Can you see through the eyes of a seeker?

I have been thinking a lot about the 9:45 service and the proposed move to the gym. I have heard from a couple of people who disagree with the premise that that service is full. Some people look around and see a number of empty seats and think that there is plenty of room. As I am thinking about that it raises the question for me, “Can you see through the eyes of a seeker?”

I read recently of a hospital that was trying to drastically improve their patient care by focusing on how it felt to be a patient. Here is what they did: They put someone on a gurney with a video camera and had them record what it felt like to be a patient. Doctors and nurses and technicians were a bit startled to see that perspective. Lying down, looking straight up, all the patient could see was lights and ceiling ties. Winding around corners, down halls, and up and down elevators was amazingly discombobulating. Often the patient was left in place while unknown people moved by. All around were disembodied voices talking in technical jargon. Occasionally, a head would pop into view to ask a question. People who saw this video become much more intentional about what the patient was experiencing. They were clearer to the patient about where they were going and what was going on and more regular about getting into the patients field of view.

This reminded me very much of my first few times in a church. What we forget is that people who are not Christians do not know what to expect and do not know what is going on. There is a lot of fear and anxiety. For me, everything moved a little too fast and I felt incredible self-conscious and out of place. From where I sit on Sunday morning, I see that look all the time from new people. They walk through the doors of the sanctuary and they look confused and trapped. There is no clear indication of where they should sit. Often they have to look around to find a seat and then fight their way to it. Too often, that seat is not on the end of an isle. Only a person who has gone to church many years would think that it is ok for a new person to have to ask someone to move. Had that been me the first time, I would have left.

Our mission as a church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Part of that mission includes inviting and welcoming people who have had no previous relationship with Christ. I invite you, the next time you are in church, to ask yourself, “Can I see through the eyes of a seeker?” Look at the church from the parking lot to the sanctuary and back out again as though you knew nothing about Christianity and nothing about the people of our church. Pretend you don’t know where we worship or what a narthex is. Walk into the sanctuary as though you know no one and nothing about the service that was about to take place. Pretend you don’t know that you need a bulletin or that our songs are in something called a hymnal. Pretend you have never “passed the peace” or sung a doxology or had an offering plate placed in your hands. Pretend you have never even heard of communion. Would you feel safe? Would you feel welcome? Would you be clear about what was expected of you? Would you come back again?

Can you see through the eyes of a seeker?

peace,

will

Off to Taft?

I am off to Taft this morning for something we call a District Professionals Meeting. About once a month, the United Methodist Pastors of the Corpus Christi District get together for fellowship, worship, some sort of program, and lunch. It is a wonderful part of our connectional system. Some pastors from other denominations often feel very alone and isolated without much support from their peers and colleagues. I get to see my pastor friends quite often and it really helps my ministry.

peace,

will

The Small Victories

You might suppose that I, as a pastor, find joy mostly in things like movement in the internal quest of growing in constant communion with God. However, there is a lot of joy in the small stuff too. For instance, I finally restored my ability to receive email on my Palm Pilot. For the past two weeks for some uncertain reason, I was unable to send and receive email from the wonderful tiny device that rides around in my pocket. Through a wonderful combination of consultation with Palm, Google and the Holy Spirit, life is back as it should be.

peace,

will

Is it Fall yet?

Fall is teasing me. We have had a couple mornings lately when I have walked out and felt the cool breeze that tells me that fall is creeping in. However, I am realizing that it is just a trick. It is still hot and sticky and I think the mosquitoes are finally waking up. But, I guess after a fairly cool and rainy summer, I need to be patient. In the words of Franklin Roosevelt, at least "We are stricken by no plague of locusts."

peace,

will

Getting Back in the Groove Part II

Sometimes I wonder about what to write on the blog. Sometime the day to day stuff is more interesting than when I try to be profound. I have lots of good stuff going on this week. Last night I had a meeting with the leaders who are going to help me present Bible 101 starting next week. We have a really great team for this one. This team teaching idea came out of our Adult Council. They figured that we could offer more courses if we could create teams to lead them instead of totally relying on a pastor or a few lay people. This worked out really well with Prayer 101. The team that led that with me last time will take it over entirely for the next offering. I am looking forward to Bible 101. I have re-written the curriculum around the team teaching model. You can still sign up for this class. The deadline is Friday. Just email me.

Tonight I meet with my small group called Genesis. This is a seed group for a new small group ministry program we will launch at Grace in January. It is a really great group and I just enjoy being with them.

Thursday night I will be leading an orientation class for people who wish to serve communion to the homebound. This is a great ministry for folks who can't come to worship but wish to receive the sacraments. Homebound communion ministers take the consecrated elements from worship into people's homes. Anyone can do this and it is a wonderful ministry. If you are interested, feel free to drop by the meeting Thursday evening at 6:30 here at Grace. (You won't commit yourself just by showing up if you just want to know more.

Sunday is the next session of Why Grace, our intro to church membership "class." If you are already a member of the church you are still welcome to come. Most members who do say they learned or relearned a lot. No reservation required, just stop by room 143 Sunday at 1:30.

After that on Sunday, I have a meeting with our Staff Parish Relations Committee. We are required to have a yearly conversation about how the pastor and the church are working together. They also have to complete an evaluation for my Covenant Connection Committee. It is the last one they have to do before the final decision about my ordination is made.

Oh, and I have a sermon to write and three worship services to plan! Whew!

peace,

will

Getting Back in the Groove

It always takes me a few days to get back in the groove after being on vacation. However, this last vacation has some built in reentry time. I was off from Friday until Wednesday, when I had a fairly short meeting in Austin. I then had an all day meeting in San Antonio on Thursday. I had a wedding rehearsal on Friday evening and then a wedding Saturday. Then Sunday, I was back in full swing. So, coming back on a Monday, it feels like my vacation has already been over for a week, yet there is still a pile of stuff on my desk that I am behind on. The world moves pretty fast.

peace,

will

Bible 101

Don't forget to sign up for Bible 101. The registration deadline is this Thursday. You can register be emailing me at pastorwillrice@gmail.com.

Here is all the info:


We base our faith and Christian life on the words of scripture. However, some of us are not as familiar with scripture as we would like. Sometimes the Bible can overwhelm us and we need help getting started in the discipline of Bible reading and study. Join Pastor Will Rice and the Bible 101 team for this four week class specially designed for people who have never engaged in an adult Bible study. It is even great for those who have never picked up a copy of the Bible. The fee for the course is $30 and covers the cost of one of the best study Bibles available, The New Interpreter’s Study Bible. During the four weeks you will get an overview of the Bible and you will be introduced to the skills and resources that will help you engage the Bible on your own. The class will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 for four Thursday nights beginning Thursday, October 25th. Because of the need to order materials, there will be a firm registration deadline of Thursday, October 18th.

Notice: If you have joined Grace UMC within the last year, the Adult Ministries Team would like to offer this course to you free of charge.

The Survival of the World

I stumbled across this article on a London Newspaper's website:

Muslims tell Christians: 'Make peace with us or survival of world is at stake'

There is another article referring to the same subject in the Washington Post:

Muslims Call for Interfaith Peace

I would love to hear your comments.

peace,

will

Back at Work, But Not Back in Corpus

I have been on vacation this week, travelling throughout Texas. My vacation is over today, although I am not back yet. I had to stop in San Antonio for a meeting of the Conference Futures Committee. This is a nice way to ease back into the flow of work. I will be back in my normal office tomorrow.

peace,

will

Big Things at Grace

Are you keeping track of all the big things going on at Grace?

We voted as a congregation this past Sunday to accept the gift of 20 acres of land on 624. The gift came with two conditions: that we not subdivide the land but use it all for ministry and we begin construction in two years.

We voted as a Church Council last Monday to move our 9:45 worship service into the fellowship hall so that we would have more room for more people.

These are both amazing decisions that will open up the doors of grace to more people who may have never experienced the power of a relationship with God. Both decisions are also going to create an enormous amount of work but I am getting used to that.

peace,

will

Monday Update

As I have written (or whined) about, I have quite overwhelmed lately especially with work for my ordination. Lately, I have been waiting anxiously for the first draft of my doctrinal questions to come back. I finally got one copy back yesterday. The first drafts go to two or three ordained elders who read them and provide feedback. The good news is the one I got back so far had mostly positive comments! The elder who reviewed the questions had some good insights that will make for some improvements but didn't think I needed any major revisions. That is good news! Now I just have to wait and see what the others say.

peace,

will

Random Photo

I was sorting through some old photos and found this one of our Lab, Bodhi. If I remember correctly this was taken in the White Mountain Wilderness in New Mexico.

peace,

will

_logging is good for you.

A colleague of mine just sent me an email that ended with this:

(I can't sign my name right now since I've lost the use of the letter that is the first one in my name!!!!)

It makes me wonder what exactly happend but also what goes into trying to do your work without a certain letter on your keypad. I am posting as an experiment to see if I can do it. I am refraining from using the same letter and it is working pretty well. She was obviously missing the second letter of the group of letter we use in English. (There is a much easier way write that with that letter.)

peace,

will

So What Are You Reading?

If you were in worship this week or read the sermon online, you know that the homework this week is reading scripture every day. So what are you reading?

I am rereading Matthew's Gospel. I read the first three chapters yesterday and read through chapter 5 this morning. I actually read out loud to Josh this morning. He enjoyed the beatitudes.

Post a response and let me know what you are reading.

peace,

will

This week's sermon

This Sunday's sermon, week 2 of our Friday Night Lights - Sunday Morning Insights series is posted here:

Sermon #49 - Learning the Playbook

peace,

will

Blogging on the Sabbath

I talk a lot about our need to find time for sabbath in our lives, to follow God's Biblical command to rest. However, over the last few weeks, I have not been following my own direction. The massive amount of work I have been producing for my ordination plus my workload at the church plus a two year old has meant that my regular day of sabbath, Friday, has lately been filled with work.

Even though I am taking a moment to post, today is finally a day of rest. I believe that sabbath is more than an act of obedience, it is a gift from God. I don't know about other lifestyles and professions, but I know that I cannot be a very good pastor without time to rest, pray and play, time to be rested and recreated. What many people often appreciate in a pastor is passion, energy, creativity and compassion. Members and visitors of a church often expect sermons that express the gospel in exciting and new ways. People are often energized by new and different class offerings. Christians look to pastors and spiritual leaders who are energized by prayer. Honestly, I don't believe that pastors can maintain and live out these expectations without disciplined, regular and carefully guarded sabbath time.

Perhaps the message is for me as much as anyone. But I hope the lesson I keep learning can be helpful to you. Everyone has expectations put upon them. All of us have ways and times that we need to be creative and energetic, passionate and compassionate. All of us, as Christians, are seeking to root our life in prayer. Are we allowing time for God to be at work at us?

shalom,

will

Almost there

I am at Mt. Wesley in Kerrville this morning. In a couple hours I will present my theological project and be done... for a while. The only other major written hurdle I have is any revisions I will need to make to my theological questions once my first draft comes back from the readers who have it now. So, I am not completely done, but I celebrate small victories.

peace,

will

A Sermon Backlog

I had a few free minutes this morning so I powered through and posted all my back sermons. If you were paying attention, you may have noticed that I hadn't posted in quite a few weeks but they are all now there typos and all.

http://gracesermons.blogspot.com/

peace,will

Still a little time to read...

All the work I have had to do lately has cut down on my reading time, but I can still find a little. My friend Barbara gave me this book as a gift a really long time ago and I lost it and then found it again (I had left it in my suitcase and had actually been carrying around for some time.)

I just finished The Plot Against America by Philip Roth. I am not usually a fan of semi-historical fiction but Roth is such a good writer, it worked for me. This is a fictional what-if book telling the story as if FDR had lost his third term and instead America elected Charles Lindbergh running on the single issue of staying out of World War II. It paints a picture of a very different America, especially for Jewish Americans.

What I do like about semi-historical fiction is that when you mix real history in with complete fiction, it forces you to remember the real history, all that stuff that may have slipped into the back of your brain with algebra. It is good to shake those things loose once in a while.

peace,

will

Sporatic Blogging

I apologize to my regular bl0g readers, my ordination requirements are eating my lunch. I have sent around 70 pages for first draft reading in the last week. The bulk of those were my doctrinal questions. They will be reviewed this month and sent back to me for final revisions before they are submitted to the Board of Ordained Ministry. I will eventually sit in front of an interview committee and be asked lots of questions about them.

The rest of the pages are my theological project on Wesleyan Sanctification and Discipleship Systems. My theological tutor in San Antonio is reading that now and will return it for revisions this week. I have to present the next Tuesday in Kerrville. My brain hurts.

peace,

will

The Poverty that Surrounds Us

I don't want to give the impression that all I do is sit around and read the New York Times but I was quite fascinated that they wrote such a detailed article on our part of the world.

Inside a Jumble of Poverty, Texans Build a Future

The article is about the poverty stricken subdivisions known as colonias. They mostly focus on the areas further south but these same types of settlement are all around us here in Nueces County. In fact a number of colonias receieved the flood buckets we assembled because they are right along the Nueces river and the bad conditions were made intolerable by devastating flooding.

will

Thinking of the Poor

In case I haven't mentioned it God has a special interest in the poor and oppressed. If you don't believe, just read the Old Testament prophets or listen to what Jesus says in the New Testament. God is always interested in the plight of the poor and any systems that oppress them. I have been saying for a couple of years, to anyone who will listen, that payday loan companies are one of those systems that further oppress the poor. What happens is that people who are barely scraping by, borrow money at such high interest that they keep taking more loans just to keep from defaulting. They often end under the burden of a debt that they will never repay.

The New York Times did a nice job this morning talking about the issue and pointing out some non-profit groups that are trying to help, to mixed reviews. Give it a read:

Nonprofit Payday Loans? Yes, to Mixed Reviews
(You will need to register at nytimes.com but it is easy and free and worth it.)

I would love to hear your feedback.

peace,

will

Read

I came across this yesterday from the Associated Press:

One in four read no books last year

Read the article, but to let you know it really is what the title implies, one in four American adults didn't read any books at all last year. That originally shocked me but then I thought about a bit and digested the whole article. I have to admit, there have probably been some adult years when I haven't read any books. There were a couple of years in my radio career when I was reading nothing but newspapers and magazines. You also have to take into account the number of people who can't read or can't read well and the number of people, especially the elderly, for whom reading has become difficult due to vision changes.

I actually found some of the other numbers encouraging. If you exclude the people who hadn't read any books at all, the typical person read around seven books. I don't think that is too bad, though certainly down from the days before television and the Internet.

Looking for something to read? Look at the right side column of my blog or search "read, reading or book" in the search bar at the top of the page.

peace,

will

Taking a Breath

I finally feel like I can take a breath this week. Last week was wonderfully busy:

Monday night was the last night of the four-week study on Paul's Letter to the Galatians. That was a great experience. We had over thirty people total and I think we found some great insights in Paul's letter.

Tuesday night was the second week of Prayer 101. I felt really blessed to lead that with the help of Lisa, Kathy, Mary Tom and Jimmy. They are going to be taking over the teaching of that class and from how it went last week, I can tell it is going to be a great class.

Thursday night we had the second meeting of our program ministry teams who were working on church-wide goals for 2008. You will hear more about these in September, but let me tell you, we have some exciting things in store!

Sunday, besides worship, we had our "Why Grace?" session where we talked about what it means to be a Christian and a member of the church. Two people have officially decided to make Grace their church home. That is great news!

This week should be a little slower. I will be spending a lot of time writing my questions for my ordination exam which is even more fun than it sounds.

peace,

will

And We're Back

No use going too deeply into the details of the lack of postings over the last couple of weeks. It has mostly been an issue of being swamped. It wasn't even that I didn't have a couple of free minutes, it was more that my brain was overtaxed to the point that I couldn't write anything else.

I remember in my last career, when I worked for Clear Channel's Star System in Austin, I had the blessing of working only 5 hours a day. I had plenty of free time. However, those five hours were often so intense that I couldn't really even form coherent sentences in my off time.

Anyway, hopefully I am backing on the blogging. Look for more soon!

peace,

will

Thank You!

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in creating flood buckets for the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Thank you to those of you who gave supplies and money and to everyone who came out yesterday to put them all together. A big thanks as well to everyone who drove around looking for buckets and buying bulk supplies. This was a huge effort!

We currently have about 70 ready to go and 30 more that are missing some odds and ends.

I will keep you up to date on their status and let you know when they are off and on their way to be in ministry.

peace,

will

Almost Time to Pack Them!

Sorry I haven't posted an update on supplies, but they continue to come in. I believe we only need about 15 additional empty buckets but we still need a ton of supplies. Many of you have been very generous with cash donations so Lisa will be heading out shopping tomorrow.

Thank you to Lisa, Shirley and Jon for scrubbing and rinsing all the buckets to make them smell less like whatever was in them before.

If you are planning on donating supplies, please let me know by tomorrow so Lisa doesn't buy any more than we need.

Please join us Sunday at 3:30 in the fellowship hall. We need lots of help sorting and packing. It takes some time to get the buckets packed right. If we just throw everything in they won't close and UMCOR needs them sealed. Come help us out and enjoy some homemade ice cream!

peace,

will

Another Update... A Little Different

We are getting close to our deadline for packing buckets and a few people have asked that I change the progress report a little bit. We have 5 complete buckets plus a lot of other bulk supplies. The question is, what do we most need?

Here it is:

If the size we need is not availabe, go DOWN to the next available size. Otherwise the buckets cannot be sealed and UMCOR cannot store them.

Bleach - We only have two bottles. These need to be a very specific size to fit in the buckets. For each bucket we either need two (2) one quart bottles or one (1) 82 oz. bottle. So we basically either need 188 quart bottles or 94 82 oz. bottles.

Cleaning Towels (reusable wipes) - There need to be 18 in each buckets. We need about 162 of these. They usually come in packs.

Liquid Laundry Detergent - This is another one where size is key. We must have two (2) 25 oz. or one (1) 50 oz. Either way we need about 93 buckets worth, either 186 25 oz. bottles or 95 50 oz.

Dust Masks - Each bucket needs 5. We already have 125, but we still need about 350.

If you can help, it helps if you can email me or call me (242-3333 ext. 204) so we know what's coming. We have had some generous donations of cash so we will be buying supplies later in the week and would like to know what we will already have.

Thanks for all your generosity.

peace,

will

Flood Bucket Update

Empty Buckets - 60
Complete Buckets - 5
Cash - $240
Work Gloves - 36 Pair
Dust Masks - 110
Bug Spray - 12
Disinfectant Dish Soap - 6
Bleach - 3
Clothesline - 1
Sponges - 8

peace,

will

Sticky Stuff

This is one of the best books I have read in a while. In Chip and Dan Heath's Made to Stick the authors tackle the question of why some ideas survive and others die. This book should be mandatory reading for anyone who has to get a message through in a world of messages (like pastors). Ever wonder why people can remember vivid details of urban legends that they read on the internet (and aren't true) but can't remember even the subject of Sunday's sermon or the training session you gave at the office? Why do most of us still remember Wendy's "Where's the Beef?" campaign while we have forgotten about a million commercials we have seen sense? The Heath brothers assert that it is because some ideas are "sticky" and others aren't.

For an idea to stick in the minds of viewers and listeners it must have as many of these qualities as possible:

• Simplicity
• Unexpectedness
• Concreteness
• Credibility
• Emotional
• Stories

The first letters spell success... really cheesy, but it works. Check it out if you want people to remember what you are communicating.

Happy reading!

peace,

will

Cash always helps

I just want to update the cash portion of our flood bucket progress. Through our communion rail offering yesterday and another donation that just came in we are now about $857.00. That will go a long way to helping by all the last minute things we will need when we get ready to pack the buckets. Don't think we are done yet! We still have a lot of supplies yet to get!

peace,

will

Keep it Coming!

Some more supplies welcomed me back to Corpus Christi this morning.

Here is our new tally (Everything listed is either here or someone has made a commitment to provide it.)

Empty Buckets - 36
Complete Buckets - 2
Cash - $240
Work Gloves - 36 Pair
Dust Masks - 110
Bug Spray - 12
Disinfectant Dish Soap - 6

I really think we can reach our goal. Remember to join us July 29th at 3:30 to share ice cream and fellowship and then help us pack these buckets and get them ready to ship.

peace,

will

Flood Buck Update from My Secret Location

I am off this weekend, but through the power of a global internet, I can still give you a flood bucket update:

Empty Buckets - 26
Complete Buckets - 2
Cash - $240
Work Gloves - 36 Pair
Dust Masks - 60

Keep it coming!

will

Keep those buckets coming

Last night we recieved 7 more five-gallon plastic buckets.

Here is the new tally:

Empty Buckets - 26
Complete Buckets - 2
Cash - $140

As those buckets come in, we need to start thinking about filling them. Here are some cheap and easy ideas. If we fill 100 buckets, we will need 700 sponges. How about committing to all or part of that? Or how about some of the 500 dust masks we will need. Or maybe you would like to buy a bulk pack of clothes pins. We will need 5000 total.

Email me and let me know if you are ready to committ to something or just bring it by the church.

peace,

will

Another Flood Bucket Update

As of right now, here is the new tally:

Empty Buckets - 19
Complete Buckets - 2
Cash - $140

Someone has also just committed an undisclosed number of buckets that they are bringing this evening. I will let you know how many.

I have also just added a link for flood buckets on the right. Click that and you can download a PDF file with everything we need.

peace,

will

Flood Bucket Update

So far I have received 3 more buckets, $40 and a commitment for 2 complete buckets. Here is a grand tally:

Empty Buckets - 19
Complete Buckets - 2
Cash - $40

I would love to have 81 empty buckets by the end of the weeks so we can get to work filling them!

peace,

will

This Week's Sermon

Here it is:

Sermon #43 "Legacy"

peace,

will

Flood Buckets: More Ways to Help

If you would like to help us meet our goal of providing 100 flood buckets to The United Methodist Committee on Relief, all the information and instructions can be downloaded here:

http://www.ccgrace.org/downloads/floodbucket.pdf

What we would like most is bulk donations of items. So instead of putting together a bucket yourself, bring us whatever you can, 10 pairs of work gloves or a box of sponges or a case of dust masks, whatever you can. Please read instructions carefully. These buckets are very specifically equipped. If they are wrong, UMCOR has to take them apart and repack them.

peace,

will

Flood Bucket Update

We just received 16 five-gallon buckets with lids. Keep them coming!

peace,

will

Can You Spare a Bucket?

In the past, we have assembled flood buckets for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). You can learn more by searching "flood bucket" in the search bar on the top of the weblog.

As you could probably have guessed, UMCOR is running out of buckets. I would like to get some people together to make some more. The last time we did this, someone generously donated a whole bunch of 5 gallon buckets with lids. We have to have 5 gallon buckets with lids and they are pretty pricey to buy. So, if you have some or can get some, please let us have them. I would be quite willing to pick up if you can't deliver. Call the church or email me at pastorwillrice@gmail.com.

If you would like to help but don't have buckets, stay tuned. We will need a lot more stuff.

peace,

will

Continuing the Conversation

A lot of people have spoken to me about the pastor's column in this week's newsletter. (Read it online here.) It deals with the critical issue of the absence of young adults in our churches. To continue the conversation, I wanted to repost a comments that was posted in response to a follow up I wrote (Still Thinking about Young People.)

peter said...

have you read the cover story of the (i think) most recent interpreter on youth/ young adults and the UMC? it is a pretty interesting read, but they seem to think that the trends and ideas hold true everywhere, when i know that some aren't true for myself or some of my fellow young adults on track for ordination or a larger role in the church...but i guess that it is aimed at drawing them into the church not continuing ministry to those of us who have been active for years. it is well worth the read though.

peace,

peter

Peter makes a really important point. Although we group young adults together statistically as we look at who is missing from our churches, we have to be carefully about thinking that all young adults are the same and need the same sort of ministry.

With the risk of continuing to oversimplify, I want to offer at least five different situations young adults may be in in relation to the church. This is not to say that all young adults fall neatly into any of these groupings, this is just an attempt to see the complexity of the situation. Here are the five groups:

1. Unchurched - Young adults with little or no contact with the church. Possibly the children of unchurched parents or parents who never took their kids to church.

2. Formerly Churched - Young adults who were involved and possibly even active younger in life but have fallen away from the church for one reason of another.

3. New Christians - People who have become active in the Christian faith as young adults.

4. Continual Christians - (If I ever publish something on this, I may need a new title) - This may be the smallest group. These are young adults like Peter who grew up in the church and stayed. In my experience, a number of these people are considering a call to ministry or leadership in the church.

5. On the Edgers - These are people who may have grown up in the church but, in their young adults years, are living on the edge of church. They haven't abandoned it yet, but they are less and less active and may eventually leave. This is the group that parents talk to me the most about.

This list came to me this morning and at the time only had three groups. It may be a helpful model to think about who were are trying to reach with ministries. Ministries that reach out to the "Unchurched" group may do nothing for "On the Edgers" who have all that church experience (good and bad) that they bring to the table. I have noticed in many conversations that "Continual Christians" are often annoyed by ministries targeting to the "Unchurched" group are even more annoyed when people expect them to like it because they are young.

That's all I am going to write because I would love to hear your thoughts.

peace,

will

Wouldn't a weekend at home be nice?

After my trip to Arkansas last weekend, I would have liked a nice weekend around the house to mow the lawn and nap. However, that wasn't in the cards. Alisha, Josh and I all travelled to San Antonio for the annual Methodist Children's Home Foster Family Retreat. They do this every year to get all the foster families together. What makes it really wonderful is that all foster parents are required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours every year and at the retreat they provide an opportunity to complete most of the required hours all with free child care. Alisha was able to update her first-aid and CPR and I was finally able to complete mine. Plus we learned about disaster preparedness and helping foster kids deal with transition.

This would be a good time to remind you that we always need more foster families. If you want to know more, let me know.

peace,

will

Still Thinking About Young People

As sort of a follow up to my pastor's column below, here is a piece from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership on the issue of young clergy in the United Methodist Church. It is worth reading.

Research: United Methodist Clergy Age Trends

peace,

will

Pastor's Column Sneak Peek

Here is a sneak peek at my column for this week's newsletter:

I had the privilege last week of traveling to Mount Sequoyah, our United Methodist retreat center in Fayetteville, Arkansas for a conference on reaching younger generations. I had the opportunity to attend programs and workshops with Bishop William Willimon, author and Bishop of North Alabama Conference; Gregory Jones, Dean of Duke Divinity School and other United Methodist clergy leaders. Most of the conversation revolved around reaching and ministering to young adults. By young adults, we are referring to college-aged people and individuals under 35.

We may not think about it, but this is a critical topic. Think for a moment, according to the latest census, 21% of the population in our area is between the ages of 18 and 35. This past Sunday, of 312 people who worshipped with us, approximately 13 were in that age group. That is around 4%. While Grace has an amazing youth program which attracts and nurtures our teenagers, we do not seem to be reaching young adults. For those of you who serve on committees and ministry teams in the church, how many people under thirty-five do you serve with?

This is not just in our church and it is not just about members. Of all the Ordained Elders in the Southwest Texas Conference 2.8% are under 35. This represents a dramatic drop from previous generations. If young adults are not present in our churches, they are not in a place to hear a call to ministry and to have it affirmed and nurtured.

Is this important? Yes, for at least two reasons. The first is the future of our church. We have to reach another generation if we have any hope of continuing the ministry of the church and continuing to build on the foundation of faith that has been constructed. Second, our mission as a church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. That means reaching out to all and it is clear that there is a group we are missing. Young adults need to hear the Gospel, perhaps more than anyone. Bishop Willimon reminded us that most major decisions in life are made between the ages of 21 and 35. When did you decide on a career, choose a spouse, make plans to start a family? The young people surrounding us are facing these decisions without the guidance, hope and claim of the Gospel. They are left to make their decisions solely on the values of the world.

Of course most of us would say, “We should try to reach out to more young adults.” However, making something truly a priority means allowing something else to be less of a priority. Are we willing to make reaching young adults a priority even if that means we have to give up something? What if it meant worship had to be different or if the pastors and staff were less available because their focus were turned outward? What if it meant that we had to begin completely rethinking everything about how we worship, minister, learn, share and grow to create a church that could truly reach younger generations.

This is certainly something to think and pray about. If you feel God calling you to be in ministry in this area or you have thoughts, questions or ideas, make an appointment to come talk with me about it.

peace,

will

p.s. Our retreat center in Arkansas is beautiful. It was certainly refreshing to have a couple of days under the tall trees and in the fellowship of my colleagues.

This week's sermon

Here is this Sunday's sermon for your enjoyment, critique, entertainment, etc.

Sermon #42 - Unleasing the Unnerving Power of God

peace,

will

Back at My Desk

I am finally back at a full-size keyboard in the comfort of my office. I am going to try and find some time this week to blog about the conference I attended in Arkansas. It was about the need we have, as a church, to share the gospel with younger adults and how we are not doing very well in that area. I look forward to sharing some of what I learned.

peace,

will

Greetings from Tulsa

Will the wonders of technolgy never cease? I am posting while waiting in line for my Southwest flight from Tulsa back to Corpus, via Houston.

I am not yet sure how useful this all is, but it is pretty cool.

For all my Corpus readers, I hope to see you tomorrow.

peace,

will

greetings from Arkansas

I am posting from my pda from our United Methodist Retreat center in Fayatteville, Arkansas. I am here for Bishop's Weekend where I am learning about how to make our churches more inviting to a younger generation.

I will be back on Sunday preaching 'Unleashing the Unnerving Power of God'

peace,

will

Turtles Will Be Turtles

I really wanted to post a picture with this but the photos may be a little disturbing for some. People sometimes expect pastors to be discreet. Anyway, in case you haven't been reading the blog for long, Alisha and I have two box turtles (they are actually box tortoises, but turtle is just more fun to say) Simon and Simone. You can read more about them in the posts Turtles in our Midst and Simon Squared. They live in walled in area outside our bathroom window so we get to watch them quite a bit. This week I learned that despite my careful reading on the subject, I was wrong. We had named the first one Simon. Then we got the second, and thinking it was male, I decided we had misnamed the first one. So we renamed the first one Simone and the new one Simon. Now after watching them, I realize that the turtle originally named Simon really is Simon and the other one is really Simone. Are you following?

This is all a long way of getting at the fact that our turtles are doing what young turtles do in the springtime. I am kind of pessimistic about their chances of conception, but I will let you know if we should schedule a baby turtle shower. I am not really sure what one would bring to such a thing anyway.

peace,

will

Happy Father's Day!

peace,

will

So What Have You Given Away?

I gave everyone an assignment this past Sunday and was wondering how you were doing. If you missed the service, there is a link to a copy of my sermon in the previous post. The assignment was to give something away: something you need or something you love.

I have decided what I am giving away, but I haven't done it yet. It is something that I really like having and I am procrastinating. I hope to have it off my desk by the weekend.

Let me know how you are doing.

peace,

will

This Week's Sermon

Sermon #41 is available here:

"Empty Jars"

peace,

will

Another Annual Conference in the History Books

I am back from this year's meeting of the Southwest Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Not that I really left town, though I might as well have. I was pretty much a full time resident of the American Bank Center from Wednesday at noon to Saturday at noon. This year involved more than the usual amount of sitting. Every four years we elect delegates for the General Conference, the national meeting of the United Methodist Church. This was that year. The balloting process is long and painful and it took us until around 10 o'clock Friday night to finish. That's a lot of time sitting in a folding chair.

peace,

will

I'm Back

Not that I really ever left, but allergies have kept me functioning on half a brain for the last week. I feel OK during the day, but coughing keeps me up and night and I don't function well on reduced sleep. It has been a busy few days and it is made all the more hectic by the fact that Annual Conference is this week and I will be hung up in town for most of the week.

I can usually find some time to blog from the conference floor since I get bored easily.

peace,

will

Looking forward to some sabbath

Friday usually sneaks up on my but I am actually anxiously awaiting a day of rest this week. Not that the week was overly taxing, it just wore me out. This Sunday is confirmation Sunday when we will welcome 18 youth into full membership in the church. When that many people join, it tends to make for a large crowd so we are moving our 11 service into our gym.

Moving worship from one place to another sounds pretty easy, but it is not. There are about a million details including chairs, a stage, microphones, speakers, video, not to mention putting it all together. We actually rehearsed the service with the confirmands last night to make sure it would all work, which it will. However, the rehearsal helped me figure out what else we hadn't thought of yet.

I hope to see you on Sunday. It will be a wonderful service.

peace,

will

A Laptop, A Lab and A Little Boy

Alisha is out this morning so I am working at home, which is always a relative term based on what kind of mood Josh is in. Currently he is on board. He is reading books (well he is 20 months so reading is a relative term as well) while my lab, Bodhi is sprawled out beside him. He is actually not interested in my laptop this morning. Once it catches his attention, the "work" part of "work at home" is out the window.

peace,

will

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