children who need them.

On Thursday, December 7^th, at 7 p.m. in room 143, I will host Robyn Detert of the Corpus Christi Outreach office of Methodist Children’s Home along with Rhonda Dyer from the San Antonio office for an informational meeting about Methodist Children’s Home’s foster care program. This meeting will, of course, in no way obligate you. So, even if you are just a little curious about the program, please come. If you have any friends or family members who have thought about foster care, please bring them along. The meeting is open to anyone who wants to learn more about what MCH is doing to place children in need in loving homes.

If you have any questions about the meeting, about foster parenting, or about Methodist Children’s Home, please feel free to contact me directly at pastorwillrice@gmail.com.

peace,

will

Live from San Antonio... This Week's Sermon!

The audio version will have to wait until I am back in Corpus Christi, but here is the link to the text version of this week's sermon. If you were at the 11:00 worship service this week, it may seem a little different since we didn't have communion this week at that service.

Sermon #32 - What Do You Want?

peace,

will

A little delay

For those of you who like to read or listen to the sermon online, it will be a little late this week, unless I get an unexpected rush of motivation in the next couple of hours. I am off in the morning for a conference on new church development in San Antonio. That is piggy backing on my regularly two days of Covenant Connection which will be in San Antonio as well this month. (Saving me the rest of the drive to Kerrville.

I may be able to get the text version posted from up there, but the audio version requires me being in the home studio.

May you have a blessed week.

peace,

will

Another picture in search of a caption

I guess it needs to be put in context. I was at our annual Blessing of the Animals.

The only thing that comes to mind is:

"Heal!"

peace,

will

Sunday Preview - You Get it First Because You Read the Weblog!

Sunday Preview

November 12, 2006

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Sermon Title: “What do you want?”

What would you do if God stood right before you and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Could you answer that question? Or would you stammer about waiting for God to pass by?

This Sunday we will be reading the story of blind Bartimaeus. I hope that in it, we can hear God reaching out to us, and we can begin to allow God to truly be at work in our lives.

Don’t forget, text and audio versions of my sermons are available at gracesermons.blogspot.com. Printed copies of sermons can be found in the glass way at the church.

peace,

will

Velvet Elvis

I just finished reading Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis, Repainting the Christian Faith. My friend Bryan recommended this book a while back and it took me a while to get to it. I wish I had read it sooner. Bryan did not steer me wrong.

I want to talk about this book by recommending it to two groups of people:

Group 1 - You should read this book if you are looking for meaning in your life but are not quite sure that Christianity holds the meaning that you are looking for. That might mean that you are not involved in a church or you are involved in one but aren't really sure if it is connecting you to reality you seek.

Group 2 - You should read this book if Christianity does hold meaning for you but you wonder why others, especially young people don't share your view. If you are the parent of a teen or young adult and can't figure out why they won't connect with what the church is doing or if you can't understand why your young friends want nothing to do with the church, read what Rob Bell has to say.

Rob Bell is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan, one of the fastest growing churches in American history. Mars Hill is a little different than a lot of fast growing churches. Many of the super-mega churches push a very black and white, fundamentalist theology. In Bells book, he paints a picture of a much more progressive, very grace-filled theology. His theology and spirituality makes room for questions, makes room for differences of opinion and makes plenty of room for the unconditional love of God that we call Grace.

Rob is also an excellent writer. This book is very accessible and actually a lot of fun to read. Check it out.

peace,

will

The glamorous Life of a Pastor

I know the life a pastor seems pretty ho-hum, but some days are just sheer excitement. Here are some of the things I did today:

• Took our dog Violet to the vet to see why she is wetting her bed. (At least she is not wetting my bed.) Got some pills that may stop her from wetting her bed.
• Washed Violet and her bed.
• Went with Alisha and Joshua to vote. Joshua couldn't vote, but he did make a lot of noise in the polling place which may have affected someone else's vote. (Raising the question: are people who are casting their vote while a child is crying more likely to vote democrat, republican or independent.
• Worked on Sunday's bulletin and tonight's Disciple class while eating a frozen dinner. (It wasn't frozen as I was eating it.)
• Spent a really long time in a staff meeting.
• Made four phone calls.
• Sent some emails.
• Checked my weblog only to find I hadn't posted in a while, so created a post based on the events of my day.

It may all sound a little ordinary, but Tuesday nights are very cool. I lead Disciple Bible Study on Tuesday evenings and it is really one of the best parts of my job. I am looking forward to that.

Here is hoping that today and everyday, you get to see the glorious presence of God, even in the ordinary stuff of your day.

peace,

will

A Random Selection from the Bookshelf

Half-Price Books is a dangerous place for me. While I am there, I find lots of books that I didn't even know I needed. This was one of them.

I was intrigued years ago when I heard people talk about the strange interview questions companies like Microsoft used. I once heard that someone was asked, "How many square feet of astro turf are there in the United States?" I don't know if anyone actually knows the answer to that questions, but that wasn't the point. The point was, how would you figure it out? Who uses astro turf? Mainly sports teams. It is rather expensive so it would probably be mostly in arenas of big professional or college teams right? How many of those are there? How many of those use astro turf over real grass? How many dome stadiums are there? How many square feet are on each field? These are the sort of questions that help you start to make an estimate and the sort of thinking that interviewers are checking you out on.

The basis of William Poundstone's How Would You Move Mount Fuji, Microsoft's Cult of the Puzzle is those sort of interview puzzles, where they came from and what purpose they serve. The more fun part is that he gives a ton of examples and the solutions. I am told that Microsoft has moved away from the puzzle based interview. (Perhaps largely due to people preparing for it with books like this.) Still, this book is fun, especially if you like really challenging puzzles, some with definite answers, some without. Here are some of them:

How would you weigh a jet plane without scales?
Why do mirrors reverse right and left instead of upside down?
How many piano tuners are there in the world?
How many times a day do a clock's hands overlap?

I like this one:

You have eight billiard balls. One of them is "defective," meaning it weighs more than the others. How do you tell, using a balance, which ball is defective in two weighings?

I do realize that finding these sorts of things fun, puts me in a certain category of geek. However, I have lots of company.

peace,

will

Josh's first Halloween

The pumpkin was supposed to be for the candy, but it made a great hat.

Church Transformation

It is not too late to take advantage of the Church Transformation Training Workshop with Don Nations. I think it would be really great for as many people as possible from Grace to hear Don speak about how we can reach more people with the Gospel.

Don is going to be in Three Rivers tomorrow with great seminars in the morning, afternoon and evening. Even if you can only go to one it will be worth it. Here are some of the topics:

9:30-10:15 Introduction to Church Transformation For all interested lay persons.

10:45-12:00 Understanding Yourself and Others thru the DISC, an instrument that will help you identify your natural style of leadership and how you motivate others. For all interested lay persons.

1:00-2:30 Effective Ways to Reach your Community Especially for Welcoming, Church Growth, Outreach, Evangelism teams, but open to anyone.

OR

Designing Great Worship - Especially for Worship Teams, Pastors, Praise Band leaders, but open to anyone.

2:45-4:15 The What and Why of Evangelism - Especially for local church Welcoming, Church Growth, Outreach, Evangelism, anyone interested in seeing their church reach out to people.

6:30-8:00 Hospitality Workshop - Especially designed for Welcoming Teams and anyone interested in reaching the un-churched; it has been scheduled in the evening to optimize attendance by laity.

Let me know if you are interested in going and need more info. You can call the office or send me an email.