U2 mixed the blues and the gospel - rock and roll and B. B. King - to create the best blend of faith and testimony in contemporary music. This blog is a summary of my weekly meditations at church - my stories of faith, hope and love. I hope to mix culture, art and biblical stories with the best of the progressive Christian tradition to express my take on God's love coming to town in the 21st century.
There is a blessing and burden to every birth order, yes?For years I have been tortured over being the oldest of six children: sometimes I fled my crazy family and sometimes I engaged it with both anger and shame and a little love. But more often than not now that I am older - and some of my loved ones have died and we all have mellowed - I find that most of us have just done the best we could at the time. No more, but certainly no less. What's more, now I get to enjoy being the oldest as my sisters and I tell old stories and heal old wounds.
Today was another round of doctor appointments and errands at the bank and hardware stores. And as I loaded my dad's wheelchair in and out of the car, I was humbled in a gentle way thinking, "No matter how angry this old fool has made me... he, too, did the best he could at the time."
Meister Eckhardt once said, "Reality is the will of God - it can always be better - but we must start with what is real."And there has been pain here - dysfunction and disease, too - and it has all been very real for way too long, but there is also grace and humor and deep affection as well - and I am grateful for the time we have shared over these past few days. I know that I will remember these far more than the others... like Carrie Newcomer says so well.
Just a quick post tonight: I am back in Maryland to help out my dad after his long stay in a rehab facility. He is very weak and still literally getting back onto his feet after a fall back on August 29th. Today my sister, Laura, and I cooked 20 "home made TV dinners" for him. It was a special kind of day cooking with my "baby" sister who is 13 years younger.
+ I remember sitting in 7th grade homeroom the day she was born - and a whole lot more. At one point today her 25 year old son stopped by - he is a working electrician in the DC Metro and 6'4" with a bald head - and all I could think about was when he was born.
+ Later I took my pop to the doctor for another test. He needs a wheelchair and lots of support but he is still proud and independent. It was hard for us both when I had to take off his shoes and socks - and his trousers, too - and help him up onto the examining table. And afterwards when I was tying his shoes the memory of him teaching me how to dry myself safely after a shower came rushing in and learning to tie my shoes, too.
Last night we ate frozen lasagna and watched a Batman movie. Tonight we ate kielbasa and rice casserole and watched CSI. Tomorrow there will be another trip to the doctor's office and a few errands. I was feeling conflicted about coming down here... but not now. A dear colleague in Massachusetts dropped me a note of support and encouragement that ended: now give him all your attention and... practice what we both preach. And so it goes... holy as the day is spent.
Putting on a show in a small town is turning out to be a LOAD of fun: everyone is pulling together and wanting to help. Last night, after our first rehearsal, one of the musicians told me, "Hey, you know I have a son who is a GREAT bass player. How 'bout I bring him into this gig, too?" Totally wonderful.
Local merchants are supportive of the benefit to raise emergency heating funds for neighbors in need, the church is eager to welcome guests and share their hospitality and the musicians are having fun singing and experimenting. We'll be meeting at 7 pm over the next month to nail the tunes and make them our own - there's even a Sufi-inspired hymn written to a poem by Hafiz by one of the guitarists! Such sweet cooperation and creativity...
How does the Psalmist put it? "How good and pleasant it is when sisters and brothers dwell in unity!" Afterwards, over a few pints, we talked about why making music in this time and place is so important. One of the reasons has to do with how beautiful music brings healing to both those gathered for the show as well as the musicians. At this stage in our lives, we've all been around the block a few times and are mostly all too aware of our wounds. Like Nouwen and Springsteen said, we know that we are wounded healers searching for a little of that human touch.
(I love the vulnerability of the Boss in this clip... he was just climbing out of his own wilderness and man it shows. I saw both nights of this show in Cleveland and it broke my heart and fed my soul at the same time.)
I think another reason why doing music here and now feels so important is that through the creativity and beauty we are doing music grounded in compassion and hope. There have been times over the years when I was more interested in making an impression - or pouring out my aching heart - or something... But now we're into a groove that seeks to build up not tear down. And the musicians playing this gig are all committed to the same deep cause, too. They are people of faith - different traditions, to be sure - but like Paul said, we are in the service of the same God.
So here's a treat: a reflection on the word NAMASTE - that articulates both the theology of the greeting and the healing/political significance, too. Would that we in the body of Christ would be committed, yes?
Today will be spent mostly getting ready for a BIG first Thanksgiving Eve band practice with a number of guest musicians. We're working on two sets of Appalachian/roots/acoustic country tunes that really rock the house. And then there will be lots of group singing and harmonizing with an in-house ad hoc country gospel choir, too! What a GREAT interfaith gig: namaste AND country gospel in the Berkshires!
Well, it came to pass: I through away my sermon notes, spoke of working on a "Three Cups of Tea" commitment re: Afghanistan and invited the folk to see where the Spirit might lead us. Right after worship, we dedicated our new Peace Pole...
Interestingly, people were really energized about this approach. Like Brian McLaren wrote: conservatives can get behind this idea because it is all about personal initiative and responsibility and liberals can affirm it because it strengthens our peace and justice commitments. So... our next Monday evening series in November will jump into the book: Three Cups of Tea. And on my way out of worship, I was told of a local Berkshire connection with Afghanistan: The Peter M. Goodrich Foundation. (check it out: www.goodrichfoundation.org/index.php) For additional information go to: www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/july-dec09/taliban_08-14.html
One of my favorite writers is Brian McLaren. Recently he wrote an open letter to President Obama re: leading in Afghanistan with development rather than military troops. His words demand a wider audience.:
I am a loyal supporter of your presidency. I worked hard in the campaign and have never been as proud of my country as I was when we elected you. I’m writing to ask you to find another way ahead in Afghanistan. I wrote a similar letter to President Bush when he was preparing for war in Iraq.
I believe now, as you and I both did then, that war is not the answer. Violence breeds violence, and as Dr. King said, you can murder a murderer, but you can’t murder murder. As the apostle Paul said, evil must be overcome with good, which means that violence and hate must be overcome with justice and love, not more of the same.
Obviously, you know things the rest of us don’t know. And you have pressures and responsibilities the rest of us don’t have. But we have based our lives on the moral principles that guided leaders like Dr. King, Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela. We share a profound faith in a loving, non-violent God. We share a commitment to live in the way of Jesus the peacemaker. That’s why escalation is not a change we can believe in.
I don’t argue for leaving Afghanistan high and dry as we’ve done too often in the past. Evil can’t be overcome by passivity or abdication, but only by positive good and creative action. In that spirit, I offer this humble proposal:
1. Take the $65 billion we would have spent there in the coming year and turn it into an aid and development fund. If you want to go farther, you could put a value on the cost of American lives that would be lost there (I have no idea how this inestimable cost could be calculated), and add that sum to the fund. $65 billion could build a lot of peace-oriented schools and hospitals in Afghanistan. It could serve as start-up capital for a lot of new businesses and it could pave a lot of roads. It could train a lot of police officers and it could enhance a lot of social infrastructure. It could give hope to a lot of women and girls who currently don’t have much hope, and it could provide a lot of constructive outlets for men and boys who right now don’t have many options besides picking up a machine gun and joining a warlord.
2. Other nations might contribute to this fund as well, and the fund could be extended into the future based on the number of years our military would have been engaged in Afghanistan. The fund could be administered by the U.S., or better (in the spirit of international cooperation), an IAEC-like agency could be created, subsidiary to the United Nations, to monitor progress in Afghanistan.
3. Then a set of benchmarks could be set, and the money could be released for development in Afghanistan as the nation reached appropriate benchmarks. This fund would be an enticement to mobilize public opinion in the direction of peace and justice, as people would know that their lives could be substantially improved if their factionalized leaders would start collaborating nonviolently for the common good.
4. With this kind of approach, the people of Afghanistan (and Pakistan) would have two clear choices. Al Qaeda and other extremists offer violence and unrest. But the international community would be offering support for order, rebuilding, collaboration, justice, and peace. This choice is a much clearer and better one than the choice between two groups of leaders who both depend on violence to achieve their aims.
5. Conservatives could support this kind of approach because it emphasizes personal choice and responsibility among the Afghan people. It would come alongside them in their own nation-building efforts at their own best pace, rather than trying to impose our own nation-building on them at a pace we determine. Progressives could support this approach because it changes the role of the U.S. in the global neighborhood — from reactive bully or intentional dominator to responsible neighbor and partner for the common good.
Mr. President, you have my respect and my prayers at this important time. I believe you have the intelligence and insight to find a creative way to use a new kind of force in the world — something far more powerful than bombs, guns, and bullets: the generative force of creativity, of justice, of collaboration, and yes, of hope. Can we find a new and better way to help Afghanistan rise out of chaos and complicity with Al Qaeda? You know the answer many of us will shout and chant: yes, we can.
Please be prayerful about these ideas... and act as the Spirit moves you. I will, too.
It will soon be Halloween - and then All Saints Day - and this old year is rapidly coming to a close. The ancient Celts and Gaels sensed that this time of year was one where the veil between this world and the next was very thin. Bonfires were lit, the time of light came to a close and the dark half of the year began. My old friends in Tucson celebrated Dia de los Muertos at this time of year - and I have always honored All Saints Day as a time of taking stock of those who have passed.
Mostly, you see, because I believe the dead share gifts with those who remain alive in this realm. It often takes time to discern these gifts, but they are real. My sister, Linda, when she died almost 17 years ago gave me the gift of new life by forcing me to take stock of what my life had become before it was too late. My old mentor, Dolores Brown, pushed me out of a rut, too, and that led us to Pittsfield.
This year, as All Saints Day grows within me, I am aware that the cries of the dead are speaking to me in a unique way. The scriptures for All Saints Day speak of Jesus weeping for his dear friend Lazarus. The prophet Isaiah also promises a time when God's love will be so real that all the tears will be wiped away from the eyes of the fearful and confused. For some reason, I am aware of Christ's tears in a new and profound way as I listen to the weeping of those who grieve so many dead in Afghanistan - and Iran - and Iraq. There is so much fear and confusion and hatred - so much blood - so much darkness.
So, just as my youngest daughter (who is traveling tonight to Mexico to celebrate the wedding of a childhood friend) once inspired me into proactive work on behalf of making peace with my Russian sisters and brothers in the midst of the Cold War - and travelling to Soviet Russia four different times on behalf of people-to-people trust - something is percolating now that has to do with Afghanistan.
+ What would a commitment to reconciliation and reparation - atonement - with the Afghan people look like at this moment in time when the President is prayerfully and strategically considering a new direction?
+ As I wrote earlier, I think Jim Wallis and Sojourners folk are on to something in suggesting that the time has truly come for a war of development and reparation.
Call it serendipity - or the Holy Spirit - but as we visited Northampton today, I saw that just last week there was a gathering of Christians, Jews and Muslims studying the book, Three Cups of Tea, and planning to raise funds to support the work of building schools with Mortenson's organization. I am sensing that I am going to throw away my sermon notes for this Sunday and suggest that we cast our fate with such a movement: we could use our money, time and energy to push for real healing in Afghanistan. We could work with Three Cups - or Church World Service - to build up rather than tear down. After all, we are dedicating a Peace Pole on Sunday for God's sake...
Nearly 25 years ago, when a flock of Canada geese confused our air defense forces who were ready to launch a nuclear attack on Russia only to discover it was geese flying over the USA instead of bombs, I was so "awakened" that I challenged my Michigan congregation to join me in a people-to-people mission of discovery, trust and faith. Eventually we brought 50 teens and their parents to Russia and did our part in changing the fear and hatred of the age into a little more love. Rather like St. Francis going into the Middle East in the midst of the hatred of the Crusades... and after September 11th and the ugly, senseless war in Iraq... a new wind needs to be blowing.
+ At the heart, Jim Wallis of Sojourners suggests that rather than dump money and countless innocent lives into the dark pit of Afghanistan, why not bring the REAL development experts - Church World Service and other hardworking NGOs - together for a conversation of supporting DEVELOPMENT rather than war?
+ Have you read Three Cups of Tea? Run, do not walk to your local bookstore or on-line shop and BUY IT NOW! It, too, lines out the BEST way - the most healing and hope-filled way - of making lasting change in that broken and wounded land. (Check out: www.threecupsoftea.com/
Make no mistake: this would not eliminate the need for armed forces and security. But it would also change the whole conversation - and outcome! Perhaps it is no coincidence that on this Sunday we will dedicate a Peace Pole at our church - AND - that it is the celebration of All Saints Day. Such a shift is something I would want to give my life to see come to pass. Such a change is at the heart of the message and mission of Jesus. And such a commitment would make such a difference in the world that my mind and heart is still spinning.
THIS is what reconciliation and atoning for the sins of my nations is all about!
NOTE:This week's sermon notes are much like the U2 song, "One," where Bono sings: we get to carry each other. It is not a sentimental nor romantic notion, rather much more like the hard work of loving and carrying another when they can't move forward on the journey. It also has something of "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" running through it, too. All Saints Day is often a blessing and a burden - and this year it truly feels like both to me. Please know you are welcome to join us any time you are in town.
Today is our marking of All Saints Day – a unique and profound anniversary in the Christian tradition – that always holds two truths in tension: the often agonizing grief we feel upon losing a loved one to death, and, our commitment to journey with God through even our darkest grief so that in time our lives might bear something of the fruit of grace born through even our suffering. It is a tough commitment – neither easy nor automatic – and it is always fraught with detours and distractions.
This morning’s readings expose precisely the complexity of this paradox: first we are told that on the Lord’s Holy Mountain all suffering and death will be banished; and then we are reminded that Jesus himself was overcome with grief and wept harsh, bitter tears over the death of his sweet friend Lazarus. Are you with me? Do you see the challenge our tradition asks us to embrace?
Sometimes St. Paul would say: by faith we are called to live trusting that everything can be turned towards good for those who love God – not that everything IS good because that would be a lie – but rather that everything CAN be used for good for those who love the Lord – even tragedy and loss – even bitterness and fear – even our hardest and most bitter tears. Look at Jesus:
• He wept for the loss of a dear and trusted friend Lazarus.
• He wept for the grief he knew in his own heart as well as in the souls of Mary and Martha.
• And he wept because while he trusted by faith that God’s presence would continue even in the darkness, it felt like God was absent and only tears can express such despair.
Do you see what I mean? This is a complicated commitment – a genuine paradox – that requires maturity and discipline before it bears fruit. It is a truly adult spirituality that cannot be accomplished by children. I have come to rely on these words of St. Paul again and again as recorded in Ephesians chapter four as rephrased by Peterson in The Message:
Here is what you have to do… in all humility and discipline – not in fits and starts – or actions that lead nowhere… But as mature adults fully committed to the way of Christ… (You see, there can be) no prolonged infancies among us, please! The body of Christ cannot tolerate babes in the woods, small spiritual children who are an easy mark for impostors. No, God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and live into it in love – like Christ Jesus in everything… So please, I insist on this and the Lord backs me up, there shall be NO going along with the crowd – the status quo – the empty-headed, mindless ones… who have lost touch with both God and reality.
Like an old spiritual director of mine once said with a totally straight face: if you want to mature in the spiritual life of Jesus you can’t put whipped cream on bull… caca (she was actually more graphic but for the faint hearted I’ve tried to clean it up, ok?) This is adult spirituality – the real deal for people who live in the real world – so let me cut to the chase.
• There are spiritual tools and resources that are available to us to help us weep and still live by faith. You may recall if you’ve been here over the past three weeks that I have already given you two touchstones for entering the darkness and cultivating its wisdom, right?
• Do you recall the first two touchstones that we talked about? (By the way, I have put them all into a little booklet for those who are interested and you can pick it up after worship.) What did we say were the first two touchstones that our tradition tells us are important when entering and embracing the dark night?
First there is shock: everything feels like it is falling apart because it is! And the challenge of the shock is to feel it. Don’t run away or medicate it – don’t deny or ignore it – just feel it. Let it push you into tears like Jesus – let it make you feel helpless and childlike – this may be the only way to begin trusting that there is something bigger – mysterious and God like – at work beyond your control.
So first we feel the shock and second we let it nourish or encourage our imagination. Remember when I asked you what creative movies, songs, plays, poems or books have spoken to your soul? Some told me of Dostoevsky – or Field of Dreams – or the poems of Emily Dickinson – or even the somber beauty of Brahms’s, Requiem. Thomas Moore has so rightly observed that: “Darkness and anguish stimulate our imaginations in unique ways so that we might finally see truths ordinarily overlooked.” And that is why spiritual masters of every tradition have encouraged us to jump into the arts when we are hurting: not only will we find new insights but we will learn how to use even the pain in creative and healing ways.
Now there are two other touchstones in addition to feeling the shock and feeding the imagination: One has to do with asking for the guidance and company of a spiritual friend to accompany you during the hard times, and, the other involves choosing to stay grounded in worship even when you want to stay away. You might say the first two touchstones are personal and have to do with the inward journey, while the second are public – they take us beyond ourselves – and are grounded in the journey outward, ok?
You see, there is an unholy and dangerous lie that most of us have accepted and affirmed – often without really knowing it – that sounds something like this: God helps those who help themselves. Have you heard that before? It isn’t true – completely – and doesn’t even come from the Bible. Like I’ve said before, this is an aphorism from the St. Ben Franklyn – who was a wise old dude – but not a spiritual master.
And the fundamental problem with buying what Ben was selling is that it tends to drown out the authentic voice of God. If all we hear and know is that God helps those who help themselves, then we will forget that God’s true voice says, “Come unto me all ye who are tired and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
If all we can hear is the command to tough it out in private all by ourselves we will become deaf to the Lord’s sweeter but more quiet song that says: “here on this mountain, God will banish the pall of doom hanging over all the people, the shadow of doom darkening all nations. Oh yes, God will banish this forever… for God will wipe the tears from every face, remove every sign of disgrace from his people wherever they are.” And nourish them with grace from the inside out. (Isaiah 25: 8)
You won’t hear that promise outside of worship, my friends. It just isn’t a song that is celebrated in popular culture. The wisdom of our consumer society is if you work hard enough – and pay dearly enough – you can get everything you want and need. And if you don’t… you are a loser.
And that is why our tradition urges us to get back into worship even when we feel like staying all by ourselves: it is an antidote to the lie. It is a time-tested balm of healing that gently pushes us beyond our fears and limited vision. What’s more, worship saturates us with an alternative vision grounded in grace rather than judgment, hope not fear, blessing beyond the obvious suffering.
• What was the first thing we sang today? “One Voice,” right? A message of drawing strength from one another in love – and our second song – what was that? “For All the Saints” and its promise of rest and love beyond the suffering.
• Does anybody remember what we’re going to sing just as soon as I am done – no looking at your bulletin – or go ahead! “Holy, Holy, Holy” – the song tradition teaches the angels sing forever as a prayer for those of us on earth – encouragement and praise to the God who would not take death on the cross as the final answer.
Worship gives us an alternative vision – it trains us in seeing the bigger picture – where we are not the center of the universe. And when we are feeling tired, afraid or worn down by anguish – and we really just want to stay in bed and be by ourselves – hearts and souls far greater than ours remind us that that is precisely when we need worship the most.
Because, you see, if you get your behind into gear and just park yourself in a pew, then God’s grace in worship can begin to work on you like water smoothing a stone. The contemporary writer, Ann Lamott, tells the story of when she was at her worst: over the years she had become an alcoholic and if that wasn’t bad enough she also found herself knocked up and pregnant without any hope or desire of marrying the baby’s father. She was truly cruising in the valley of the shadow of death – and had no place to go.
So what she found herself doing – often totally blasted on cheap wine – is stumbling into the back pew of a little urban Presbyterian Church in the Bay Area where she sat and listened to the hymns. She always left before worship was over so she wouldn’t have to talk to anyone – but she stayed for the songs. And almost always the songs made her cry – weep and heave like Jesus – songs like “Precious Lord… hold my hand” or “softly and tenderly Jesus is calling… come home, come home, ye who are weary come home.” She did this for years – sat and wept and then snuck away – until finally she was ready to see whether this alternative vision of hope amidst the despair was real. And now she is clean and sober and caring for that fatherless baby who has become a big, loving and smart mouthed adolescent – a little bit of divine irony – but Annie Lamott testifies to anyone who will listen that her healing BEGAN in worship: Amazing grace…
But she also tells us that worship led her to ask for help – and that’s the other touchstone – opening ourselves to the wisdom and assistance of a spiritual friend. Spiritual friends can help us realize that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to the journey of our darkness. Others have been there before and have discerned how to make the best of it.
• Spiritual friends – anam cara in Gaelic which means soul companions – are wise folk who have been through the darkness and know how to keep going. They are wise folk who can listen and direct us – correct and share compassion with us, too, when we are bereft – because soul companions or spiritual friends have been called by God to be food for the journey.
• They know something about the paradox of being adult people of faith; they have spent time searching the darkness and are not afraid of it like children; they can take your hand when you feel alone and quietly assure you that this is not the end of the story.
How does that great hymn put it: “I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh I’ll laugh with you; I will share your joys and sorrows til we’ve seen this journey through.” Soul companions are critical for the dark journey – and let me be clear about this: NOT everyone is qualified for this ministry.
Just because someone says they will journey with you does not mean you should let them, ok? Soul companions have experience – they have been tested and often trained – they have boundaries and perspective and are responding to a calling from God not a psychological need of their own. In a word, soul friends know how to carry you when you just can’t do it on your own and then get out of your way.
Perhaps you know the story of the woman from Pittsfield who came out of Target into the parking lot of the mall only to find a big dent in the back of her car – and a note stuck under the windshield wiper. It said, “I have just smashed into the rear of your car. There is a whole crowd of people watching me. They think I am writing down my name and address. They are wrong.”
• Going through the motions does not make a spiritual companion. Outward appearance and deception don’t cut it either.
• No, soul companions are called by God and not everyone who cries, “Lord, Lord…”
Next week after worship I will be holding a conversation for those who would like to explore their calling as a spiritual friend or soul companion. We need such a ministry here – a small group of prayerful people committed to carrying another for a time and then getting out of the way – because a pastor can’t do it alone. The darkness is often too profound, but you have to believe me: it isn’t for everyone.
So, let the Spirit speak to you this week. Give that still small voice of the Living God within you a chance to be heard… and let’s see where this leads. For if we are growing in faith – and deepening in the paradoxical challenge of All Saints Day – some will be called to take the next step even if the path is still dark.
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST On Park Square in Pittsfield, MA 27 East Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
CONGREGATIONAL – UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
An evening of American folk, rock, blues and country music A benefit to raise emergency heating fuel for our Berkshire neighbors in cooperation with PACC (Pittsfield Area Council of Congregations)
ANDY KELLY – LINDA WORSTER – BERT MARSHALL BETWEEN THE BANKS and MORE!
Today was Reformation Sunday - I posted my sermon notes for today earlier - and as so often happens, found that I only ended up sharing about half of my prepared text. It seems the Spirit was nudging me towards a deeper reflection on the blessings and hardships of doing church in our tradition: one that is radically democratic as well as committed to discerning the will of God through the body. Not a priest. Not a rule. Not a law... we seek to listen to God through scripture, prayer and participation with the whole people of God in covenant.
And by covenant I do not mean the dispensationalism that some consider wise, but rather a dynamic three way vow between God and believers in concert with the living Body of Christ. It is a style of church that is much more interested in discernment than Robert's Rules of Order (as valuable as they may be from time to time.) And it is a commitment born of St. Paul's insight that Christ has come again within and among us as the Living Body we know as church. In this body not only are all parts essential for health, but the parts that are sometimes diminished or held in lower regard are now given special blessings in the upside down body of Christ.
This took us into an extended conversation about how slow our work can be and how sometimes others grow frustrated that all voices have to be honored and heard - especially those accustomed to having their voices listened to because of power or prestige. At the same time we also acknowledged how deeply we own our commitments when we live into the patient promise of this unique charism. All of which moved us into this musical summary of our highest ideals for the body of Christ.
What a sweet, sweet day - something that only seems to take place in small congregations of faith in these fast and demanding times. We held our annual harvest dinner tonight - a tradition for ages - and often it has been a time for some in the church to gather for food and fun. Thankfully, the vision is shifting from one exclusively for adults to something more wiggy and intergenerational because tonight was totally young family/children friendly... and it was a blast!
+ There was goofy songs and group singing
+ The whole evening was designed to be a kid friendly environment where little boys could run around like maniacs without some stern, sour face scolding them - and little girls, too
+ There were inter-generational games, GREAT FOOD and lots and lots of laughter
This is part of the emerging vision for our congregation - a place that is safe and loving and nurturing - and little by little this vision is taking hold. Clearly it is not for everyone: people who can't share space with children aren't comfortable and those who may take themselves too seriously often do not feel at home either. But folks who know how to laugh at themselves, enjoy the pure joy of little people playing games with their parents and grandparents and are willing to learn as well as share mayfind that this is a little part of what Jesus was talking about when he taught that we had to welcome God's realm like little children.
I think Carol Howard Merritt is on to something in her Tribal Church reflections. A summary of her book puts it like this:
Many churches are seeking ways to reach out to younger generations. Unfortunately this often manifests as either a “come be just like us!” attitude—suggesting an unwillingness to change in order to be inclusive of young people—or as a slick marketing campaign that targets young adults in much the same way secular advertising does. Both of these approaches often leave young adults feeling that their particular spiritual gifts and needs are unwanted by the church. “We only want you for your demographic” is the message given.
Carol Howard Merritt, a pastor in her mid-thirties, suggests a different way for churches to be able to approach young adults on their own terms. Outlining the financial, social, and familial situations that affect many young adults today, she describes how churches can provide a safe, supportive place for young adults to nurture relationships and foster spiritual growth. There are few places left in society that allow for real intergenerational connections to be made, yet these connections are vital for any church that seeks to reflect the fullness of the body of Christ.
Using the metaphor of a tribe to describe the close bonds that form when people of all ages decide to walk together on their spiritual journeys, Merritt casts a vision of the church that embraces the gifts of all members while reaching out to those who might otherwise feel unwelcome or unneeded. Mainline churches have much to offer young adults, as well as much to learn from them. By breaking down artificial age barriers and building up intentional relationships, congregations can provide a space for all people to connect with God, each other, and the world
Check her out at: http://tribalchurch.org/ I am really blessed and proud of the folks who pulled THIS year's harvest dinner off - it was a total blessing and total blast.
Our next BIG event will be our Thanksgiving Eve gig - Wednesday, November 25th - and I just got word today that TWO of the coolest local musicians are going to join the soiree! I am so psyched - and after tonight it is clear that we need to add a few kids songs to the mix - to keep the groove going!
I am a pastor serving a United Church of Christ in Pittsfield, MA. I play guitar and bass and have written extensively about a spirituality of rock music. All of my life music has been one of the ways I've heard God's still speaking voice. I heard it first in Elvis, Chuck Berry and Little Richard - it came alive when the Beatles hit Ed Sullivan's show - and it has continued to call and nourish me through artists as diverse as Springsteen and Madonna, Nirvana, Sarah McLachlan and U2. Every week I prayerfully wrestle with God's word in scripture while listening and playing rock, folk, jazz and the blues. Since moving to the Berkshires we're more into a Cowboy Junkies/Northern Exposure groove but I'm talking about music with an edge. Beautiful, to be sure, but also on the border. And curiously enough, others are starting to hear God speak to them through this music, too. Perhaps they always have but now they have partners to affirm their strange spirituality. If you find hope, challenge, encouragement, the blues and more speaking to your heart through the music of this era, let's talk.
er, yes? For years I have been tortured over being the oldest of six children: sometimes I fled my crazy family and sometimes I engaged it with both anger and shame and a little love. But more often than not now that I am older - and some of my loved ones have died and we all have mellowed - I find that most of us have just done the best we could at the time. No more, but certainly no less. What's more, now I get to enjoy being the oldest as my sisters and I tell old stories and heal old wounds.
