Twin Falls Presbyterian

"Putting Away Childish Things" by Marcus Borg

2010-04-28T13:59:00.004-06:00

I recently finished reading Marcus Borg's new book. For those of you who know Borg's work, he has focused on Christian theology for a generation now. Up until this most recent book his material, to my knowledge has all been non-fiction. Perhaps after such an illustrious writing career he thought it was time to try something new. And so he has, quite successfully I might add with his new novel "Putting Away Childish Things."

I must say that I was not too sure what to think of a successful theologian writing a novel. After all I have found his theology very approachable and have used his book "The Heart of Christianity" in two different churches since it was published in 2003. That said, it wasn't too long before I really wanted to know what would happen next in the lives of his main characters.

The story is about an assistant professor of religion at a small liberal arts college and a semester of her life when she is confronted with a major, potentially life altering decision. Upon receiving an invitation for a one-year teaching appointment at a Theological Seminary she must struggle with what it means to be led in her decision making process by the God in whom she trusts. Along the way we are introduced to her circle of friends which include a fellow professor of religion, her Episcopal priest, her former lover who is on the faculty of the seminary as well as several of her students at the small liberal arts college.

Upon finishing this book I wanted to know more of what happened to the characters and I know that I will some day read this book with a group of people who care about Christianity and lived faith. Borg has done an excellent job venturing into new territory and for anyone who has ever read Brian McLaren's trilogy "A New Kind of Christian" Borg's writing takes things to the next level. This is a book for church groups open to the changes going on within Christianity as well as those who think there might be something more to church-life but aren't entirely sure how or where to put their finger on it.

Then they came for me...

2010-04-23T16:31:00.006-06:00

In Germany the first came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me--and by that time no one was left to speak up.
(attributed to Pastor Martin Niemoller, c. 1959)

Immigration is certainly a hot topic in our nation these days and maybe especially today. The rhetoric has gotten especially heated today in light of Arizona passing its new and very stringent immigration law. Those who are in favor of it have valid points; that is, people being here illegally is a problem and the governor's comments regarding Washington D.C.'s seeming inability to act on the question of how best to reform immigration policy has merit.

Of course, those aren't the only voices speaking to this pressing issue. There are members of the religious community who are quoting Jesus' commands to love one another and care for the least among us. There are also voices on the secular left calling attention to how by granting law enforcement broad latitude of basing their reasons for pulling people over or detaining them based solely on suspicion goes against the due process and right to privacy standards of our society.

Granted, I know in so brief an outline of the positions of either side I'm leaving myself open to criticism from both sides but it seems important to me to lay out where there is validity to both sides in this pressing issue. I say that because most of what is available online, even at this early hour, is hardening on the left and the right, which serves no one.

So what do I think? Well, my first thought was to look up the poem at the top of this blog. And beyond these words from generations prior to ours, I hope and pray that Washington D.C. will move forward quickly and act on real immigration reform before things get ugly in Arizona. All it will take is law enforcement officers pulling over or detaining people who have been here legally for generations and there will be violence. Can't you feel it? I don't mean to be reactionary, but even if this new law is a good idea and even if it were supported by an overwhelming percentage of the electorate of Arizona, don't you think it has the potential to anger (to say the least) a large number of people?

Regardless of where you stand on Arizona's solution to the immigration problem/issue, pray. Pray for level heads among those charged with enforcing the new law and pray for restrain among those whom it most impacts.

"The Ides of March" & "Good Literature"

2010-04-21T10:41:00.004-06:00

It has been sometime since I have read what some might call "good" literature, as opposed to say "popular" literature, but as this is April's book selection for the Men's Book club I'm in I followed through. And you know what? It wasn't as bad as I feared, or as boring as I first thought, either.

My first impressions probably didn't help. Soon after getting it, special ordered at the Barnes & Noble here in Twin Falls, the family and I stopped at Pizza Hut for pick-up and while Kathy ventured in to purchase our dinner I read the first page or so to Eric who was sitting in the back seat. The first few pages of this 1948 "classic" begin with fictional dispatches from Julius Caesar regarding some trivial matters of governance. It was not, to say the least the most auspicious beginning to a novel.

That said, I was soon sucked in to the story that Thornton Wilder spins about a suppositional retelling of the last months of Julius Caesar's life. Wilder very successfully paints a picture of Caesar as being very human and likable while his opponents in the book come off as overly cynical and duplicitous. Wilder's Caesar is the deep thinker of the book and when everything comes to an end on the very last page of the book I felt a little sad to know that the story wouldn't continue.

It will be interesting to see what the others in book club think about this month's selection. The person who selected it thought it was a great read, I'm not sure how many others will feel that way. Then again, if they enjoyed the one-liners and various passages of wisdom on life and politics that Thornton Wilder puts into the mouths of historical figures then there will be much for us to talk about.

If it has been awhile since you've read anything printed before this current decade and you like history then consider looking into Thornton Wilder's "The Ides of March."

"Cutting for Stone" an Excellent Novel

2010-04-13T08:49:00.003-06:00

Just the other day I finished an excellent novel by Abraham Verghese titled, "Cutting for Stone." It tells the story of two twins, Marion and Shiva stone from how their parents met to their tumultuous birth through their childhood and adolescent years and then into adulthood. The majority of the novel takes place in Addis Ababa, the capitol of Ethiopia. And while the location may not seem like it would be all that important, Verghese makes that country and city come alive. He does this by telling some of the history and describing the world around Addis in a way that make syou feel like you're there. In addition to the excellent character development, the way he brings Addis Ababa alive is a huge bonus to this lively tale.

Marion and Shiva's life, from conception through their young adulthood is spent on the grounds of Missing Hospital (Verghese explains that the word "Mission" is not pronouncable to the Ethiopian tongue and so comes out as "Missing"). The hospital is run by Carmelite nuns, one of whom is the boys' mother and staffed by two doctors from India and up until the boys' birth an English Surgeon named Thomas Stone, the boys' father.

Although this may sound pretty far fetched, it is a beautifully, well written story with some very poignant vingettes. For example: before having to operate on an Ethiopian Colonel who is one the outs with the Emperor we get this beautiful confession of what the priorities of the nation should be;

"My journey, my pain, my operation...," the Colonel went on, "God was showing me the suffering of my people. It was a message. How we treat the least of our brethren, how we treat the peasant suffering with volvulus, that's the message of this country. Not our figher planes or tanks, or how big the Emperor's palace happens to be. I think God put you in my path." page 184

At another point in the book there is wisdom of another sort as Marion is sitting with his terminal step-father, one of the Indian Doctors named Ghosh:

"I spent as much time as I could with Ghosh. I wanted every bit of wisdom he could impart to me. All sons should write down every word of what their fathers have to say to them. I tried. Why did it take an illness for me to recognize the value of time with him? It seems we humans never learn. And so we relearn the lesson every generation and then want to write epistles. We proselytize our friends and shake them by the shoulders and tell them, "Seize the day! What matters is this moment!" Most of us can't go back and make restitution. We can't do a thing about our should haves and our could haves. But a few lucky men like Ghosh never have such worries; there was no restitution he needed to make, no moment he failed to seize.
Now and then Ghosh would grin and wink at me across the room. He was teaching me how to die, just as he'd taught me how to live." page 424

"Cutting for Stone" is a beautiful novel, well worth your time and attention. I hope you allow yourself the opportunity to allow Abraham Verghese's amazing story of life to wash over you.

Lunch with the Governor

2010-04-08T11:15:00.004-06:00

I'm soon off to lunch with Idaho's Governor Butch Otter, well, not just the two of us, but the Twin Falls Kiwanis Club and our guests which will be about 80 of us meeting with the Governor. I'm not really all that sure how I feel about this week's program. I can't imagine that Otter will have much to say that I'll agree with, but he is the state's highest elected official so certainly he'll have something to say that is of interest.

I know these feelings are only part of a larger feeling of malaise in our country over elected officials at any level. There are people who are unhappy that the President is too Socialist and there are those on the left that think he's moved too far to the middle. Then there are people who think the Republicans in Congress are too obstructionist and there are those on the far right and in the "Tea Party" who think they're not conservative enough. In Idaho there's a sense that all taxes are bad and therefore we certainly can't raise taxes to make more happen and then a lot of those people who complain about taxes happily collect their Social Security Check or enjoy the benefits of Medicare.

It seems like you just can't please anyone these days. So I'm going to lunch where a Governor I didn't vote for and won't vote for in November will probably talk about things from a perspective that I don't agree with, but if he does so in a way that is authentic and true to how he believes he is being led to believe then who am I to not at least listen? That and it seems to me that there is something in what it means to being a Christian about loving neighbors and not only those with whom I agree. So, shortly I'll hop in my car and try to not only open my mouth for lunch but also to open my ears, mind, and heart to what Governor Otter has to say.

"Life in Year One" by Scott Korb, a Review

2010-04-06T10:29:00.004-06:00

As the old saying goes: the more things change the more they stay the same. That in a nutshell could sum up Scott Korb's highly readable book "Life in Year One: What the World Was Like in First-Century Palestine". Then again, such a summation might encourage you not to read it, which would be an injustice on my part because there is much that we need to take into account when considering the life and times that shaped the the New Testament generation.

Scott Korb sets up his book in a fairly straight forward way by examining ten fairly common things (the world, money, home, food, baths, health, respect, religion, war, and death) as they were in first century Palestine. In so doing he takes the fairly exotic topic of a world two thousand years removed from our own and puts it into terms that we can all readily understand.

Scott Korb not only examines how such familiar things as money and health were understood two thousand years ago in a part of the world that is as foreign to us today as it was way back then, the author also does a good job of putting those ancient situations into contemporary ways of seeing the world. For instance, in his chapter on food, Korb clues us into a huge shift that was happening in year one, in Palestine. That is, there was a large increase in the number of cities as well as a shift in population from rural to urban living. This shift impacted how people fed themselves, from a diversified largely vegetarian diet to a reliance on one crop--corn, or more specifically barelycorn.

In his attempt to get us to understand what this means both to first century people as well as twenty-first century people trying to understand them, he writes:

Indeed, it's hardly going too far to call these years at the start of the first century the birth of big agribusiness. It might be said, in fact, that during the first century a displaced tenant farmer in Galilee was witness to an ancient version of what food writer Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma, has described in America as the "Conquest of Corn." And in those terms, we might call the dilemma facing the first-century peasant in Palestine the "Conquest of Barleycorn." (Korb, p. 87)

Not only does Korb do a nice job of pointing out similarities between our world and theirs, he also injects wit and humor that remind us of just how human our forebears are. In chapter nine "War in Year One" in his attempt to describe what exactly led to the revolt in year 66 that eventually led to the Romans sack of Jerusalem and destruction of the second Temple, Korb describes everything from the seriously historical to the seriously hysterical, if not down-right absurd.

Relying on first-century sources he shares the following story of what might have initiated the revolt:

Some blame even has to fall on an unnamed Roman soldier who, in the spirit of Monty Python, farted in the general direction of a crowd of Jews: "The people had assembled in Jerusalem for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Roman cohort stood on guard over the Temple colonnade, armed men always being on duty at the feasts to forestall any rioting by the vast crowds. One of the soldiers pulled up his garment and bent over indecently, turning his backside towards the Jews and making a noise as indecent as his attitude." (Korb, p. 175)

These two examples are but just two of many that will make you think about the world of the New Testament in a whole new way.

Also of note, if you purchase or check out this book, Korb's footnotes are just as informative and worthy of attention as the main body of his work. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a wider and deeper understanding of the world in which Jesus lived, died and rose again.

Maundy Thursday

2010-04-01T08:47:00.003-06:00

So what is this word "maundy"?

According to Donald K. McKim in his "Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms" Maundy Thursdy (From Latin mandatum, "mandate," "commandment")refers to Holy Thursday, before Good Friday, when Jesus commanded his disciples to follow his example of service in the washing of feet (John 13:5ff.). The term derives from the Latin mandatum novum, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another" (John 13:34).

It is a little unfortunate that Maundy Thursday falls on the rather annoying secular holiday of April Fools Day this year. But hopefully anyone who perpetrates a prank today will do it with a loving spirit and not out of some other motivation, especially if they call themselves a Christian.

Which makes me wonder if all those so called "Christian Militia" people are going to observe Maundy Thursday? I mean, if they do take the time to observe this holy day do they understand the hypocrisy they are living? Then again, maybe they understand that although they call themselves "Christian" they really aren't in anything but name only. And what about Glenn Beck and his efforts at saying who is and who is not a good enough Christian, does he understand the problem with that especially if, as a member of the LDS church, he takes Jesus words and commandments seriously?

I think you see where I'm going with all of this. How might we all do a better job at following Jesus new commandment to love one another? In what ways might you look at things differently in your life in response to Jesus' Maundy Thursday mandate?

Mr. Mom Chronicles 2010

2010-03-26T10:00:00.002-06:00

It's Friday morning at 10 a.m. and Eric and I are only about 12 hours away from being reunited with Kathy, if for only a little while. After frozen dinners, sleeping in later than we should on school days, probably a little too much junk food and throwing the football in the front yard even when it isn't exactly warm outside, tonight Kathy comes home to Twin Falls before taking Eric to Walla Walla, Washington early tomorrow morning.

Yes, she's been gone a week and will be home for all of maybe six hours before heading out again. This time, however, Eric and I will be joining her; but I will be only joining in for about two hours. You see, the plan was for her to fly into Boise tonight where our other car is and then Eric and Kathy would spend the night in Boise beofre heading out early Saturday to attend a family funeral in Walla Walla while I drove home on Friday night. But yesterday United robo-called to say that Kathy's flight from Denver to Boise had been cancelled.

So this morning, in Grand Rapids, Kathy got on the phone and rerouted her travel arrangements through Salt Lake and getting her to Twin Falls on the last flight tonight. So she'll get to sleep in her own bed for a bit and then we'll all head to Boise where I'll jump out and bring our second car home and have a day of preparation and rest before Holy Week begins on Sunday when Kathy and Eric will come home midday Sunday.

It has been a good, if sometimes stressful week. And even if it is a little bit much sometimes it is a good reminder of all that Kathy does that allows me some room to blow off steam when I need to. It has also been good for Eric and me to bond by playing football, getting special snacks and spending more time together than we sometimes do.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 2010

2010-03-24T08:29:00.005-06:00

Today started with tears. To understand why started with a conversation last night. You see, the second and fourth Wednesdays of every months are "Men's Breakfast" in our church--a tradition going back a generation or so--where men of the church gather at seven a.m. at a local restaurant to talk about what's going on in the church and various issues of the day. Of course, with Kathy in Michigan, going to Men's Breakfast would mean that Eric and I would need to be up by no later than six a.m. to get us both ready and the dogs and cats taken care of if I was to bring Eric along and I didn't know whether he wanted to do that and miss the bus. So when I posed the question to him last night he gave me a firm "No."

Of course, by now you can guess, when my alarm went off at 6:40 a.m. he heard it, got out of bed, came in and confidently said, "I've changed my mind, I want to go to Men's Breakfast." By then it was 6:45 a.m. and there was no way that we could both get ready, get the dogs and cat taken care of and have gotten there to do anything more than order before they all got up and headed off on their day. I didn't explain all that to Eric and I'm not sure that he would have understood or believed any or all of it, so I simply said, "It's too late, there's not enough time." To which he marched out of my room and into his own and started wimpering and gradually dialed it up so that I could hear every sob and imagine his whole body shaking with disappointment.

I did not, however, change my mind. There was simply not enough time. And besides, it was a relatively harmless way for him to learn that sometimes you have to stick with your decisions. That being said, I did bend a little and told him that after his "Rocket Math" awards ceremony at school today we'd stop somewhere special and get a treat--I'm thinking Daisy's and Volcano Drinks; no doubt he's thinking Target and a toy. Time will tell and hopefully Kathy will weigh in throughout the day via text as to what the treat should be.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 2010

2010-03-21T18:50:00.003-06:00

Today's parenting adventures in the world of single-parenting has been relatively easy thanks to many who helped make the day go smoothly.

Even as Eric and I are sitting here watching Discovery Channel's "Life" I am grateful to the life of our congregation which made Kathy's absence in Grand Rapids possible. Eric and I started the day early, at 7:30 a.m. when we left the church for my preparation time. After listening to me read through the sermon and watching me read through my Sunday School lesson, Eric headed off to the nursery with Margaret Harris who helped him let things out ahead of worship. By the time I was done with my 8:30 a.m. Sunday School Class Eric was taken to be with Wendy Neilsen, a most capable and gifted teacher who was preparing her class for Sunday School. And then in the afternoon Eric spent the day with Tina, Lawrence and Christopher Flournoy while I went off to afternoon Sunday School, a Premarital Counseling Lunch and then the Installation service or the new Lutheran Pastor in Twin Falls, Scott Berner.

All of this is to say, that if it weren't for Margaret, Wendy, and the Flournoy family, how would I have gotten through the day and how angry would Eric feel after going from event from event? Of course, he may well have persevered, but I'm glad I didn't have to find out thanks to the many caring people who made this day go so much more smoothly: Thank You!

Mr. Mom 2010

2010-03-20T20:37:00.003-06:00

Well, Kathy is off to Grand Rapids Michagan and I am at home with Eric. It turned out to be a busy day, but very satisfying. We all slept in this morning and when I did finally get up Eric and Kathy allowed me to read a little before I was out of the house for a mid-morning appointment which ended up being cancelled. After that it was home for a little before off to lunch out with the family and then off to the church to meet with a local artist who is helping the church get ready for a new baptismal font.

Our meeting at the church with the artist was very informative and led to a nice afternoon of outdoor sports with Eric before Kathy headed off to Boise. He and I walked over to Doug and Judy Pollow's home for an hour and a half of basketball in their driveway before walking home to wish Kathy off well on her trip up to Boise.

Since then I've spent time out in the garage working on two stained glass projects while Eric played with neighborhood kids. He had a really good time form about four p.m. to just after seven when I finally had to tell him it was time to come in and get dinner. And now we are about to get ready for bed--a story for Eric and some more TV for me.

Dealing with Temptation

2010-02-19T09:43:00.004-07:00

In thinking about this week's text from Luke of Jesus' temptations in the wilderness I'm reminded of some of my favorite temptations...foood.

In fact, I just had a nice conversation with one of our church's bulletin folders about how my biggest dietary no-no that is so hard to resist is late-night snacking. You know, I'll get to thinking that a handful of Hershey's kisses wouldn't be too bad. But then half an hour later I wonder if a handful of chex-mix wouldn't balance out all of that sweet of the previous handful with a little saltiness. And then before you know it I've found something that's somewhere between the sugary, chocolaty, sweetness and the crunchy saltiness to finish off the night of snacking and before you know it I've consumed just as many calories as dinner without any of the nutritional value.

And then I'm reminded of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and the millions and billions of people around the globe who know true hunger after days and weeks without proper nutrients. And when I remember such things I am ashamed. I am also reminded how easily we can excuse away our temptations. You know, thinking things like, "who is it going to hurt if I have one more handful of whatever?"

And its not that there's anything wrong with snacking or being grateful for the overwhelming abundance with which we live in throughout our comfortable middle American lives, but we should pause once in a while and reflect on what it means to have so much when the rest of the world has so little. And if we can get to that point where we really get it; where we really see how fortunate we really are; might we not be led to think of some of our choices as giving in to temptation?

Somewhere along these lines I'm reminded of some of the words that precede that glorious Psalm of deliverance, Psalm 23. They are words that so few of us have ever experienced in our abundant lives, but they are words that hopefully will make us pause as we remember Jesus' temptations in the wilderness as well as our own temptations in a land of anything but wilderness, a land flowing with Costco, Supermarkets, and fast food chains:

For dogs are all around me; a company of evildoers encircles me. My hands and feet have shriveled; I can count all my bones. They stare and gloat over me; they divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots. (Psalm 22:16-18)

As you ponder these words, may you thank God for all you have been given and think about what it might mean to live more responsibly with temptation.

Trust in God No Matter What

2010-02-18T09:00:00.003-07:00

Today is the second day of Lent. How are you doing with your Lenten disciplines, you know, those things you've chosen to give up or those practices you've chosen to take on for the forty days of Lent? As for me, I'm hoping to read the daily lectionary, dedicate more time to daily prayer and read the Mission Yearbook, along with blogging.

In today's lectionary reading from the prophet Habakuk, we find these words:

Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will exult in the God of my salvation. (3:17-18)

As I read those words and as I read the Mission Yearbook's description of a Presbyterian Mission school in a war-torn section of Ethiopia where children make music out of discarded oil tins from UN refugee camps and practice art by sculpting giraffes and elephants out of mud, I was struck by how many people are able to praise God and participate in God's creative love even while living far removed from the comfortable lives of just about anyone who might be able to access and read this blog.

And so when I think about maintaining daily disciplines like reading scripture, dedicating myself to prayer and recording my thoughts online it is with a sense of deep gratitude and humbleness, for there are billions of my fellow brothers and sisters whose lives are far more complicated and desolate whose dedication to God is inspiring.

May you in your efforts at observing daily Lenten disciplines be strengthened in your journey with the knowledge that no matter what, God walks by our side.

Anticipation or Relief

2009-12-20T08:04:00.003-07:00

Today is the fourth Sunday in Advent and with it a question came to mind: are you feeling a growing sense of anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus or anticipating relief that in a few days life will return to normal? Maybe you hadn't thought about that before, how as we get closer to Christmas there is at the same time, for people of faith both a growing sense of the culmination of so much preparation for us to join in celebrating while at the same time for so many Christmas afternoon or evening will bring a sigh of relief that all of the holiday expectations can be put away with the decorations until next year.

Maybe I'm just being a little too cynical this morning, and that's o.k. I guess. It's just that my heart goes out to so many who are working like mad to make their celebrations grand when really the best we can do is give thanks for God's love and for those God has given us. Perhaps our Pilgrim and Puritan forebears were right in de-emphasizing this holy day in favor of others; because if we can't keep straight what it is we are to be about in these next few days as well as throughout the rest of the year then maybe we really have lost our way.

I don't know. Maybe I sometimes wish that I too could have some of the wonder of childhood back. Watching Eric's eyes grow wide the closer we get and seeing him really live faith, albeit faith in Santa, is amazing to behold. Granted, there's nothing all that bad about his faith in Santa, after all his faith in Jesus is stronger and it seems to me that what he believes of Santa is generosity, love, and many other gifts that God bestows upon us. So maybe that's how I'll answer my own question, that is, I'll join with Eric in his childhood faith in Santa and allow my anticipation to build throughout the next week but I will also breathe a sigh of relief as December turns to January that my little boy's faith is still in tact.

City Lights

2009-12-18T08:59:00.004-07:00

Today's Gospel is John 3:16-21 and in that passage so well known to so many is a word about what the judgment is to be:

And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.

That the judgment is light made me think about all the lights that go up all over town at this time of year.

And that made me think about all the heart rending rhetoric in December about how people don't remember "the reason for the season." I myself have been guilty of this too and maybe the real problem is that we don't look around and see just how many people understand the power of the light. I mean there are hundreds of homes just in our small city that are all decked out with lights of many colors and designs. Now I'm sure that some might say that has nothing to do with Christ or Christianity. But what about God's ability to use anything for the good?

Maybe God is using all those decked out homes to remind people of the power of light over dark. Perhaps when we see those holiday lights our hearts might just light up and we can see things in a new way. Couldn't it be that all those festive lights turn us toward forgiveness, love, joy, hope and all things blessed by God?

Or it could be that I'm just plain old silly in reading too much into all the lights around town. But then again, why not?

The Challenge of Keeping Awake

2009-12-17T08:28:00.005-07:00

Personally that's a rather ironic titled blog for me this December since I've been having rather a lot of trouble lately getting to sleep and staying asleep. Between the regular demands of the church and family there is the added nagging thought out on the horizon of my calendar of the impending Judicial Action of Kendall Presbytery slated for early January where I will be chairman of the Prosecuting Committee representing the presbytery against one of our minister members. Needless to say it is something that keeps me up at night or jumps into my thoughts when I awake at the small hours of the night.

But as I read the daily lectionary passages for today: from the Psalms through the prophet Zechariah to Revelation and onto the gospel of Matthew they were all about keeping awake for something big coming, for the coming of the Lord. Now for most of us the December crush has probably gotten our Scrooge going pretty good or at least we're having to constantly remind ourselves, even if we're the most devout Christian, what the reason for the season is.

And that's where this "challenge of keeping awake" stuff comes in. I mean, even for the devout, isn't it difficult to keep focused on Jesus? When there are so many expectations placed on us at this time of year how do we keep our focus where it belongs? What, with sales, and wish lists, and bell ringers, and travel plans, and various tasks to complete before midnight on the 24th even if we're engaged in "religious" activities it can be challenging to say the least to keep our focus on Jesus.

Knowing that and feeling it all too often lately is one reason why I've been starting each day with the daily lectionary. Yes, I'm doing so in part to work on an Advent Blog. But I'm also finding that along the way of starting the day with the daily lectionary that my focus, if just for a few minutes is on something other than the pressing demands that may or may not have anything to do with God's will or my relationship with Jesus. The ancient-present words of the Old and New Testaments push me to think about how God is indeed working in my life and at the same time how far I can get from having God in my life.

So, if you have access to a computer I wholeheartedly encourage you all to spend five to ten minutes a day reading the daily lectionary and listening for how God is speaking to you today.

A Revelation

2009-12-16T08:41:00.005-07:00

One of the big perennial questions or concerns of new leaders in the church is prayer. Not feeling comfortable praying out loud or more likely, not really knowing what to say is a fear very common in church leaders who are asked to pray. I'm not really sure where this fear comes from. It could be that pastors who are expected to develop a prayer-life over many years of preparation for ministry and throughout our various calls simply look way more comfortable than we really are. Or it could be that those who are less than comfortable praying aloud have seen one too many professional pray-ers and believe that they, themselves, come up short.

But when we turn to the Bible and see snippets of prayer or worship in the Scriptures themselves what is often astonishing to me is how simple and God centered prayer is. Gone are the long-winded prayers that last an eternity, the poetically articulate prayers of note are somewhat missing and in their place what is it that we see?

Well, for instance, take verse eight of chapter four in John of Patmos' Revelation. After John describes the heavenly thrown room of God and the various creatures that inhabit the eternal presence of God almighty we are given a hearing of what the eternal song of praise is when John writes:

"Day and night without ceasing they sing, 'Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.'"

It really is beautiful in it's simplicity isn't it? It may not be what many people have in mind when they think about prayer, especially if prayer is about asking. But if prayer is about forming our relationship with, to, and for God, then what better prayer than one praising God?

As you continue to move along the path of Advent that culminates in our celebrations of the birth of the One "who was and is and is to come" may your prayer life be just as filled with prayers of praise to God for being God as much as you prayer by asking. For when you do so, I believe you will begin to see how many of your prayers God is already answering.

Be Silent

2009-12-15T08:41:00.003-07:00

Those two simple words "be silent" taken from the thirteenth verse of chapter two from the prophet Zechariah are words that we all would be better off heeding at this time of year or any other for that matter. After all, how often do we sit in silence waiting on the voice of the Lord? How willing are we to let the Spirit speak to us and not just ramble on about our needs, wants, and desires? For how many people is prayer nothing more than a shopping list or wish list?

The fuller context of these two words in the particular passage from Zechariah follow a passage about the return from the Babylonian Exile. It is a passage filled with hope and joy and expectation. It is a passage filled with action words like Up!, Escape, Sing, and Rejoice; of many nations, of many people gathering before the Lord in Jerusalem once again. And then we read the words:

Be silent, all people, before the LORD; for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

Do you have the time to listen? How will you be silent before the Lord? Are you prepared for the coming of Him who has roused himself? Please, I implore you, take some quiet time today to be silent and listen for the coming of the Lord!

Ancient Prophecies Today

2009-12-11T08:38:00.005-07:00

As the daily lectionary continues to move through the minor prophets of the Old Testament it is interesting to hear how compelling those ancient prophets can be even today. Take for instance the prophet Haggai who opens his message by talking about how the people need to tend to the House of the Lord and not only their own affairs.

Haggai prophesied after the return from the Babylonian Exile when the surviving remnant found their much cherished promised land left in ruins, the Temple included. But like most people they saw to their own affairs and it took someone to speak truth to power before work on God's House, the Second Temple, could begin.

Haggai's words are especially telling as we all struggle with what it means to live within the new realities of our world after the financial meltdown of one year ago. Many of us are making the effort to live within our means and we are hopeful that we are not the only ones, but that those who run Wall Street and sit in the Halls of Power are also doing their best to live responsibly and keep policies in place that avoid another crisis.

Then again, many of us suspect that the old temptations of greed and power have not really gone away; that they are just waiting to reassert themselves and that's where hearing Haggai's 2500 year old word from God is interesting to hear this morning. In his effort to get the powers of his day to rethink a right way to live Haggai said:

"Now therefore thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider how you have fared. You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and you that earn wages earn wages to put them into a bag with holes."

I don't know about you, but to me that sounds an awful lot like consumerism: a lifestyle of never being satisfied. When we are consumed by such a way of living then making time to think about God, to focus on God, becomes difficult. And especially at this time of year when consumerism and shopping are so much a part of what Christmas has become, maybe listening in to the prophets of Israel might do us some good.

Struggling with the Daily Lectionary in Advent

2009-12-10T08:24:00.003-07:00

Even though reading the daily lectionary has been a good discipline for me to engage in this Advent, it sure has been challenging with the last chapters of Amos and Matthew in particular has been very straining with their words of condemnation and warning. But maybe that's just the sort of thing we need to hear. I mean, even though many of us have felt the effects of the financial downturn over the last year we all still have quite a lot of stuff and if we are not planning an extravagant Christmas it will most likely not be one of nothing and just another day for most of us. In other words, we're mostly all still pretty well off.

So then, reading today's passage from the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus speaks out against the scribes and Pharisees may be a word to us, even if we are tempted to think Jesus' words apply only to those people he was berating 2000 years ago. In chapter 23 of Matthew we read the following:

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others.

When I read those words a little while ago it got me thinking about how much actual time do we spend thinking and praying about the weightier matters of the law; of justice, mercy and faith. You know what I mean don't you? How often are our conversations, church study groups and sermons for that matter focused on treating others in our society with the justice and mercy of God? How often do we spend talking about what it would mean to live in relation with others in our world based solely on faith and not be influence by politics, status, economics or credential? How often are our concerns and arguments tied up in things as seemingly insignificant as mint, dill, and cummin?

Maybe especially in these weeks leading up to the Advent of the Christ we need to think about how the birth of Jesus changes everything; how Jesus in our lives effects every relationship we have whether the most intimate bonds of family or the most hard to imagine bonds we have with those who are profoundly other, but none the less Children of God endowed with the capacity to love and be loved. What if we really took our preparations and celebrations of Jesus into account in such a way?

Living Psalm 50 in Advent's Blahs

2009-12-09T08:36:00.003-07:00

By now we're midway through the season of Advent, nearly two weeks away from celebrating the Nativity of Our Lord or in Layman's terms we're halfway through the Christmas Crush. As we near Christmas Eve/Day many people feel longings that they're not quite going to capture that perfect holiday glow or may be feeling something missing whether it is a loved one who has passed in the past year or the financial crunch or just getting cabin fever in the arctic cold front that is gripping our nation this mid-December. Regardless of what it is this time of December/Advent seems to be the time of year when our inner Scrooge reappears.

So what can we do? Maybe Psalm 50 has an informative word for us that can help re frame our mood this time of year. Psalm 50 has to do with what God expects of us in relationship which comes out most clearly in verses 14-15 and 23:

"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. ... Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God."

Giving Thanks is, of course, not only a national holiday, but a way of living. As I was driving in today thinking about all of the cruddy cold weather in the forecast it really got me down to think about how limiting more snow and freezing rain will be on not only myself but many people I know. If that is what drives my day, thinking about how many people are going to be negatively effected by the fowl weather that is being predicted it will likely drive my day into the dumps.

But what if I remember how upon getting up this morning Kathy took the time to fix us all scrambled eggs, toast and bacon? How much differently will my day be if I thank God for my family no matter what crosses my day? It may not seem like a big thing, but if it is indeed what God wants from us, to offer thanks in all ways and at many times throughout our days certainly it will have power to keep our heart and mind in the right place even in the mid-December doldrums.

Words from God

2009-12-08T09:38:00.003-07:00

Throughout today's lectionary passages from the Old and New Testaments there are passages about the effects and consequences of the Word of the Lord upon the earth. From songs of faithfulness in the Psalms to words of warning in Amos to words of comfort in Matthew, when God speaks the people of the Bible not only know it, but they feel it too.

So, do we still feel the word of the Lord? I've been wondering about that over the past few days as we've been gripped in the cold embrace of winter all of a sudden in Twin Falls. Not only is it cold as it is supposed to be in December but it is bitter cold. What with the wind and snow, even when the sun does come out it may look inviting, but looks can be deceiving.

And so we are forced inside, we are forced to draw closer to those whom we love, we are forced by the bone chilling cold to think of those who do not live in warm and comforting homes or who have no shelter at all. Could this cold weather be the voice of God? If we really listen might we not hear something of God in both the beauty and horror of such dangerous weather?

And if we do hear God's voice, what then are we to do? Maybe this nasty weather is a wake up call for us all to realize what we have been given. At a time of year when advertisers are working their hardest to push us into thinking we have nothing or at least not enough, maybe the freezing weather outside might help direct us to seeing how much God has blessed us with which will prompt us to acts of generosity.

Servants

2009-12-06T08:17:00.004-07:00

This morning's daily lectionary features Amos chapter six which is a stinging rebuke of the privileged of Israel whose luxuriant lifestyle is mocked by God through God's prophet. This can be either easily overlooked as God's word against people long ago and have nothing to do with me or it can be a lens through which to examine our own luxuriant lives especially in comparison to the bleak global reality.

Then again I'd like to split the difference this morning, especially as I look at my clock and see that I have about five minutes until I have to be on the other side of the building. While I'm not quite willing to assume that this Amos passage has nothing to say outside its historical context neither am I willing or able to go off on a social-justice tirade. Instead, this passage from Amos calls to mind the sight I beheld when I showed up in the bleak and utter chill this morning at church.

Although we didn't have a lot of snow we had enough to make me realize that I'd probably be pulling out the shovel in addition to my usual Sunday morning preparations. But when I showed up at church there was a four-wheeler with plow attached to it sitting out in front of the building, definitely out of the usual. As I got closer I saw that Rob Blackston had left the warmth and comfort of his home, donning hat and gloves and cleared the walk with his four-wheeler and swept the steps and front porch of the sanctuary building. If that's not service I don't know what is.

Rob's dedication of time and being out in the cold ensuring that others would have safe footing into the building today is the kind of lifestyle that Amos ultimately encourages us to live with the prophet's damning language in chapter six. What sometimes can be overlooked or used to rhetorically bludgeon can also point to sacrificial servant hood as I witnessed this morning upon arrival at church. Thank you, Rob for exemplifying the life that Amos and Jesus preached.

Amos, a Presbyterian?

2009-12-05T08:03:00.004-07:00

Over the last few days on Facebook I have been watching as several of my friends from seminary and other clergy I've met along the way comment on the various distractions they engage in during Presbytery meetings. Along with it being Advent, it seems that many Presbyteries hold their last meeting of the year in December. One colleague from Denver remarked how she and about eight others (probably among fifty to sixty clergy present) text one another throughout the meeting, even texting the person who is giving a report if they know his phone is on, you know, giving him a buzz. Another friend from West Virginia was lamenting how she wished she had taken up knitting so that she could get something done during the all-day meeting. And earlier this week I pondered whether or not buying a Kindle so that I could upload my Presbytery agenda to it would be justification enough for the $259 expense.

All that is to say, myself included, not too many people a keen on a day spent at the quarterly Presbytery meeting. Included among those who wonder about meetings is the prophet Amos who says for God, "I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies" (Amos 5:21). Truth be told, few people take delight in solemn assemblies, which has been evidenced enough on Facebook these past several days.

But as I read a little further in Amos, verse 24 to be exact, "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" in those words I see justification for some of the ideas expressed by friends for finding distraction at Presbytery. For wouldn't their be some benefit in knitting a prayer shawl throughout the meeting, of being in prayer for the recipient of the shawl as well as for the work of the Presbytery. Or what about the friend who texts her colleagues in the midst of the meeting, certainly that's better than a gaggle getting up and talking in the halls or worse yet among one another while someone else is trying to speak.

Now I'm not sure that Amos had knitting or texting in mind when he prophesied so many centuries ago, but when you think about how some would have us behave during such a solemn event as Presbytery maybe a distraction every now and again might open the gates and allow justice to roll down.

Boise State & Psalm 102

2009-12-04T08:49:00.005-07:00

Granted, that title isn't too catchy and it has little to do with Advent, but then again even as we prepare our heart and mind for the Advent of the Christ we do so within the context of a very real world. After all, are we simply to lay aside all of our worldly concerns in these weeks leading up to Christmas? Does not God want us to enjoy life? What harm is there in cheering for a team that is most definitely an underdog in the world of college sports? Couldn't how we cheer for Boise State be a witness to others about how to go about being a fan?

Maybe its a bit much to say that being a good fan of Boise State is on par with being a good witness to the love of God found in Jesus Christ. Yeah, it probably is. But what the heck, after all, as I said they're underdogs when you consider football programs that have dominated the headlines for generations. So why not join with the psalmist and make our prayer for Boise State:

Hear my prayer, O LORD;

let my cry come to you.

Do not hide your face from me

in the day of my distress.

Incline your ear to me;

answer me speedily in the day when I call. (Psalm 102:1-2)

What could be the harm? Maybe by praying thus for Boise State we'll get into the spirit of relying on God even more on more pressing matters in our life. Maybe by praying thus for Boise State we'll begin to see that there are other concerns in our life that need to be covered in prayer just as passionately. Maybe by praying thus for Boise State we will find in ourselves a longing for the living God who comes among us as the ultimate underdog; as a babe in a manger.

Fruits of the Kingdom

2009-12-03T08:21:00.003-07:00

Reading today's daily lectionary is a challenge. The Psalm is about God rescuing someone, but in the process of doing so there is much fire & brimstone language. In Amos the prophet speaks for God who has gone to great lengths to show favoritism to Israel and yet still Israel does not turn to God. In the Epistle, 2 Peter, there is instruction about not following those who might lead us astray. And finally in the Gospel for today, the Parable of the Vineyard in Matthew 21:33-46 Jesus tells the story of a man who grows a vineyard and then travels to a foreign land while the neighbors kill all the vineyard workers and even the vineyard owner's son. In short it is not a very cheery set of readings.

And yet, toward the end of the Gospel Jesus says, "the kingdom of God will be ... given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom."

Although I'm certain if I turned around and consulted my Bible commentaries there are many wise men and women who could tell me more specifically what Jesus meant by the "fruits of the kingdom" but it made me think about Jesus' response to the question about what the greatest commandment is and his reply; loving God and loving neighbor. Jesus' words about producing the fruits of the kingdom also made me think about Paul's letter to the church at Galatia where he said, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things."

Even in the midst of some very challenging passages of scripture, Jesus' words about the kingdom of God belonging to those who produce the fruits of the kingdom seem like very applicable words in the hustle and bustle of early December. For if the fruits include loving God and loving neighbor there are many opportunities for us to pause in the midst of our many tasks and give thanks to God as well as looking out for the many people who make up our neighbor.

Likewise, with so much stress being associated with the month of December, trying to keep in mind things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control can bring a lot of growth to our preparations. Granted, adding one more list to an already burgeoning list of responsibilities might seem like a lot to ask, but when we think about the outcome achieved by producing the fruit of the kingdom, that of coming into an even fuller embrace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, perhaps the added responsibility might just be worth the effort.

Heroes and Psalm 147:10-11

2009-12-02T09:10:00.004-07:00

Tonight at our church's LOGOS ministry we're doing "Heroes Night" and as I lay awake early this morning I wondered about why we're still fascinated by or repelled by heroes. And then I read this morning's daily lectionary from the Psalms, especially verses ten and eleven which read; "[God's] delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner; but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love."

What those two verses said to me is that we want someone in whom we can trust steadfastly. And even as we are reminded again and again that steadfast love is what God wants from us, we fickle, finite, people are always on the lookout for a being who is greater than we are and yet also one whom we can see.

That's where heroes come in. Whether they are heroes from the battlefield, like the dwindling number of Medal of Honor Recipients, or heroes from the ball field, or heroes from the world of comic books; we all long for someone who can do more than we can and whom we can trust to be there for us no matter what. Of course that is who God is in our lives and our longing for God to be more present was accomplished by God through the incarnation and later the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of God's Son Jesus Christ who made the way for the Holy Spirit.

And yet even as we confess our faith in such beliefs we daily long for something more tangible. And so we put our hopes in the boys in blue on the blue turf in Boise or in the men and women who give of themselves overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan or we look to supermen and women from the world of "graphic novels" to rescue us. And yet at some point or another all of these valiant heroes let us down in one way or another and we would better serve by the One who came to be among us--Emmanuel--God with us. And that is our challenge for this Advent season, to longingly trust that God comes among us and lives in us and that makes all the difference in the world.

Advent Calendars & Amos

2009-12-01T09:19:00.004-07:00

This morning I awoke to the sound of Kathy egging Eric on about what new special thing he would get to do starting today. He had all sorts of guesses and it took him awhile to remember that this being the first day of December meant he could begin opening his Advent Calendar.

I'm sure most of you have had Advent calendars with little doors that open up revealing either symbols of the season or maybe even a little treat. I remember being especially fond of the chocolate Advent calendars as a child, but with a little sister that meant that we alternated days of opening the little doors. In our family's case, Kathy last year made one out of twenty-five little tins that reveal chocolate, legos, and this year a Bakugan!

And so I was reminded that, if I can remember, I might try and blog through Advent using the daily lectionary and other sources. And boy what a surprise to read Amos today. I mean, I've been thinking about how the sermon might unfold with this coming Sunday being the Second Sunday of Advent with Luke's introduction of John the Baptist and how people have mixed feelings about having to run headlong into John in their Advent/Christmas preparations, but he's nothing compared to Amos.

Amos' word from the Lord makes John's "voice crying out in the wilderness" seem rather tame. Which makes me wonder about whether or not we really understand the prophetic voice, especially at this time of year. Sure, some Christians will get upset about all the Santas and Reindeers and Elves and cry out "Jesus is the reason for the season." But really, do any of us think that will make a difference? With all the suffering in this world, what does it matter whether or not people focus too much on Santa?

Maybe instead of getting all worked up about decorations or the greetings people extend to us we should look out for words from the Lord that we see in those around us whether or not they claim any faith or not. After all, God doesn't want our self-righteous indignation, but rather the gift of our heart in response to God's gift of Jesus and then our sharing of ourselves for those in need.

Things I Didn't Learn in Seminary #......

2009-11-11T09:07:00.004-07:00

There are, of course, a multitude of things I didn't learn in seminary but the most pressing one this week is whether or not to accept the gift of a cut spruce tree for decoration in our sanctuary for Advent & Christmas. On the surface this sounds like a no-brainer, doesn't it? I mean how can you turn down a generous gift, in this case someone in the church who has for the past 20 years been growing a spruce in her yard for the express purpose of donating it to the church.

But the more people talk about it the more difficulties arise: people who are allergic to evergreen trees, the size of the tree and getting it up into our second floor sanctuary, the daily watering and monitoring a cut live tree requires, and then there are the clean up issues just to name a few. On the up side there is honoring the generous gift of a caring member of the church, coupled with the "traditional" feel of a real tree along with the beauty it would add to our worship space for a few weeks in December.

The tough thing for me is I don't simply think its a matter of making a "pro" and "con" list. Is that really how we should be making decisions in the church? Sure we've done it that way for a long time or at least for as long as people can remember. But is there any where in the Bible or in the early history of the church where leaders made a pro/con list or allowed a simple majority to win? No, it seems like prayerful appeals to God and God's Son relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit are the foundations of decision making in the Old and New Testament communities of faith.

So where does that leave us in twenty-first century Southern Idaho? Can we get past a simple issue of whether or not to put a spruce tree in our sanctuary in a way that honors Christ? Should such considerations even matter? Or do we simply let people's opinions or a majority of pros versus cons rule the day?

Great Day!

2009-11-08T16:02:00.003-07:00

Today has been one of those awesome, incredible days that keep me going. In worship the handbells offered a very stirring piece, the chancel choir did a great job, the younger elementary kids sang The Lord's Prayer with gusto, folks responded positively to the sermon and we baptized a mother and her daughter! And during fellowship time one of our young moms took me up on the offer of having her six month old baptized on Christmas Eve at our 5 p.m. Lessons & Carols service.

This afternoon the weather has been unreal for mid November. With temperatures in upper 50s, plenty of sunshine and very little wind I joined Rob Blackston for 18 holes of disc golf and had a great time. Then when I got home Kathy had mowed the lawn and while she rested from that Eric and I threw frisbee in the front yard for half an hour or so. He's not really into catching, but he really can throw quite nicely. So we laughed and enjoyed ourselves as a family.

Which brings me to this afternoon and evening's Church Officer Training about to start in twenty minutes or so. Even though I'm pretty tired I know how much folks appreciate the training so we're off to a few hours of reformed theology and the ordination questions. There ought to be some really good discussions and I know when I go home that I'll be tired out, but that it has been a stellar day thanks be to God!

Urban Renewal & Church Renewal

2009-11-06T08:20:00.003-07:00

While I really should be working on my sermon this morning another idea popped into my head as I was thinking about an outline for this Sunday's sermon. It popped into my head because last night the Price family was invited to an election wake. One of the men in our church ran for city council and lost by a scant 120 votes out of about 2500 votes cast and one of the issues he was running on was how to go about redeveloping and renewing the downtown area of our small city of Twin Falls. It was a nice affair with he and his wife's neighbors and supporters from around town sharing our condolences over the loss and speculating on what might have been.

Remembering that this morning as I woke up got me thinking about how Twin Falls has (from what I've heard) over the years tried various strategies, hired different consultants, and gone with different approaches to get people back to downtown shopping and living. Of course the reason that business and community leaders have been working on this issue in towns and cities like Twin Falls all over the country is that years ago shopping downtown was the thing to do and these leaders would like to recapture something of those glory days if not at least bring some of that energy back.

This made me think about how downtown churches have gone to similar approaches in renewing their ministries in historic buildings in downtown Twin Falls as well as across the country. Just as downtown businesses have had to struggle with the big boys like Target, Wal-Mart and Best Buy, so too have historic downtown churches had to deal with comparisons to large big-box churches in the suburbs or outskirts of towns and cities.

This really hit home for me yesterday afternoon while sitting down with a couple who are preparing to have their infant daughter baptized this Sunday. After a very cordial and friendly conversation the young mother asked, "When does your young mother's group meet?"

Earlier in the conversation they said that they had attended one of the big-box churches on the edge of town for a few months but that they want to be a part of our church for how welcoming and hospitable it is. But the thing about our warm and hospitable church is that while we have young families we also have many middle-aged families and quite a few much older couples and widows/widowers; not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just that after their big-box church experience they were looking for something similar in our historic downtown church that simply can't offer the same amenities as the big boys.

What we do offer however is that we do several things well, much like some of the downtown businesses in Twin Falls. For instance, if you want to buy new kitchenware in Twin Falls you can always go to Wal-Mart or Target and find a really good price but then again you could also go to Rudy's on Main Street who specializes in and knows all about a whole range of kitchen needs. Or say its time for a new grill, there are three dozen different models available at Lowes, but downtown on 2nd Avenue Brizees specializes in some really amazing grills that will last a generation.

So too, if someone is looking for many niches under one roof there are several big-box churches that offer every conceivable niche ministry under the sun. But here at First Presbyterian there is high quality music, hospitality that can't be beat and people who want to know your name and who you are.

I don't if I have any answers, it just seems that the urban renewal movement and church renewal movement might have something to learn from one another.

My Inner Child Is All Panicky

2009-10-28T14:19:00.003-06:00

So I have to confess--I really don't like dressing up for Halloween. Oh, sure, I get a kick out of other people doing it. And I really enjoy watching Eric dress up, he just loves the whole idea of being someone else, if just for a little while. But not me.

No, when I was a child my mother had me dress up as a clown for the Halloween party in Nursery School. Yes, I know, that's been 34 years now, but the memory is still vividly etched in my memory. I don't blame my mom, really. Actually, it's all those years of group process in seminary that have helped me realize what this is all about. This loathing of having myself dress up for Halloween, that is.

Not to go too overboard in psychobabble territory, but really my inner child can't take it! Why is that, you ask? Well, for the better part of my life one of my big issues has been trying to figure out who I am. And having reached a point where I don't question my identity the whole idea of taking on another identity, even if it's just for an evening at church with a loving group of kids and adults is just too much for me.

And so I'll have to endure an evening of being the sour-puss, the party-pooper, the pour sport, etc. But as I do so I'll be myself. Even if my inner child is squirming and wanting to be left alone.

Matthew 10:29

2009-10-27T08:30:00.003-06:00

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father."

Jesus' words about the care and compassion of God for even a little sparrow are words spoken by him in a larger passage assuring his disciples that they have nothing to fear in this world as long as they are following him and know that God is watching over them and caring for them. This seems to be the way the above passage is used by interpreters of this passage. But yesterday it was used in a startlingly effective different way in one of my favorite novels: "The Sparrow" by Mary Doria Russell.

This novel has been out for about fifteen years and I read it for the first time about six or eight years ago and for some reason picked it up again a few weeks ago and finished it yesterday. The novel tells the story of a Jesuit and Scientific mission to the planet Rakhat to make contact with another sentient species. The story is told from the vantage point of the trip itself, in 2019 as well as in the distant future when the sole survivor returns in 2060. Throughout there is discussion of faith and God, especially one of the priests named Emilio. This main character experiences extreme mountaintops with God and utter desolation from God.

Very near the end Matthew 10:29 is mentioned as both a comfort and a warning; even as Emilio has fallen deeply in love with God and then feels utterly separated from God his superior reminds him of Jesus' words by saying "But the sparrow still falls." That is, at our lowest point when we are shaking our fist at God and wondering why God let bad things happen Matthew 10:29 reminds us that Jesus, that God never made such a promise. The promise made is that no matter what we go through, no matter how horrible how desolate we may feel God is there still even when we fall.

It may not be what many want to hear, but it is so true.

An Interesting Week

2009-10-23T08:20:00.003-06:00

This sure has been an interesting week. It started off with a day off reading Mary Doria Russell's classic "The Sparrow". My morning reading took me from earth to Rakhat and first contact. Russell's book is so moving in its grasp of faith questions as well as what it would mean to contact other species (another way for sci-fi writer's to address race and culture issues). That Monday afternoon was spent doing stained glass, a small project for my nephew in Seattle for Christmas. Then the Price family was off to dinner at Jakkers' and then home to watch both the Denver Broncos & Philadelphia Phillies win on the same night. So it was a great day off and thank goodness because it has turned into a good but trying week of pokes and prods.

I say that because on Tuesday I went to see Dr. Dan about my hand tremors which turned out to be something called "Essential Tremor" and nothing more serious. We are going to look at treatment options in the weeks to come. But what was most trying about the visit was that he wanted some of my blood! And I had to get two vaccinations. So before I left his office I got poked in the left arm first with seasonal flu and then in the right arm with tetanus along with encouragement to fast on Tuesday night in order to show up first thing on Wednesday to have blood drawn for lab work, which I did reluctantly.

I know I sound like a baby, but I really don't need all that attention. Though on the up side it did give me the opportunity to bring out and practice in my head the "Jesus Prayer", that is, "Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner." It may not sound like much, but said over and over and over again in my head it helps calm me. And while I was at the dentist on Thursday--that's right--two vaccinations, blood work, and the dentist all in the same week! Anyway, while I was at the dentist having my teeth cleaned (no cavities!) the Jesus Prayer came in handy once again and while my gums were being probbed I felt for a little while as if Jesus was by my side comforting me through the ordeal.

Thanks to prayer and the fact that I've been flossing and brushing my gums along with my teeth and thanks to some really great nurses I've survived "an interesting week". Now it's Friday and I have Church Officer Training packets to put together and a graveside for an out of town family I do not know along with cleaning my office before I head home later today. All in all, it has been a good week, I can't wait to see what God has in store for the coming week!

Hand Tremors

2009-10-20T08:31:00.002-06:00

For the last thirty years I have had hand tremors from time to time. Over the last few months it has gotten worse and noticeable, especially at times like communion and when picking Red Bull cans up the wrong way. Earlier this summer a doctor friend in the congregation noticed it and told me that there was medication for such a condition. I don't know why I didn't run to his office right away, maybe its because doctors and others have told me there's nothing that could be done for it for as long as I can remember. But today I am going to his office, granted I'm not looking forward to a needle or two, but if it will help steady my hands in certain situations that would be great.

I guess its just difficult to have to trust that something can be done after so many years of being told to "just calm down" or having people saying "cut back on the coffee". Interestingly enough if I don't have enough coffee sometimes its worse. So I guess this is a good step forward; it has been embarassing from time to time with church folks and even my seven year old son wondering about it. So I will literally put my hands in someone else's and hope and trust that this doctor will be able to find out a way to help steady me.

Visit from Mom

2009-10-15T08:42:00.003-06:00

My mom is visiting from Pennsylvania this week. We got her into Twin Falls safe and sound on Tuesday after some airline mistakes and her bag arrived on the first flight into Twin Falls on Wednesday. She seems to be having a nice time, especially enjoying Eric whom she has not seen since February 2008. Granted she talks to him just about every Sunday afternoon so she has known for some time how far he has come and we've sent many photos so she and dad can see his growth, but it isn't quite the same. So she is very much enjoying his expansive vocabulary and equally expansive diet.

We are having a nice visit, even though we haven't been able to spend all that much time together. I was a little concerned about leaving her at LOGOS with all of my responsibilities, not to mention Kathy's. But she was able to talk with several different people and hear about how well adjusted and happy we are in Twin Falls and that means a lot to mom. I do often wonder how they felt about me interviewing in Pennsylvania and New York along with Idaho and feeling God leading us here. But the longer we are here the more certain I am of God's call and it seems the more at ease my parents are with the idea; even if it means seeing Eric seldomly.

Hopefully today will be a little calmer for mom. She is going to book club with one of her pen pals in the congregation and then she and I are picking Eric up from school instead of him riding home on the bus so that they can have a full hour more of time together. Kathy has book club at the house tonight, so that will just mean that much more time for Grandma and Eric to spend together. It's a short visit, but it has meant a lot to mom, Eric, Kathy and me.

Red Bull + Laptop Keyboard = Not Quite Priceless!

2009-10-12T10:17:00.003-06:00

My love of the energy drink Red Bull finally gored me! On Saturday before the worship committee meeting I grabbed the can the wrong way and some of it spilled on my keyboard. At first everything seemed to be o.k. Although sticky "v" and "c" keys would be the harbinger of worse things yet to come. But on Saturday morning with the laptop working fine and dandy I thank God that my mistake didn't prove too disastrous.

On Sunday morning, however, reality set in. As I sat down, while coffee was brewing before my regular Sunday morning preparation and went to log on to the laptop and check email, things were much worse. About half the keyboard would not function, meaning I could not log on to my laptop. Thankfully sermon and Sunday school materials were already printed out so it wasn't a complete loss. And thankfully today I called Jerry Green who suggested I plug an external keyboard into a USB port which I have done and accessed email and am writing this blog, along with backing up files.

On the other hand the only way to fix the fritzed keyboard is to send it off to Dell to be outfitted with a new one. That, of course will take 8-10 business days and in the meantime there is much to do. So your prayers are most welcome as I try to get by without my laptop for the next week and a half. It should be an interesting experiment and show me how dependent I have become on technology and my possessions, especially my laptop and internet access.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 21: A Much Quieter Day

2009-10-09T08:32:00.003-06:00

After the highs of Wednesday and LOGOS Thursday brought a much quiter and reflective day. Eric got up and dressed while I packed his lunch and started our day. Thankfully Eric's day was another "green light" day, but other than that he didn't have a whole lot to say once he got home from school.

As for me I spent a good deal of time readying myself for tomorrow's worship committee meeting by looking through resources for Advent & Christmas Eve along with a surprise catalogue that came in the mail. When I first saw it I thought it was a joke; it is the "Spiritual Expressions: Worship Dancewear 2010" catalogue. In fact I did chuckle a little until I opened it and saw something that the worship committee has been talking about for some time. That is a two foot long "wand" to which streamers are attached. What you do with that then is put different color streamers on the end of the "wand" and wave it over the heads of worshippers during a processional. I saw something like it when my friend, the Bishop of Idaho Brian Thom was consecrated as Bishop: it was a stunning effect. Saw hopefully sometime soon the Presbyterians of Twin Falls will give this effect a try in worship.

The balance of my day was taken up with working on the sermon as well as a pleasant morning visit with Stan Hoobing, the interim at Our Savior Lutheran Church here in Twin Falls. In the afternoon David Mead dropped in for a nice conversation for nearly an hour.

In the evening, after Eric got off the bus, he let me read a little while he unwound from school and then we throught the frozen dinners in the oven and played some Wii Sports. We watched survivor, read Harry Potter and headed off to sleep. All in all it was a really nice day, both as pastor and as parent.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 20: LOGOS gives life!

2009-10-08T08:39:00.003-06:00

The real highlight for both Eric and me was LOGOS! On the way home I asked him what he liked best about the night and he said "playing frisbee golf in the church and the table game after dinner." And while I have to agree with Eric that watching two dozen kids zoom foam frisbees throughout the halls of the First Presbyterian Church as well as seeing them turn playdough into different pet related items in a 3D version of Pictionary were both really great, I saw some other things that made my week!

Specifically watching two or three of the quieter kids smile from ear to ear and engage with the other kids and adults in a deep and wide way. As always there are some more reserved kids in any group, just like there are usually reserved adults (I should know as I am one) and as one my heart goes out to them that they just hang in there for there will be moments when everything clicks and they really do enjoy being at the church on a Wednesday afternoon and evening.

And yesterday was just one of those days when I saw a kindergartner who I'm never really sure what's going on with her, I watched her sing with joy and smile and really enjoy worship skills, thanks to Shastina's (the adult leader) definite gift of teaching. I saw an eighth grader who is usually quite reserved get a charge out of frisbee golf in the halls and I saw a very quiet ninth grader engage deeply in Bible study. Not to mention watching, as I've mentioned, an adult leader take the worship skills part of the night not only to the next level but to a place where the kids were having as much fun and getting as much out of singing as they got out of throwing frisbees in the hallway. Shastina Blackston definitely gets a gold star for the night and for what will, I'm certain, be many more successful evenings with our youngest kids.

So even though for all the adults and for a lot of the kids it is a good kind of tiring evening, it is also an time where we get to experience life in abundance! I am so grateful to the kids, youth, parents, and other adults who give so much time and effort to make this ministry happen at FPC.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 19: Special Meals

2009-10-07T08:36:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a good day, after the jam jar jumble, that is. It turns out that I was trying to pry the lid off when it was simply a twist top. Live and learn, I guess.

As for Eric he had a "green light" day at school and after I blogged I was able to get the bulletin & some worship preparation done at the office in the morning. As things fell in place with the bulletin and Sunday planning the rest of the day kind of rolled along. Of course it helped that my afternoon had been planned out with the help of Margie Howard as we went and took home communion to several different people.

Those visits really bolster me. Even though I know it's not about me, that is, the reason for taking home communion to people is that they are not able to attend worship and so the church through their pastor (me) and one of our deacons (Margie) shows up at their door and live out Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” It is one of my responsibilities that I enjoy the most, especially when someone else does the planning for me and I can just show up, visit, share the scripture and we all break bread together. It really makes for a very special spiritual meal.

One of the highlights of those visits yesterday is that we took communion to a couple who are members of FPC, but who haven't been in worship for many years. Their names are Ron and Miriam Watson and Ron is Margie's cousin. When we showed up at their door Ron said that his oldes son would be joining us and so I got to meet three new people who know a whole lot about our church. And what was really fun was telling them who we had been to see before and who we were going to see after and hear about their connections with Lois Matheney and Fern Lewis which led to even more fond memories of their time at FPC. They really lit up when talking about the good times they have had at the church and it seemed to give them a deeper communion with their faith as lived out at the Presbyterian church in Twin.

The other special meal I had yesterday was with Eric. After he had a good day and after I realized that we needed to stay home and not go to a meeting at church I asked if he wanted to roast some hot dogs over the fire pit. Well you can guess his answer. And so he and I got some wood out, I lit the matches and we watched the fire for a while then had some high quality father-son time roasting weenies. It was a great way to end a really great day of special meals.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 18: How Spoiled I Am

2009-10-06T08:46:00.003-06:00

With Kathy off to exotic locations once again, this time Richmond, Virginia for the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators Board meeting, I am reminded once again how spoiled I am. More on that later, now let me recall yesterday.

Granted, things went pretty for the first couple of hours. We all got up around 5 a.m. on Monday, got Kathy out to the Twin Falls airport and then after a little more sleep and breakfast Eric successfully made it to the bus and I had a very relaxing day at home. I managed to do just about nothing which felt really good. About the only thing I did get done was a sketch of a Star Wars the Clone Wars storm trooper design for a stained glass piece that Eric has been asking for for some time.

Unfortunately Eric did not have such a good day. It seems he cannot wait until recess to tell his neighbors all sorts of things. And since he doesn't text yet he simply leans over and starts talking in the middle of lessons. That he was put on yellow light and then red light means that he had to do it and get caught not once, not twice but at least three times; not to mention the times he wasn't caught. And to top it all off, when he got home, after watching a little TV he announced to me that he thought he had to fart, but something more came out! Not only was he off his norm at school, but then to have an accident, it serves me right for thinking this would be a smooth week. So the punishment at home was that as soon as the pre-game show for Monday Night football came on ESPN his shows went off and mine went on. That and it was to bed early, though he's got me reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban a chapter a night so even though he went to bed at 7 p.m. I did not leave the room until 7:50!

So why am I so spoiled? Well, most every morning Kathy takes care of things around the house so I don't really have to turn on my brain until after I've showered, dressed, driven to church and made a pot of coffee. But not when Kathy's gone. Oh no. Now I have to get up early enough to get Eric showered, dressed, groomed, fed, lunch made, etc. And if any one thing goes a little off I'm not the most warm and cuddly dad, since I'm not used to the routine that Kathy and Eric have.

So the result today? I couldn't figure out how to get the blasted top off of the homemade apricot jam for Eric's school lunch. And in my frustration in thinking that I needed an engineering degree to remove the lid from the jar so I could make a PB & J sandwich I somehow managed to drop the plastic jar into the sink and break it! And of course Eric doesn't want hot lunch and he doesn't like grape jam, so he had to settle for peanut butter and honey sandwich. I'm sure I'll hear about that this afternoon.

So why am I so spoiled. In a nutshell, Kathy smooths out my day so I have very little to worry about other than church stuff. So as usual when she goes away I am very grateful for how much Kathy does that I rarely see or acknowledge. She sure is a strong person to put up with doing so much and going so unrecognized. Thank you Kathy!

LOGOS Begins Tonight!

2009-09-30T08:30:00.004-06:00

Wow, can it have really been nearly a month since I've blogged anything? Maybe Facebook, with its microblogging just fits better into my schedule, but then again it is difficult to really say anything much on Facebook, so here goes.

I suppose the other reason that I haven't blogged anything these past few weeks is that I have been swamped with Presbytery responsibilities and home communion and a host of administrative responsibilities not to mention a funeral or two so I guess I'd be justified in saying that as many of those responsibilties will continue over the next few weeks that I don't really have time for LOGOS. But that wouldn't really be true because of all the responsibilities that I have; taking the time to nurture young people in the faith is one of the most important and enduring things on my to do list. That and I really love being with the kids and the many adults who genuinely love God, love being with the kids and have gifts to share with and for the Kingdom of God.

So while I'm planning Bible study and getting ready to be dinner dean and keeping in mind the funeral for Friday and the ongoing presbytery responsibilities and the myriad of other church and family responsibilties (like Kathy going out of town on Monday and my mother coming to town for a few days the following week) I will do my best to remember that for the next 20 or so Wednesday evenings at LOGOS I will be doing something far more important than deciding which insurance company the church should go with or how to handle some prickly personell issue or how to handle the next stage of the presbytery commission I've been serving for far too long.

So what is that "far more important thing" that called for such a grandiose run-on sentence? It is that I will be helping about 30 young people come to know Jesus Christ at a wider, deeper and more profound level that will hopefully allow them to continue their relationship with Jesus Christ within this community of faith or another one in the years to come. In addition the 60 or so adults who will help make LOGOS happen throughout the year will also grow in their own relationship with Jesus Christ and see how that most important bond with our Lord and Savior relates to getting to know the kids in our church and community as well as their peers with whom they have worshipped with for years.

In other words, even as I may feel overwhelmed at times, I can point to Wednesday evening in the midst of my week as an oasis of Kingdom Living, of relationship building, of grafting our lives into a more profound embrace of God our Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Labor Day Surprise

2009-09-07T08:46:00.004-06:00

Well today it finally happens. What you ask; a new car, my first BASE jump off the Perinne bridge, exercising once again? No, nothing quite that exciting. Rather we are going to finish the project in our back yard earlier this year. Some of you may know that for the better part of the Spring and into early summer I spent part of my free time pulling up sod in our back yard for a bed of flowers and other plants. Of course we didn't do this the easy way by renting a machine, no I did it by hand and a trenching shovel one square foot of sod at a time. Eventually I ripped up a section four feet by about sixty feet, that's a lot of sod. On the up side, when I was doing that work it put me in touch with the soil, which was helpful with all that's been on my mind these last few months.

Then again, today I really have to get in tough with the soil. In a little while we're going over to our friend's home to borrow their pick-up truck and then out to another friend's home who is going to use his front end loader and give us a truck load of dirt/top soil. Then you can guess what happens. Yes, I will use a shovel to unload that pick-up truck load of dirt, dump it onto our driveway and then transfer the pile to the back yard bed one wheelbarrow load at a time. Hopefully sometime this afternoon our big yard project will be done, finally. Thankfully we have friends like the Blackstons and Smutnys who are willing to lend a hand. I really do appreciate their help, I just don't know how much I will appreciate laboring so hard on Labor Day. Who knows, perhaps by the end of the work day I will be a new man.

Social Darwinism

2009-09-06T15:05:00.003-06:00

The two words of this post sum up what I think is going on in the Healthcare debates. That is, for those on the right there is a pervailing perspective of social darwinism--survival of the fittest. What is interesting about this for me is that for so very long the right has been identified with the religious right and not just any religion at that but Christianity. Now as a Christian Pastor this is a really interesting thing to me, that is how is it that people who are so opposed to evolutionary darwinism are so ready to accept the precepts of social darwinism? I mean, if survival of the fittest is so off the mark when it comes to the origin of species then why is it o.k. when it comes to who gets care?

I don't know if others have thought about this, but it is something that comes up again and again for me. When someone with a severe pre-existing-condition is booed at a so called "town hall" meeting and those booing her are representing the right I wonder if they have ever really stopped and pondered their position. Sure, if they are atheisitic/agnostic right wing opponents of health care reform then fine. But what if they are religiously inspired right wing phanatics? What if the religion they believe informs their perspective is Christianity? How then does a survival of the fittest, socially, fit in with the Beatitudes, or with Jesus' response to the question "What is the greatest commantment?" If you don't know Jesus' response was love God and love neighbor.

So then what of those who oppose health care reform? I suppose if they simply oppose it on the basis of it costing too much or there are other priorities which face our nation then that makes sense. But what doesn't make sense to me is when people who claim allegiance to Jesus Christ heckle those less fortunate than themselves and say that they are doing so in the name of their religion. Because for me, that isn't Christianity. That isn't loving your neighbor, nor is it reflective of God's intentions for humanity.

Granted, I could be wrong, after all I'm only a pastor in a medium sized church in a small city in Souther Idaho. Who knows, what do I know? It just seems like an interesting perspective that those who seem so opposed to health care reform are also those who so readily embrace the proponents of the religious-right--those American Christians who are so vehemently opposed to evolutionary darwinism but who so willingly embrace a form of social darwinism.

The Mystery of Faith

2009-09-06T09:24:00.003-06:00

Its Sunday morning about 9:30 a.m. and I am doing what I can to wrap my brain and heart around what it is that God has called me to be as a pastor and Minister of Word and Sacrament. For the most part, when I think about it, I feel like most of my gifts for ministry are wrapped up in being a pastor, that is; listening to others, being present in others lives, being available to others and those kinds of things. But on Sunday morning the expectation of being the Minister of Word and Sacrament, that is proclaiming God's Word through preaching and administering the sacrament of communion is really a mystery.

Granted, I know that people are showing up for worship for a multitude of other reasons than that Phil Price is pastor. Its just that it is such an amazingly frightening and humble thing to stand up and address and lead this congregation in worship. There are so many talented people who sit in the pews and the memories of some truly great pastors from the past reside in the souls who sit in our sanctuary and that I might follow in there footsteps is a lot to bear in my soul. But I have to do it, don't I? I mean I can't just sit here and pretend that someone else will stand up for me today, can I?

And so my prayer is that the words I have prepared will be enough for the Holy Spirit to use so that those who have gathered for worship today may catch a glimpse of God's grace and glory. And when they are so touched by God's Spirit they too might work to bring about a pieced of God's glory and grace in their own lives and in those whom they encounter throughout this Lord's Day and the week to come.

Thoughts on this Week's New Testament Reading

2009-09-04T09:11:00.004-06:00

Sunday's Gospel reading, according to the Revised Common Lectionary, contains two stories of healings; the first of a little girl from a distance and the second of a deaf man. While the RCL contains both stories, for various reasons I'm just going to focus on the first story. A less serious reason for focussing on only one of the stories is that it is communion Sunday and I'm conditioned as well are most people at FPC for preaching to endure no more than about fifteen minutes and the more serious reason is that I believe the first story speaks to us more than the second.

So what about the first of the two healing stories is more relevant? Well, for one it speaks to all of who are parents because the little girl who is healed from a distance receives the blessing as a result of her mother persistently pestering Jesus to heal her daughter. The first part of the passage appeals to anyone who has ever had a sick child and wants to see her made well. I can't imagine anyone upon hearing Mark 7:24-30 not feeling the aching heart of the mother who boldly approaches Jesus and asks for her daughter to be made whole.

Although this mother goes unnamed by Mark, she is a model of persistent faith and prayer. She is someone we can all bring to mind when faced with adversity. She is someone whose trust in God gives us all an idea of what it means to trust in God no matter what we are facing. It is a powerful story in the middle of Mark's Gospel and one I am looking forward to preaching.

Though I must say, since it is about healing it is awfully tempting to bring up the healthcare debate and make the sermon that much more "relevant". That being said, the problem with those kind of sermons is that they really don't proclaim the gospel, the good news that no matter what we face, God walks with us. So I won't give into that particular temptation no matter how alluring it may be.

Many Samaritans

2009-08-28T15:38:00.002-06:00

Earlier in the day I posted on Facebook that I felt like someone had beat me up and left me by the side of the road. I really didn't mean anything about that other than I was tired after a stressful week and didn't realize any kind of scriptural allusion until after typing it.

But I soon found out how blessed I am to be surrounded by people who are willing and ready to stop by the side of the road and pick me up. Throughout the day other Facebook friends have helped to boost my spirits along with family and the thought of an evening launching model rockets.

It is times like these that I am truly thankful for how God works in my life. Being surrounded by friends who care, whether they are on Facebook or not is very affirming especially when I've been feeling so down.

So in a little while I'll head home after having been brushed off by those who care for me, keeping in mind opportunities to return the favor.

First Grade

2009-08-24T07:51:00.003-06:00

We are all up and ready to go! Eric has on his new Bakugan T-shirt and Z-Strap sneakers. He was a little disappointed that he couldn't wear shorts, but the weather is starting a little cool for the first day so he's got jeans on. Meanwhile Kathy and I are ready to go off to CSI for the exercise trail without having to pay for a babysitter!

Eric seems excited enough, though most of his excitement is due to his new shirt and shoes so we'll have to wait until after school to find out how much of his giddiness is for school. So how are Kathy and I feeling? That's an even more difficult question. In part we are looking forward to our extremely extroverted son having interaction with more people on a daily basis, plus the bus picking up at 8 a.m. and dropping him off at 4 p.m. gives us both some quiet time. Then again, that he's on the track of speeding life along is difficult to watch as well; especially as I watch people at church with newborns and vaguely remember those days as well, but now my baby is into Bakugan and Legos instead of sleeping and messing his diaper. In other words, he's well on the way to not needing me.

Perhaps that's a little to melodramatic for the first day of First Grade. It isn't as though its his first day of college or his wedding day. But it is easy to see how fast kids grow up. That cliche hasn't meant much to me these last few years, oh sure he's grown, but his days have remained relatively the same. But not any longer, now I'll only be able to have lunch with him on Saturdays and Sundays from September through May. I guess I better not get myself in this kind of funk, Eric won't want to see anything from me but a smile and well wishes here in a few minutes--off to Elementary school!

Facebook

2009-08-12T08:41:00.003-06:00

That one word describes why I haven't updated my blog yet. After resisting the idea for some time, I finally added myself to the social-networking phenomenon. I must say that I was skeptical, after all how much real contact can you have with people when you can't hear their voice or see their face? But what I've found out is that Facebook can be just one more way for me as a Pastor to stay in touch with and find out how the people in my charge are doing. Of course that still means following up with people which takes time and effort. But then again I am able to see who is where and what they're up to and what's on their mind, which in part is part of my responsibility as pastor.

Another thing that Facebook has done is allowed me to be in contact with colleagues around the country who are working hard to discern what it means to be pastor in our rapidly changing world. Throughout the day when I dip into Facebook for a few minutes between tasks I see that other pastors are engaged in the same activities that I am and are also experiencing similar frustrations. And so, in that way it can be a powerful (and cost effective way) to be supported in my own ongoing efforts to more fully serve God in my own particular call.

It is also fun to slip in the different prayer practices that I engage in throughout the day and week. Perhaps by mentioning how I seek to "pray without ceasing" it will encourage others to see that a lofty Biblical goal is possible in life, even for the non-church worker.

Of course, not keeping up with the rest of you who do read this blog from time to time is no real excuse either. I'll just have to find a little more balance, which, in the end, is part of what it means to faithfully follow Christ.

A Wonderful Lord's Day

2009-08-02T17:57:00.002-06:00

Although I didn't want to get up at all and took an hour or so to finally roll out of bed, I eventually did just that. I got out of bed and headed off to church to prepare for worship today. Between the coffee and the quiet that all went well. People showed up in spite of the heat.

It was just one of those Sunday's when everything works out o.k. The sermon, in spite of fits and starts came off o.k. and the communion even with my shaky hands came off o.k. too. The rest of the day was a dream as several families headed off for swimming on this near 100 degree day at Nat Soo Pah and I headed off for Brunch at Jakker's with a group of women from the church as well as one of their son's. Sadly, once I finally got home, I didn't get as much reading done as I had hoped since my mother called, although we too had a good talk about my past week as well as her's and dad's (spent at the Jersey Shore it's hard to see it being anything but good)!

So here I sit, a priviledged prince whose wife is preparing dinner and whose son is so worn out by swimming that I am assured a little more rest this evening in order to read my latest "alternative history novel." And now Kathy is calling "DINNER'S READY" so we better head off to the dining room!

GREAT DAY!

2009-08-01T20:07:00.002-06:00

WOW! What a great day!

Saturday started off with a very productive Worhship Committee. Among other things we talked about how the Baptismal Font is falling apart and how the sound system could use a 21st century upgrade. It was a long meeting; at nearly two hours, but well worth it nonetheless.

On another front today was the wedding of Kelly Wrigtht and David Ruggles; if ever there were a couple meant to be together; I don't know of them! Today's ceremony took place at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church and everything went off quite well; even with the pastor trying to immitate the "Impressive Clergyman" from Rob Reiner's classic "The Princess Bride." This purely 80s film captures the beauty and wonder of marital as well as familial love. Thankfully, God on High was watching over me as I attempted to recite some lines from this movie by saying: "Mawage! Mawage is wot bwings us togeber tooday! Mawage, that bwessed awwaangement; that dweam wiffin a dweam!" From those classic 80s lines I attempted to tie-in the Apostle Paul's message about the abiding quality of God's love.

Whether Rob Reiner's stunt was what did it or something else, God worked God's miracles and the wedding was a success! Watching Kelly and David Ruggles make their way into God's future was a joy and priviledge! If it weren't for their love for one another the wedding would not have been half of what it was; but for their love we all experienced a JOY that transcended the wonders of MARITAL LOVE!!!

Thank God for the wonders of two people coming together; of finding one another in spite of their pasts and because of where God is leading them!

From Doldrums to Smooth Sailing

2009-07-31T09:40:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago I blogged about the dead spot that the middle of summer can be. Well not long after that things started moving again. I was asked to do a funeral for a gentleman I did not know, but for whom after talking to the family and his friends it was a privilege to officiate at his service. I have been enjoying reading a good novel or two. My prayer life, through "Praying in Color" and saying the Daily Offices is keeping me more closely in tune with God and God's desires for my life. And this weekend I have the honor of attending a wedding and officiating at one the following day. So life is good.

Praying the Daily Offices

2009-07-28T08:58:00.003-06:00

Ever since I was a second year student in seminary, that's almost fifteen years now, I have been encouraged by professors, colleagues in ministry, and others to broaden and deepen my spirituality. I guess they encouraged me to do that because, as a former history major in college I tend to look at things from arm's length. Whereas those who have encouraged me and continue to know that for me to be an even better pastor I really have to have a deep relationship with God and not merely an awareness of who God is. It has taken me some time to appreciate the wisdom of their encouragement, but along the way I have learned some interesting things as well as developing a richer more fuller relationship with God's purpose, presence and power in my life.

One such practice is saying the "Daily Offices" (the times of daily prayer and worship services prescribed in the Roman Catholic Church and practiced in various ways by other Christian groups or churches). That definition comes from Donald McKim's "Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms"; it is a funny definition because it makes it seem as though saying daily prayer is foreign to anyone but Roman Catholics. And I suppose to many Presbyterians and other Protestants it may be something of which they are vaguely aware due to novels and movies. But what most Protestants may not beware of is that daily prayer is part of many worship books within various denominations.

For instance, in our own "Book of Common Worship" there are outlines for saying Morning, Midday, and Evening Prayer. We have been using the Evening Prayer format in our monthly Session meetings for the several months now. And even though that resource exists it can be quite cumbersome to pull out the Book of Common Worship, a Bible, and a list of the Daily Lectionary. Having to pull out several books has meant that for the past year or so I've kept one Daily Office sporadically throughout the week, a few times Monday through Friday and Sunday morning. But just the other day I purchased Phyllis Tickle's book "The Divine Hours" which pulls together several different resources into one book.

So this past weekend I started saying four daily offices: first between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.; second between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; third between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.; fourth before going to bed. Don't let those time spans deceive you, it isn't as though I've been praying for three hours at a time four times a day. Rather each office is between four and eight minutes in length. I have found it a very refreshing thing to do, to stop and pray; to stop and check in with God; throughout the day whether I am in the middle of reading a novel or having a water battle with Eric stopping to make time for God has been really good.

Please pray for me that I continue to make time for God and grow in this all-important relationship.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 17: Water Battle Supreme

2009-07-26T15:18:00.003-06:00

Despite the title of this post the day started much more sedate with Eric sleeping in while I said the "morning office" and got ready for church. After a breakfast of reheated waffles we made our way to 209 Fifth Avenue North for Eric's time with the child care worker and my own preparation for worship. Worship went fine with Eric sitting with two much older boys who helped him get through worship without me even noticing they were in the sanctuary.

After Fellowship time we went to Fred Meyer's for sandwiches and snack food, of which we have gone through an awful lot while Kathy has been in Sheridan for LOGOS. Then I filled up the kiddie pool and settled in with a novel expecting to pass the afternoon in peace. That is, until Eric pestered and pestered and pestered me to join in a water battle until I couldn't pass it up any longer.

So I grabbed one of his Super Soakers (one of three he received for his birthday last weekend) and surprised him by starting the battle without his permission. As to my secret plans that unfolded while I was reading, once my super-soaker ran dry I made my way to the hose and nozzle and unleashed what can only be described as water-battle field cannon fire. Eric was none too pleased in the middle of all his giggling at getting completely drenched. He was the only casualty until I allowed him his fare share of time at the controls of the field-water-cannon where he unleashed the fury of being too drenched upon his dear-old-dad. Needless to say he too drenched me to the bone when we decided that the battle came to a draw and we retired to the house for a change of clothes and a much more sedate form of recreation like watching a movie.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 16: Picnic, Pool, and Quiet

2009-07-26T08:59:00.003-06:00

Saturday was a great day! Eric climbed into my bed around 6 a.m. but quickly fell back to sleep when he realized I wasn't quite ready to get up. That simple, but loving act of his really exemplified his whole attitude throughout the day. For example, the rest of the morning I needed to finish getting ready for Sunday worship by making final adjustments to the sermon, printing off a new copy and looking into Children's time all of which took a few hours and he graciously allowed me to get all of that done with occasional check-ins to see where the progress was.

We then got done with two of his birtday thank yous and made our way to Centennial Park for the Twin Falls County Democratic Party's picnic as guests of Chris and Cathy Talkington. Again, Eric could have easily melted down as it was well into the 90s and there were no other little boys his age and many adults instead. But somehow he made it through the lunch and a speech or two and through his good behavior and politeness walked away with an Obama Jigsaw puzzle in the raffle.

Though we were both tired or so I thought when we got home Eric asked to have the kiddie pool filled with water, which I did and he played for another two hours in the water as I read a novel, texted Kathy and then later talked with her on the phone. By the way, she and Wendy are having a good time and enjoyed their nine hour drive to Sheridan as well as meeting others and talking about LOGOS at the weekend's workshop.

So the whole Price family had a Saturday worthy of restful preparation for the work of a pastor's family on Sunday.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 15

2009-07-25T10:20:00.002-06:00

Kathy and Wendy left for Sheridan, Wyoming Friday morning at 5:30 a.m. (which meant Kathy got up around 4:30 which woke me as well) leaving me with a weekend with Eric. Fortunately for me, Eric didn't get out of bed until just a few minutes before I left for running and the baby sitter showed up.

We had a nice quiet morning of being in our separate corners, Eric played Legos and watched TV in the family room while I read my alternative history novel up stairs. We then did some errands including buying junk food, a card for my sister's birthday and going to the church to see if a package showed up for me. There was no package, but Eric played with Virginia while I checked email, packed a few things for the weekend then we headed home.

Eric enjoyed the free lunch in the park and playing while I enjoyed the shade of Sunrise Park and reading a Thoughtful Christian article on Benedictine Spirituality. Then we traipsed off for home where I had my lunch and I read for a little while longer. We then enjoyed about an hour and a half of the Wii stopping for gummy bears and gummy worms between levels after which Eric allowed me an hour nap to recoup after waking so early in the morning with Kathy.

Even though it was approaching 95 degrees when I woke up Eric still wanted to roast polish sausage over the fire pit so off we were once again, this time walking to Smith's to buy firewood and marshmallows. So dinner was a nice quiet affair after which we played the Wii again for an hour or so before heading to bed and starting to read "The Adventures of Captain Underpants."

It was a really nice way to start a weekend of the boys. Hopefully today will go as smoothly.

Midsummer Doldrums

2009-07-14T08:52:00.003-06:00

Yes its the middle of the summer and I'm feeling lost in the midst of a wide open stretch of windless water, a bit ironic I must admit as yesterday's winds in the Magic Valley were gusting above 30 miles per hour. It's not that I'm bored or that there is nothing to do, not with a week and a half of evenings full of meetings or social and family times coming up. No, it's more about being between the wonderful things that have happened over the past few weeks in worship and things that are unfolding over the next month or so.

In the midst of this low time I pulled out a resource about Sabbaticals, as you may know I'm eligible for one in the summer of 2011. As I've been dreaming about that I've been following Jan Edmiston's blog, www.achurchofstarvingartists.com which is chronicling her sabbatical this summer. It is fun and interesting and eye opening all at the same time. She has visited with former members of the church she serves in Alexandria in places like Texas and Istanbul. She led a workshop at the conference I attended in North Carolina. She also blogged about church members not really understanding the sabbatical once she was gone. So I've picked up some ideas and hopefully will be able to implement them in the two years leading up to sabbatical.

I've also been using this in between time to practice some new prayer forms. One that I'm really excited about is "Praying in Color" by Sybil MacBeth. The basic idea is that many of us get hung up in prayer in trying to figure out what words to use, but this new prayer form encourages us to hold a person's name or a desire of our heart or even scripture before God and doodle, yes drawing shapes and using various colors, as a way of holding that person or idea before God in order to keep our mind from wondering. It has been a great way for me to pray with and for our congregation, especially in this in between time.

I've also been reading a lot of fiction, in particular alternative history. It has been a good escape without having to leave Twin Falls.

I'm sure this season of my heart will pass and the next few weeks of meetings, Eric's birthday, Kathy's trip to Sheridan, two weddings, and Kathy and Eric's trip to Seattle will ease me through the doldrums of the summer.

explorefaith.org - Questions

2009-07-09T13:09:00.001-06:00

explorefaith.org - Questions

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A Wonderful Person!

2009-07-09T09:06:00.004-06:00

Recently my mother sent me an obituary, granted it is a rather strange thing to send someone, but in this case I was glad that my mother did so. The obituary is for Mary Landis, 84, of Lititz who passed away on June 27, 2009.

Mary Landis is not my grandmother nor is she an aunt, rather she was my Third Grade teacher. Mrs. Landis made quite an impact on me as a third grader as well as on my sister who had her the following year. And through my mother, Mrs. Landis was able to keep up with what my sister and I did in the years following our elementary school years. And because of that contact I received cards from Mrs. Landis as I made my way through college and then seminary and then through Kathy's Christmas Letters we also received updates from Mrs. Landis' life in the years that we served in Kentucky, Colorado and now Idaho.

Not only was Mrs. Landis a phenomenal school teacher, she was also very active in her local Mennonite church of which she was a charter member. Her faith was part of who she was and influenced how she taught in the classroom if not what. Mrs. Landis was a shining example of a Christian serving in the public schools. No, she never to my knowledge crossed the church/state divide in her lessons. More importantly than trying to "sneak" Christian content into her lessons, she treated students and parents alike as fellow siblings in Christ which meant more in the classroom and over the span of the last thirty years of my life.

I am grateful to have had Mrs. Landis as my third grade teacher and to have been given the privilege of knowing her as an adult even as I have moved far away from the small town in eastern Pennsylvania where I was raised and where Mary Landis served God faithfully as a teacher and child of God.

Glad to be Home

2009-07-01T09:36:00.003-06:00

It has taken me about a week to realize that I'm home after two weeks on the road. North Carolina was great, probably the best insight I picked up from the conference for "young" (under age 40) Presbyterian Clergy was to be more open to God and strive to fear God more than the congregation. Pretty much what this means is seeking God's will more than listening to the competing egos that make up the congregation. Sounds simple, right? Well, it really isn't not after a generation or two have been taught that if they kick and scream enough their wants and felt needs will be met. I'm not saying that FPC, Twin Falls is too addicted to getting their way, but I do see such behavior (mine included) in the midst of all the wonderful things that have happened in our first three years together.

After a 12 hour "lay over" in Twin Falls it was off to the Oregon Coast to spend upwards of ten days in the South Beach neighborhood of Newport. We really had a phenominal time with uncharacteristically warm (60-65 degree) weather for seven of the full days we were there and it rained on the day we left! Like a lot of people we opted for a really simple holiday, eating most of our meals at the house and doing cost-free things like beachcombing and sand castle building. We did manage to go to Rogue Brewery's resturant on our Anniversary, no better way to celebrate our first 13 years of marriage than with Imperial Stout, Porter and India Pale Ale, is there?

Since I've been home we've planted two aspens in the yard, removed a 26 foot by 4 foot section of sod in the back yard. I've been to Ketchum for an Investigating Committee meeting and have attended several church social functions along with a few meetings and worship this past Sunday. And now I'm getting ready to put together the bulletin for Sunday's worship. So I'm back in the swing of things and glad to be doing it with and among the people I've been called to serve in Twin Falls, Idaho!

Mom Chroncles - Last day

2009-06-11T13:22:00.002-06:00

Well, Phil is on his way home, Eric enjoyed his last day of VBS, and I got my haircut, but the bags are not packed, things are not gathered, bathrooms not cleaned. I have lost my motivation and would rather watch some silly movie on tv! There are not even commercials to do a quick thing or two. I guess I could press pause on the DVR! Whatever Eric is doing downstairs, he is quiet, so laying on the bed and resting for our big day in the car tomorrow doesn't feel so bad.

One part of me hopes the rain comes on and Eric's tball game is cancelled, another is ready to watch him have a great time. Think I will dress warmer today!

For those who haven't heard, please say a prayer for Betty Olmstead's family. She passed away yesterday afternoon. Looks like the service will be on Monday.

Blessings to you all!
Kathy

Mom Chronicles Part 3

2009-06-10T20:15:00.001-06:00

It is the end of Wednesday and the end of day 3. Another pretty good day at the Price house. Eric went off to VBS and had a great day. We brought home his best friend and had lunch in the park and then an afternoon playdate. The two boys had a grand time playing Lego's while I got some work done. Then we went and saw the summer movie "Alvin and the Chipmunks". It wasn't any better the second time around, but the boys enjoyed it. A quiet dinner at home, got the ironing done, read some stories and now off to bed.

Phil called again today and is having a good time. He is making some new friends from all over the country (even Canada)! Tomorrow is his long day of traveling. I think he gets into Salt Lake City around 3 so he should be home late evening. My day will consist of packing, haircut, doing last minute errands, and making sure we don't forget anything! (oh, and a t-ball game!)

A big shout out to Doug and Judy Pollow for dinner last night! We had been out at Eric's tball game in the cold, wind, and rain sprinkles and stopped by to pick up something for the trip and they invited us to stay for dinner. Meatloaf, potatoes,& fruit never tasted better! Thanks so much!

Thanks also for the daily support from DeAun and Shastina with their comments! You make me smile!

See you tomorrow for my final post! Hope Phil lets me do this again!

Mom Chronicles Part 2

2009-06-09T16:17:00.002-06:00

Hello again! Day two has gone well. VBS - lunch in the park - car serviced. Now a few moments before t-ball game. Oh! And I survived my first mamogram! Isn't that something to be sharing on the pastor's blog? :-) They had no balloons, card, or special gift to celebrate my first time(not even a sticker that says I'm a responsible woman taking care of my body), but I will survive. Eric is happy and having a great day. He's looking forward to a playdate with his friend Kristopher tomorrow and going to the summer movie.

Phil called and is having a good time...resting, reading, going to workshops, and catching up with a few seminary friends. Exactly what he needed. I'm sure he misses us and Twin Falls, but time away is good for him.

Talk to you tomorrow!

Mom Chronicles - Part 1

2009-06-08T14:41:00.002-06:00

Well, Phil is off to Montreat, NC for his pastor's under 40 conference. I have confiscated his laptop (of course I need 3 computers - one to listen to Pandora, one to leave open to Facebook and Twitter, and one to get some work done), and figured I would add to his blog with my own "musings" while he is gone!

Phil arrived safely this morning and gave me a wake-up call at 6:30 am. Which was good because the sitter was coming at 7 for me to take the dogs for a walk and get my own exercise this week. His trip went well with a brief hiccup and 5 hour stay in the Salt Lake Airport. He says it is beautiful in NC with all the blooming bushes. He says "It smells here!" Which means that coming from an arid climate where smells are free to travel and move, he notices the humid climate and broadleaf trees that trap the rhodi and azaela bushes blooms and their scents in one place. I'm not sure if he thinks it is a bad thing or not. He is looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Several of my friends on Twitter and FB are there, so I have asked them to lookout and place nice with Phil this week. We'll see if they follow through.

Eric and I have had a good day so far (just 3 pm, so a lot could still happen!). Eric went to VBS at the Baptist church this morning and had a great time. He wasn't too sure at first, but when I picked him up he was very excited. We had lunch in the park with the free lunch program from the school. It was full of kids and Eric enjoyed it all, but not quite the pb&j. Then I got the lawn mowed, Eric played with Lego's and all is well with the world.

For the last hour I have been listening to The God Complex Rado (2 leaders in the PCUSA have a weekly web-show). Today's topic is abstinence and purity pledges. Some interesting tips for when we have those conversations with Eric. The show airs on Mondays at 10 am MST. Check it out at www.godcomplexradio.com

Well, we are off to Candy Cane park for the Christian Nurture meeting & ice cream. Hope you are all having a great day and maybe I won't take up so much space next time!

So Excited I Can't Sleep!

2009-06-06T17:14:00.004-06:00

For the past few days I have been able to get to sleep alright, but after four or five hours I wake up thinking about where I will be in either 48 hours or next week at this time. In other words, where I will be while I am on Continuing Education in Montreat, North Carolina or Vacation/Holiday in Newport, Oregon.

It really has been effecting me over the last few days as I can think about little else as butterflies inhabit my stomach while I think about the next two weeks. Granted, I will miss Eric and Kathy over the next few days in North Carolina and that congregation from June 12th through the 22nd, but I really feel as though I NEED these next few weeks.

While I say that I know that it will probably rain every day we are at the Oregon Coast and although the conference for clergy under 40 in western North Carolina sounds interesting, I'm sure that it won't live up to expectations, but it really doesn't matter as the time away will give me the opportunity to read, journal and turn my brain off for a little while.

And so I am grateful to the congregation in Twin Falls as well as Kathy and Eric for encouraging me to travel a long way away from the Magic Valley.

Hopefully tonight, after several nights of little sleep, I will be able to get more than just four or five hours of sleep.

A Hearty Thanks!

2009-05-30T22:21:00.003-06:00

I just have to take some time-out to say thank you to a bunch of people from First Presbyterian Church, Twin Falls, Idaho. At the risk of leaving a name or two off the list, for which I am deeply sorry, I just have to say that there are several people in our congregation who have gone the extra mile and then some.

Earlier this week Harry Geist and Rick Horner braved the wilds of our sanctuary attic and wondered out on top of the stained-glass dome that is suspended over or worship space and very carefully vaccumed off about a quarter of an inch of dust from the glass. According to some estimates, Rick and Harry cleaned away nearly twenty years of dust and dirt from an amazing piece of religious art suspended above our heads to reveal some astonishing colors. And while it is not as dramatic as the cleaning of the Sistien Chapel over the last few years, for many in the congregation tommorrow will be their first glimpse into the beauty that is the dome above their heads.

And while Harry and Rick have been at work on the dome, several other people have been at work adding color to our worship space. A few weeks ago Harry Geist along with Doug and Judy Pollow discreetly added flag-pole brackets to the side walls of our sanctuary. They did so because they wanted to hang banners along the sides of our worship space in order to add color and to visually narrow the width of our large sanctuary. Along with their adventures up the ladders and figuring out the measuring tape a number of women (Karen Grubb, Darlene Annen and Barb Bratt) got out their sewing machines to put hems on eight banners of various shades of red and yellow to hang on the recently affixed flag-pole brackets.

The effect of side banners and the newly cleaned stained glass dome will be, I hope, quite a statement for tommorrow's Pentecost worship. All of the hours put into creating the various visuals is a testament to the church holiday that commemorates the gift of the Holy Spirit to enliven the early group of Christians.

Throughout the last few weeks as those named above and others have come together we, at FPC Twin Falls, have seen a glimpse of what can happen when we rely on God to encourage us to share our gifts of time, talent and treasure for the good of the whole church. Thank you to all who have made this visually stimulating Pentecost possitble!

"A People's History of Christianity: The Other Side of the Story" by Diana Butler Bass

2009-05-29T11:23:00.003-06:00

This book was, in a word, Magisterial!

Diana Butler Bass succeeds and them some with her goal of telling the story of Great Command Christianity over and above what she calls "Big-C Christianity." The latter is what she says most people know about the history of Christianity, even if they don't know much, that is; Christ, Constantine, Christendom, Calvin, and Christian America. Big-C Christianity is the version of power and triumph that does not always take into account the life and love that the man Jesus of Nazareth taught. It is not as though Diana Butler Bass thinks there is no validity to Big-C Christianity, it is more that she wants us to hear the voices and wisdom of those who are often overshadowed by the leaders of Big-C Christianity.

On the other hand, or to borrow from the subtitle, Diana Butler Bass tells the other side of the story from the perspective of both men and women who have appeared throughout church history, some names we know and other names that are less familiar. The name for this "other side of the story," that is, Great Command Christianity comes from Luke 10:25-27 where "a lawyer approached Jesus and asked him, 'Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' Jesus responded, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart ... and love your neighbor as yourself.'" Most of "A People's History of Christianity" focuses on those who lived up to the command of loving God and neighbor, even if it meant doing so without being "in power."

The scope of the book runs from the Early Church Fathers and Mothers into Medieval Christianity, Reformation Christianity, Modernity and on down to our contemporary situation. I was able to pick this up at the Twin Falls Library and if you take the time to read these 300 pages you will be awakened to the wonders of Christian Spiritual Practices as well as an appreciation of the length, bredth and depth of the Christian Witness throughout 2000 years of humanity. As I said before, and I'll say it again, this book is impressive and a wonder to behold. I highly recommend that you take the time to read it, especially if you are interested in Church history and more importantly if you are interested in the people who have made the church what it is.

Hopsack Brown, Blue Spruce & Green Day

2009-05-23T19:25:00.003-06:00

Three colors marked the Price family's first day of Memorial Day weekend. We woke with the sun and taped off the trim in the "Master Bedroom" and followed up with "Hopsack" as the color of the day. This is a shade lighter than what is in our bathroom. Or as we both remarked throughout the morning, "it's a soothing color."

From about 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kathy and I made our way around our bedroom. I took the roller and Kathy tended to the trim. It was well worth it as we cozied-up our bedroom and made it blend into our "nature" theme.

Then, before the sweat of the holiday weekend wore off completely we headed outside for the planting of a "free" Blue Spruce. I say that it was, quote-un-quote-free, because we had to purchase a Christmas Tree from Kimberly Nurseries in the first place, in order to qualify for our "free" spring spruce. But it was worth it as "she" is sitting out in our backyard waiting for a sprinkle from the heavens.

As for the "Green Day" I bought Green Day's latest CD "21st Century Breakdown". We listened to it throughout the morning and during clean-up, it was well worth it. Unlike "American Idiot" this latest album is far less politically angry and far more poetic. So if you have some work to do this Holiday weekend and you're looking for some inspiration then I encourage you to look into Green Day's latest, "21st Century Break Down". Between this album and whatever you have schelduled you're sure to get your work done!

"Christ the Lord: the Road to Cana" by Anne Rice

2009-05-19T08:49:00.003-06:00

Wow! Magnificent! A must read!

Over the last two Mondays (my day off) I have had the opportunity to read Anne Rice's (of vampire fame) latest in her series of novels about the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth. "Road to Cana" came out in 2008 and for some reason I didn't rush out and buy it, perhaps I let that whole election thing distract me, who knows, but I'm glad that I finally took the time to check it out from the Twin Falls Library because it was hard to put down once I opened it up!

Perhaps that's too many exclamation marks for one blog, but I just can't help but to underline how worth while the latest book was, not to mention the first in the series "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt". With "Christ the Lord" Anne Rice does a good job of honoring Christian Orthodoxy (she is a recent convert to Catholicism) while at the same time bringing her gift of writing compelling characters and a moving plot. Her Jesus of Nazareth feels like and sounds like your and my Lord and Savior. If we had more than just what the gospels say about Jesus, this "Christ the Lord" that Anne Rice is writing on behalf of sounds like the very one to whom we turn in prayer and guidance for life.

So as Memorial Day approaches and you are looking for something to read on vacation I strongly encourage you to check out both of Anne Rice's "Christ the Lord" books, they are both available in paper back or you can simply check them out at your local library, you won't be disappointed.

Habitat for Humanity Breakfast

2009-05-15T08:52:00.002-06:00

I just got back from a delightful breakfast at the Ascension Episcopal Church in Twin Falls where the Magic Valley Chapter of Habitat for Humanity hosted a Helping Hands breakfast. The food was great, there were smiles all around and a positive energy about what Habitat for Humanity can accomplish in the Magic Valley in the year to come.

Hopefully you all know what an amazing ministry and mission HFH is; in case you don't their objective is to impact poverty housing and homelessness by renovating and building homes which people buy through no-interest loans and investing what HFH calls "sweat equity" a set number of volunteer hours on their own home usually in the neighborhood of 300 to 500 hours of work. So by the time that HFH gets done with the home the new owner has invested many hours of their time and can afford to sign a mortgage they can afford to become a homeowner.

HFH not only provides the opportunity of home ownership to those who are financially disadvantaged, but they also raise the value of homes in a variety of neighborhoods across the Magic Valley in the world. And so regardless of political or theological perspective, Habitat for Humanity is a mission that all can get involved with and since HFH makes use of people with both construction skills and no skills at all other than a willingness to Lend-a-Hand this is a mission in which all can get involved.

I hope that you will consider offering your time and talents to HFH in the Magic Valley.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 14: Poptarts & Wiffle Ball

2009-05-11T07:12:00.004-06:00

All in all Sunday was the best of the three days that Kathy has been gone. Eric and I got up with the sun, both showered, dressed and were off to Albertson's by about 7:15 a.m. We bought strawberry poptarts, grapes for the children's sermon, a Red Bull for me and a 7-Up for Eric. Then we drove over to church where I practiced the sermon in the sanctuary while Eric sat in the first pew eating his poptart and drinking his 7-Up. We then took care of some chores around the building and he went off to the nursery while I set up for adult Sunday school.

Worship went well with Eric sitting with Doug and Judy Pollow. Honestly, other than seeing Eric during the children's sermon I didn't even know he was there. After worship there was cake for Mother's Day, time in the gym shooting finger-rockets and then off to an Italian Restaurant as guests of Jack and Terry Miller. Although Eric usually has a good time with that group of twenty or so adults, Bob & Judy Wright's daughter and grandson were visiting and so Eric enjoyed brunch with Ethan while the adults talked.

The afternoon was time for dad to read a little and then a marathon session of wiffle ball in the back yard. We each got to bat and pitch and Eric not only enjoyed himself but looks like he's getting a handle on both batting and pitching, we still have to work on the catching thing, but he's making progress.

The rest of the day was Wii, pizza, TV and bed for us both. So that was a really nice way to end the weekend, don't you think?

Mr. Mom Chronicles 13 CHARCOAL!!!

2009-05-09T22:09:00.003-06:00

Saturday without Kathy started off GREAT! We got up with the sun and walked over to the grocery store and bought two donuts each. We enjoyed breakfast with cartoons, coffee, juice and some special guy time and then I worked some more on the sermon and did a little reading. It really was a great way to start the day.

By midday we were outside enjoying the wonderful weather with some wiffle ball, frisbee and then firing up the fire pit for roasting weenies for lunch. Shortly after lunch we watched some baseball on the TV and Eric allowed me to take a nap. What a day, right? Well things went down hill fast after my nap. While I was talking on the phone with a friend, about four hours after our fire pit lunch Eric decided to take the top off of the fire pit. I was sitting right there talking on the phone and watching all of this transpire. So as he took the top off of the fire pit I didn't think anything of it. And as he took the fire pit tool and raked the cinders and pulled out a charcoal I didn't think anything of it either until he reached out with his left hand ... to ... pick ... it ... up!

At first shock, then tears and then a blister started forming on his left thumb and fast! I hung up with our frind and called Kathy who directed me to a first aid kit in the car and let me know I might have to drive to the Emergency Room. So, among hysterical cyring and copious tears I applied ointment and a band-aid to his thumb and instead of going to the ER I called our friends Jennifer and Dan Pruecil who are doctors. They graciously encouraged us to come over to their house to look at Eric's hand. When we got their they confirmed that it looked like a second degree burn and told us to go to Walgreens for some Polysporin. We talked and Eric played with Will and Josie until Eric discovered that his middle finger was beginning to blister too! So we were off to the pharmacy and home.

Thankfully with the polysporin, some rootbeer and ice cream and television and Eric was off to a quiet time and rest for bed. Which allwed me to watch the third Mummy movie (which wasn't as good as the first two) and get ready to write this blog and look forward to bed and soon. Pray for me that Eric and I get through tomorrow with far less interesting times.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 12

2009-05-08T23:22:00.003-06:00

Today started WAY EARLY for us! Kathy's alarm went off some where in the neighborhood of 5 a.m. and Eric and I weren't too far behind. By 5:30 we were off to the Shilo Inn and the Boise Shuttle to get Kathy off to her weekend of Kennedy Family Fun on the Olympic Peninsula. Kathy, her mom, sister, aunt, cousins, grandmother and other assorted Kennedy female family are off to a weekend of quilting, crafting and girl "stuff" until Monday.

So we got Kathy to the bus stop and then we came home for an hour more of sleep before getting ready for school, which went o.k., that is the resting, breakfast and off to school bit. Then I went for a 45 minute run/walk at CSI before a little quiet time of my own at home. The day really started off quite well, that is, until I pulled up at Harrison Elementry to pick up Eric. I was hoping for the sight of him running across the green grass yelling at the top of his lungs, "Greeeeen Day!" (meaning that his behavior was o.k. at school). Unfortunately as his class dismissed and I got out of the car and headed over to collect my son I saw him sit down by his teacher. So I made my way over to him as he waved me over.

When I got to Mrs. Standley she said something to the effect of, "Well at least it is something different." And then she proceeded to tell me that Eric would be written up on Monday and miss "specials" because on the feild-trip to Roper Auditorium Eric spit at a second grader! He spit at someone else, can you believe it? I mean, spitting at his age, at the ground, may just be part of figuring out what it means to be a boy, but spitting at another person whom he does not know?!?

Needless to say, Eric spent a large part of the afternoon in his room and went to bed early without a story. Hopefully Saturday will bring a brighter and more happy child.

Piano

2009-05-07T08:16:00.004-06:00

Yesteryday the Price family was graced with the generosity of Phyllis & Terry Fletcher who gave us a piano for Eric's use. A piano was something that Kathy's family had when she was a child, but not something that my family had so I didn't know quite how Eric would react. My own musical experience began in the fourth grade when I took up the Alto Saxophone which I played with the band through graduation from High School. For my part the daily practice quickly became drudgery, which I'm sure most of you who have ever practiced a musical instrument have experienced the same as well.

So these first hours with the piano are a lot of fun, mostly because Eric just gravitates to the keyboard of his own free will, for now. In fact, well before I wanted to get out of bed I heard Eric creating a new musical piece around 6 a.m. Hopefully his curiosity and creativity will not wane as he ages and maybe just maybe he has found something that will really capture his imagination and light a passion within. Thanks especially to the Fletcher family for sharing such a wonderful gift with us.

"How to Win a Cosmic War" by Reza Aslan

2009-05-05T08:15:00.003-06:00

On an impulse, I purchased this book two weeks ago and could not put it down, especially after reading "Journey Into Islam". It wasn't a complete impulse-buy, because I had read his previous book "No god but God" and knew that his writing style appealed to me along with the depth of his scholarship.

This current book has as it's subtitle "God, Globalization, and the End of the War on Terror". Throughout the book Aslan provides both the history of how we have gotten to this point in global history as well as the way through the current rhetoric that would leave us at best at a permanent stall and at worst living in fear of the other for generations to come. At the heart of his argument is that both "sides" have raised the level of rhetoric beyond the earthly into the cosmic realm of good versus evil along spiritual and religious lines. But as he does so he points out that both Christian and Muslim adherents of such philosophy are a rather small percentage of those engaged in the conflict. That, as the book "Journey Into Islam" pointed out, the extremists in America and the extremists in the Muslim world are a rather small part of the picture and we (those not taken by the cosmic lines of battle) are letting the extremists frame the story.

And so it is to those of us in the middle, who may not completely trust the other, but who recognize that our enemy may be children of God as much as we are to whom Reza Aslan makes an appeal. He quite capably argues that democracy is compatible with Islam, but for democracy to succeed those who promote it must actually stand by the results of elections, even if we don't like those who are elected. Along with democracy as a tonic, Aslan points out that if we leave the War on Terror at the cosmic level the only way to win it is through means other than military.

This may not be the most politically expedient message to be promoting, but I believe that most Americans don't want to see a long, drawn-out, hot/cold war with an amorphos group of people who are never going to surrender. But Americans have historically shown that lifting others up through democracy and common interests is something we are willing to pursue. So if you are not drawn into the hyperbole that all Muslims are out to get us and if you believe that God desires for his children to get along, then I encourage you to take a look at Reza Aslan's latest book, "How to Win a Cosmic War".

Change in Perspective

2009-05-02T08:10:00.003-06:00

As I sat in bed this morning listening to the rain I thought about how I've had to change my perspective about the weather now that I live in the Magic Valley of Southern Idaho. For years, rain was almost always a good thing, whether it was my growing up years in Southern Pennsylvania, or the seminary years in Richmond, Virginia or the Kentucky years and most especially the Colorado Foothills years. In every place I have ever lived and since I have never lived in Tornado or Hurricane country, rain has been a positive thing all year round.

But not in the Magic Valley. No, thanks to the wonder of irrigation, once the canal company releases the waters the farmers don't want to hear their pastor pray for rain or give thanks for it. It almost seems as though some farmers that I've had conversation with over these past three years wouldn't mind if it didn't rain at all during the irrigation season. Of course that could just be a few individuals and not all people involved in agriculture in Southern Idaho.

Thinking about it theologically for a moment, it is something that even here in very conservative and traditional Southern Idaho how man's impact on God's creation takes prominence. I mean, for all the editorials in the local paper about maintaining traditional values takes a back seat to the progress of contemporary agricultural technology. Perhaps its no big deal and maybe I don't quite have a grasp on the situation, but it really has been a challenge to realize that once the irrigation begins, talk of rain for most people turns sour until Autumn.

"Journy Into Islam" by Akbar Ahmed, a review

2009-04-28T08:27:00.002-06:00

Over the last week or so I have dug deep into a most excellent book that explores how Muslims see the world in which we find ourselves at the beginning of the 21st Century. The author, who is a Muslim born in Pakistan, teaches Islamic Studies at American University. The book contains his (and a small group of his students) observations and reports from questionaires gathered in Muslim countries stretching from the Middle East through Asia into South East Asia during a trip in 2005 & 2006.

The main thrust of the book seeks to dispel the charicature of Islam and Muslims that is usually presented by mainstream American media; that of the nearly always screaming Arab terrorist or cool and collected Arab dictator. What Ahmed replaces this image with is a much richer tapestry of faith and a desire to understand how that faith interacts with an increasingly interconnected globe.

At the beginning of the book and throughout, the author refers to three separate metaphors for how Islam is lived out based on three separate towns in India. First, the Ajmer form of Islam that is a mystic, transcendental faith that sees every person on the planet having an "Inner Light". This more universalistic form of Islam is not much portrayed here in the West, but is nevertheless an active form of Islam globally. The second, more predomidant form of Islam is Deoband which is more typically the fundamentalist stereotype that we think of, though the adherents of the Deoband style of Islam are not all out to "get" America as some in the media portray. The last style is called Aligarh, and this is probably the type of Islam that most of us along with the author hope to see rise throughout the Muslim world. Aligarh is the more modernistic form that seeks to synthesize things like democracy and modernity into its practice of faith. This third model can be seen as just barely hanging on in nations like Turkey.

The author does call into question US foreign policy as being partly responsible for the rise of the Deoband style of Islam, but traces our complicity back through several generations and does not make it overly political. This book is not for the casual reader, but is one that will expand your understanding of Islam as we move further into the twenty-first century.

A Sikh, a Jew, and a Presbyterian Walk Into a Diner

2009-04-21T09:12:00.003-06:00

No, despite the very politically incorrect way of starting this blog, there is no punchline. Instead, I wanted to share an observation with all of you. Over the last couple of weeks one of the blogs I follow is examining the issue of pluarlism (a philosophical view holding that reality is composed of various things or states, in contrast to monism, which holds that there is only one underlying reality). Specifically the blogger is exploring what it means for Christians to live in a pluralistic society like 21st Century America.

For some people the whole idea of plualism may sound foreign or a politically correct idea being forced upon them. But quite recently I saw a vivid example of pluralism right here in Twin Falls, Idaho. Kathy, Eric and I went out for lunch at Kelly's and soon, two booths away from us walked in two men, one being interviewed by the other for a job. The interviewer looked pretty typically Southern Idaho in dress and complexion. The interviewee, on the other hand, though dressed mostly in North American attire, had dark skin and was wearing a turban like headdress that made me think he might be a Sikh (an adherent of a monotheistic religion of India founded about 1500 by a Hindu under Islamic influence and marked by rejection of idolatry and caste). Like many others in the restaurant, Kathy and I gave this man a little bit more of a glance than anyone else, and other than that the two men blended in with the rest of the lunch crowd.

A little while later another couple walked in and sat down between the Price family and the two gentlemen from earlier. This couple was composed of a younger woman in her thirties and an older gentleman in his fifties wearing a yarmulke (a skullcap worn by Orthodox and Conservative Jewish men).

No, I didn't approach either one and ask them their theological perspectives on life or what it is like to live in Southern Idaho and be so readily identified as "different", but it did make me think about how amazing and wonderful and challenging it is to live in 21st Century America. On the one hand it is amazing and wonderful that three monotheistic adherents could gather in three adjoining booths at Kelly's in downtown Twin Falls. On the other hand, with so much xenophobia and religious chauvinism, will our future be as diverse? Perhaps I'm just engaging in hyperbole, but if even Twin Falls can show so much diversity in one lunch hour, what will that mean for those of us who authentically want to show the love of God effectively in such a community?

"Jesus, Interrupted" by Bart D. Ehrman, a short review

2009-04-17T09:23:00.005-06:00

Are you looking for a challenging read? Have you read the Bible and it raised more questions than it answered? Then perhaps you should consider picking up Bart D. Ehrman's new book, "Jesus, Interrupted". Interestingly, as I've talked about this book with a few while I've been reading it, I've thought the title was "Jesus, Interpreted", perhaps that was intentional on Ehrman's part. But be warned, if you do pick up this book, you may have some of your preconceived notions of faith heavily challenged.

On the whole, as Ehrman argues throughout, the book is a summary of what most pastors learned in seminary, that is the historical-critical approach to Biblical Interpretation. I try to bring some of these ideas to Sunday School classes and occasionally bring them to light in a sermon, but even for me, reading these ideas again was at times shocking. That being said, though, it wasn't really anything new, at least to one who has been through a fully accredited Presbyterian Seminary.

So what is the historical-critical approach to Biblical Interpretation? Donald K. McKim in his concise "Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms" defines it as "A means of biblical criticism that studies the texts according to their historical setting(s). This includes their time and place of composition, circumstances, author(s), how they came to be written, and audience(s) addressed. To reconstruct the historical situation is the main task."

That is, how did the Bible come to be? The short answer is that it did not descend from heaven as so much manna but instead developed over a long period of time and continues to be understood in various ways by a variety of people. Now that may not sound very "Christian", but then again it depends on your definition of "Christian" does it not?

For me, the long and the short of the Bible is that it can be looked at in its original context and that does not diminish my faith, in fact, a better understanding of how the Bible came to be only strengthens my faith. Does it lead me to question some of the central beliefs of the church? Absolutely, but does that mean I stop trusting in Jesus Christ? No way. Could some see this as a problem in their pastor or in a pastor? No doubt.

In fact, some of my colleagues in ministry did everything they could to challenge the idea of historical-critical interpretation of the Bible while they were in Seminary and now that they are serving in churches, by "protecting" the church (as they see it) from candidates for ministry who might hold such perspectives as well as from pastors who dare bring credulity to such ideas. That, truth be told, can be frustrating. But it does not deter me from enjoying good scholarship wherever it comes from.

So if you're up to it, look into Ehrman's latest book and along the way check in with me if you have questions or if you want to chat about it over coffee, virtually or in the flesh.

In Need of an Inspirational Pick Me Up?

2009-04-15T10:20:00.003-06:00

If you are feeling at all blah in any way, shape or form, take the time to go to YouTube and look up Susan Boyle's performance from "Britain's Got Talent". I saw mention of this story on the Today Show this morning but missed it and so I thought that I'd take the time to look it up this morning and was it worth it!

Susan Boyle is a 47 year-old woman who looks nothing like a talented singer or entertainer. Such a preface is sometimes the more unfortunate part of Reality TV's success, but sometimes, just sometimes such an introduction leads into a surprising WOW that is inspirationally motivating. As Miss Boyle walked onto stage both the audience and the three very cynical judges judged her in a mocking way, as if to imply anyone who looked such a way and acted in such a cheeky manner could not possibly be anything. And through it all Susan Boyle remained ready to turn their cynicism on its ear and that is exactly what she did by singing "I Dream a Dream" from "Les Miserable" and it was amazing.

One of the most inspiring things about the 7 minute 30 second video is to watch the complete change on the looks of the judges faces and to see the audience go from mocking laughter to standing on their feet cheering and clapping as Susan Boyle belts out one powerful song of hope and dreams. So if you need a pick me up, please, please, take the time to check out YouTube and Susan Boyle, you won't be disappointed.

More Untimely Snow! Grrr!

2009-04-15T08:56:00.003-06:00

Yes, I know, it can snow in southern Idaho through most of what I would call the Spring, but really, haven't we all had enough already?!? Wasn't it just in the 60s and the weather forecast is for the seventies by Saturday, so why oh why do we have to endure this slushy, mucky, white stuff? What would be so bad about a couple of days of just some good old rain?

Granted, Eric thought it was really cool that it snowed yet again. Though when we told him that we would be driving him to the bus stop so that Kathy could drop me off at church, some of his excitement drained away. But I'm certain he'll have made it up on the playground before the starting bell goes off and the teachers open the doors.

In the meantime I fired up the church's snow blower which worked really well even if it didn't so much as "blow" the snow as cough up big wet and slumpy sputterings of slush. So here I am ranting about what is probably a gift from God that will only make the grass greener and the flowers brighter and draw more people to the Magic Valley to watch the Shoshone Falls thundering with a ton of water. That's not a bad way to end things, is it? As the snow continues to fall I'll pray and reflect that it will only lead to a more enjoyable Spring once it's here to stay.

Waiting

2009-04-11T17:11:00.002-06:00

Do you feel it? Can you sense the anticipation? No, I'm not talking about the Twin Falls High School Prom that will happen this evening, but something much more important. And, oh by the way, can you believe that Twin Falls is hosting a Prom on the night between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection? I mean, for a community that is quick to claim "community values" having Prom on Holy Saturday doesn't seem all that "Christian". But then again, most Christians don't recognize this Saturday as being any more Holy than any other Saturday, do they? But I digress.

This day, on the Christian calendar marks the day in which Jesus' body laid in the tomb; a day of solemnity and remembering both the depth of God's love along with Jesus' dedication of going to the cross and the power of God raising Jesus from death to new life. It is a day of anticipating the joy we proclaim on Easter morning.

Then again, many of you have had many different tasks to accomplish today. From getting ready for Easter dinner with the family, to going to Easter Egg Hunts, to paying bills, to finishing your taxes, to grocery shopping, to finding a moment to rest between all that you have to do this may seem like just another Saturday. But then again it is not for those who call on the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior.

So as we wait the setting sun of Saturday and the rising sun of resurrection that greets us on Easter morning may we all take a few moments or more to pause and ponder the power of this Holy Saturday that is may sacred if not for what we do if for who we remember this day.

Maundy Thursday & Good Friday

2009-04-09T10:11:00.003-06:00

As I mentioned yesterday, Maundy Thursday gets its name from the latin mandatum which can be translated as "commandment" or "mandate". More specifically for Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday the latin term refers to John 13:34 where Jesus says, "I give you a new commandment," mandatum novum "that you love one another."

So how are you going to follow the instruction of Jesus and love one another as he has first loved you? What does it mean for us to follow this command of Jesus? Notice that it is not a suggestion or a story, but a mandate and command, that is something that Jesus wants us to do more than and above anything else that we might say or do as his followers. Sounds easy enough, doesn't it, but when you think about it, it can be quite a daunting task.

So what about Good Friday? How can we call the events that lead to and the act of crucifixion anything but horrid and troubling? Well, the definition I found from the same source that I found the latin (The Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms) may be far less satisfying and may sound far less authoritative than something that has it's origins in Latin. What the author of my theological dictionary says is that "Good Friday" comes from the Middle English for "God's Friday."

A more satisfying definition for "Good Friday" can be found in J. Dudley Weaver Jr.'s book "Presbyterian Worship" where he says:

The term is derived from an early name for the second day of the Holy Triduum, God's Friday, but for those of us who see it from this side of the resurrection the day is indeed "good" Friday, for in the events of this day, painful as they are, the saving work that Christ set forth to do in obedience to the Father's will is brought to completion. It is also God's Friday, for even though Jesus' enemies appear to seize control and to direct his destiny, even though they succeed in causing his death, it is God who is in control and God's will that is being fulfilled. As Jesus himself said to Pilate: "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above" (John 19:11a). It is with this understanding that we observe God's Good Friday.

All of that is to say, without the crucifixion there would be no joyous celebration of the resurrection on Easter morning, would there be?

So our task on this Maundy Thursday and the Good Friday to follow is to pray about what it means to love others as Jesus has first loved us as well as reflecting on what it means for God's hand to be directing the difficult events that lead up to and through the Crucifixion of Jesus.

Midway through Holy Week

2009-04-08T08:48:00.004-06:00

Well here we are, "hump-day" of Holy Week, do you feel it? Perhaps not, you've probably got so much going on and so many different places to be and are being bombarded by so many different messages from which restaurant has the best food to which toothpaste will get your teeth the whitest to which car will make you feel more complete that pausing to consider what it means to be midway between Jesus' triumphal entry and then looking to the cross on Friday and celebrating his resurrection on Sunday might seem like distant things to ponder in the midst of so much reality.

But the fact is, we are in the midst of one of the most momentous weeks in the Christian calendar. Though our culture may not realize it, this week is more Holy than any week in December, at least if you remember that only two of the four Gospels bother to mention Jesus' birth story and the rest of the New Testament doesn't seem all that concerned with it in the firstplace. Then again, as recent news stories have pointed out, our culture is more concerned with the bottom line; that is, making sure that we shop and spend and keep the economy churning and not all that concerned with our "Walk with Christ".

It should come as no surprise then, that as our culture and society have made the choice between various church holidays that Christmas is the one that has won out; when in reality it is the events of Holy Week: the Palm Sunday Parade, Thursday's Last Meal, the horrors of Friday, the silence of Saturday and the glorious return of Sunday that matter most in determining who we are as Christians.

So, if it is possible at all, even if you don't take the opportunity to worship on Maundy (from the Latin mandatum, refering to Jesus' New Commandment of loving each other from John 13:34) Thursday or Good Friday or Holy Satureday, at least take some time to pray and ponder what it means to worship and follow one whose obedience to God was so strong as to follow a path of so much pain that ultimately leads to so much joy.

The Night Before Palm Sunday

2009-04-04T19:08:00.003-06:00

Twas the Night Before Palm Sunday and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Huh?

On this night before Holy Week begins what should be going through our minds, if anything? Are we as ready as those who knew Jesus was preparing on entering the Holy City so many years ago? Are we prepared for a week of repentance and prayer as we look forward to celebrating communion mid-week and then observing the crucifixion the next evening? Will we awake on Easter with anticipation and wonder as those who awoke so long ago?

As we begin this Holy Week perhaps we too are in a position to look longingly for the long promised Kingdom of God promised by Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. And while we may not find ourselves under the boot of an oppressive regime like Rome, we do find ourselves caught up in a system that can seem coersive and debilitating, namely consumerism. And while consumerism may not be as pervasive as an occupying force in our streets, it does rear its ugly head upon us all as we wonder whether or not we have enough of this or the right kind of that.

So will we be able through off the shackles of consumerism as we remember and observe the events that lead to and beyond Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection? Only you will know, but my prayers are with you as you figure out what it means to celebrate a blessed Holy Week beginning tomorrow with Palm Sunday.

The Dentist, etc. part 2

2009-04-02T16:21:00.003-06:00

Well thank goodness for Jerry Green! Jerry helped me through an hour or two of frustration trying to install Microsoft Office update this afternoon and after many trials and errors he came up with the winning combination. When it came to registering the email accounts, however, that's still only halfway done. That is, I can receive emails (at that point of victory Jerry went home and I thanked him profusely thinking that all was well in Dellville) until I tried to reply when I found out that the Dell won't recognize something having to do with the "send" function. Oh well, that battle will just have to wait for another day.

As to the Dentist--that was one-hundred-times more painful than the computer issues of the past few days. As Kathy reminded me, the last time we went to the dentist about three-and-a-half years ago that practice's policy was to identify problems, fix them, and then clean the teeth. At the time I received a filling and two crowns, but no cleaning, which on further reflection probably hadn't happened since before George W. Bush was elected the first time! Needless to say there was a fair amount of build-up and so the simple cleaning turned into an hour-and-a-half ordeal complete with needing to put me on the laughing-gas to get through things. Unfortunately I didn't do much laughing, although a few tears did roll.

As to Holy Week planning, that is going swimmingly, in spite of computer issues. Thankfully I still have the Gateway to turn to and get things done.

So, as Shirley Bolster usually says, "Onward & Upward!" Tomorrow is another day and hopefully full of far less complications as we move into the last week of Lent and make our way towards Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.

The Dentist, Computer Issues & Holy Week Planning

2009-04-01T09:41:00.003-06:00

I wish this were some kind of April Fool's Day prank, but today is one of those days that makes my heart rush and my palms sweat and steals away any sort of appetite I may have had.

Here in a little while I'm going to the Dentist for a check-up and cleaning. Now cognitively I know that nothing really bad can happen in such an appointment, but I have had so many bad experiences with previous dental procedures that a simple check up has me so worked up that caffeine would send me over the edge, not to mention that I don't want to subject the hygienist to my latest Starbuck's Blend.

I guess I have such a deep seated fear of the dentist because as a child I had to have so many fillings and I got so worked up that the Novocaine never seemed to really work. As a consequence, as an adult I have had some rough goes at crowns and a particularly bad experience with a root canal when the dentist in filing out the bad stuff hit a nerve that wasn't quite numbed up. So even a simple little check up has me not looking forward to what more work needs to be done (cavities, crowns, and root canals, OH MY!).

Then with the computer, I recently purchased a new Dell laptop because the Gateway laptop I've been using is slowly losing it's monitor. I was all excited at the sales and deals I got on it and the friends-and-family discount from Steve Knott and that the church had recently purchased Microsoft Small Business Office Suite so I wouldn't have to purchase that. But it turns out the software we bought is only an upgrade, so I have to figure something else out to meet my Microsoft addiction instead of using one of their competitors.

And of course Holy Week begins on Sunday, which means for me several extra planning pieces, which don't get me wrong are exciting and fun to look forward to, but are just that much more to get me going with the anxiety of having a Dental Appointment on April Fool's Day. So hopefully I won't be too much more the fool and will survive and the future work to do won't be as bad as I fear it to be.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 11

2009-03-30T08:04:00.003-06:00

Well, many of you who read this blog know that Kathy made it safely home from New Mexico and that Eric and I survived yet another "Mr. Mom" period of bachelorhood. Thankfully as well we have a little longer stint with Kathy at home, she won't be heading out of town again until the second weekend in May; at that time she will be joining the women of her family for a crafting weekend retreat.

After several days away we all really made the most of the weekend. We spent all Friday afternoon together as Kathy unpacked and Eric and I settled in to the idea that we weren't totally responsible for ourselves any longer and that Kathy would provide a moderating role. On Saturday we spent the morning lounging around the house and then in the afternoon joined Rick and Rene Horner and Becky Bratt for 18 Holes of Disc Golf at the College of Southern Idaho. It was a very nice day to be outside with warm temperatures and plenty of sun. Unfortunately the weather did not stay nice, but that just drove us toward another day together with church in the morning where we actually got to sit together as a family (as I took a Sunday from preaching before Holy Week) and then an afternoon lounging on the sofa with Eric watching TV, Kathy playing games on her laptop and me drifting in and out of a nap or two.

Today we are back to regular routines. Eric is off to school. Kathy is working in her home office. And I guess for me it's not so regular. I usually drink coffee and enjoy a few hours of quiet reading time, but in about an hour I'm headed off to Burley, Idaho for a day-long meeting. This time, though it is not as tense as my Investigating Committee work for Kendall Presbytery. Instead I am acting as the advocate for four churches in the presbytery that have submitted grant proposals to our Presbytery's Board of Trustees. So my role is to provide that group of people with compelling reasons for granting the funds to three small rural churches and our one New Church Development in the Teton Valley of Eastern Idaho.

Thankfully, though, I don't have to worry about Eric, so I'll drink a little coffee and maybe read a very little bit before heading east on I-84 for a day in the Eastern Magic Valley secure in the knowledge that when I come home both Eric and Kathy will be home.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 10

2009-03-25T20:29:00.003-06:00

Day Three of Kathy's latest trip has turned out to be a breeze, especially after yesterday's shoe-finding, Ketchum driving, late night getting to bed, Tuesday.

Somehow I managed to get out of bed at a responsible time and got the trash and recycling out. Eric's shower went smoothly. And even when Eric asked to do something different from our regular routine; namely, he wanted to make sure that Zlatko--the custodian at the school he attends and also the custodian for our church--passed the citizenship test and Eric wanted to draw a picture for Zlatko. Of course, Eric came up with that idea within forty-five minutes of needing to head to the bus along with needing breakfast, teeth brushing, and shoe-finding. Thankfully Eric had a week or so before drawn an American Flag so all we had to do was write the words "Congratulation" and "Zlatko" at the bottom in order to make the morning chores and gift complete.

The rest of the day involved going to the "Fellowship Lunch Club", a group of women from church who get together monthly at Idaho Joe's where Eric was the perfect little gentleman. Then we came home and he let me read while he rested in front of the television and we did homework, Wii, Dinner, a little TV and bed. So, all in all, it really was a good day to be Mr. Mom. Granted, we are both looking forward to Kathy's return on Friday afternoon, but hopefully we will get through Thursday as smoothly as Wednesday.

Mr. Mom Chronicles 9

2009-03-24T21:27:00.003-06:00

Wow! What a day! It started by, admittedly, sleeping in too late. Part of the blame goes to me because I just LOVE flannel sheets and I sometimes can't pull myself away from them even when the "snooze" feature on my alarm clock is smoking! Of course part of it had to do with Monday beginning at 5 a.m. But eventually Eric and I each managed to get our showers; yes, at 6 he is learning to shower each morning, though the whole shampooing of the head thing seems to be a very mysterious and difficult thing for him to figure out.

So we made our way to breakfast and thankfully Eric decided on toast. Yes, toast, how easy is that?!? But then things went downhill for a bit as I tried to pump out a blog on "The Unforgiving Minute" and simply asked Eric to find his shoes and put them on. Lo and behold, though, he had no idea where his shoes were. And so we nearly stripped the house clean trying to find his shoes, with my blood pressure rising and Eric trying to help by asking to wear everything from sandals to snow boots (there was no chance of snow at all in Twin Falls today and there hasn't been for several weeks). And guess where the shoes were? They were ... right ... behind ... the ... chair ... I ... was ... sitting ... in. Lesson learned, dads need to chill out and take in their surroundings before jumping to conclusions.

The rest of the day after we just barely made the school bus was blessedly better. I made my way through a chapter of another book and Eric headed off to a good day at school. Then I got Eric to a sitter before I made my way to Ketchum for a three-and-a-half hour meeting that was draining but necessary. And thankfully, Eric had a fantastic day at the sitter--a friend of Kathy's and mine who gave up about eight hours with our darling child.

So here I sit after a full day and Eric is sleeping upstairs after I had read to him of Robin Hood and we will both get a night's rest before another day of adventure. Thank you for your prayers and interest.

"The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education" by Craig Mullaney Final Assessment

2009-03-24T07:46:00.003-06:00

Several days ago, before I got too sick to do much of anything, I finished Mullaney's top rate memoir. In fact, I skipped an evening of television--a big deal for me--because I couldn't pull myself away from seeing how Mullaney's tour in Afghanistan ended and the rest of his story unfolded.

His chapters on his combat time in-country were very interesting. In his one tour his platoon experienced a wide range of things. From the intensity of close contact with Taliban fighters along the Pakistani border to uncertainty coupled with well-deserved pride of providing security during a humanitarian mission to the boredom of service at Khandahar Air Base Mullaney received a very full picture of our military's endeavor's on the front line of the "Global War on Terror."

In the end and all throughout this book the reader is presented with a very patriotic and thoughtful approach to what it means to serve these United States in uniform. Sadly, I feel the need to put the words patriotic and thoughtful together, because all too often over the last eight years being thoughtful and patriotic have not always been respected. And perhaps as a pastor whose only uniforms have ever been a preaching robe and a high school band uniform perhaps I don't have the right to be thoughtful about my patriotism. But no one should question the right of Craig Mullaney to question our nation's endeavors overseas, especially as a West Point graduate who has seen action in the very lion's den of our nation's foreign policy.

Again, if you haven't already, go out and buy this book or borrow it from me or you local library!

Mr. Mom Chronicles 8

2009-03-23T19:19:00.004-06:00

Eric and I got Kathy off to the airport this morning by 5:28 a.m. And needless to say we both are feeling as though it is much later at night than this sun-still-hanging-over-our-heads leads us to believe. Then again, after a full day of being up we both should have a good night's sleep.

Thankfully Eric got his shower and I did too and we got off to the bus stop just in time. Thankfully as well Kathy made her way out of Twin Falls, through Salt Lake and on her way to Albuquerque without a hitch. Actually, Kathy's layover in Salt Lake lasted an hour or so longer than she had planned thanks to wind and snow, but by midday she let me know that she got to New Mexico without incident.

This afternoon at home went o.k. Though, I just can't get past the homework with Eric. I'm sure that doing his work fast is important, but it seems to me that some reasoning would help beyond just memorizing the formulas of addition, even in Kindergarten. Thankfully, we got through his homework and made our way to the Wii, when "wee" enjoyed "Boom Blox", "Celebrity Sports Showdown" and "Mario Kart" before a dinner of lasagna and some special TV dinner for a little boy.

All in all, this new adventure in Mr. Mommism is starting off on a good foot. I look forward to seeing what tomorrow has to bring with Eric going to a friend's home after school and me going to Ketchum for Presbytery business! Your prayers are MOST WELCOME!

"Kings", NBC & the Bible

2009-03-18T09:39:00.003-06:00

Just when you might have thought that religion was dead or dying in America NBC has chosen to make one of its biggest shows since "West Wing" based not on contemporary American politics, but on the story of Saul and David beginning in the Bible at 1 Samuel. Granted, in NBC's new Drama "Kings" they have changed Saul's name to "Silas", but David's remains the same. And the show does not take place in the pre-history of Israel but in what looks like Manhattan and North America, minus any branding that would make a direct connection to our culture.

Be forewarned, however, this is not a Hallmark Family Special. It is presented as grittily as the times in which David and Saul lived with all the political intrigue, sex, lust, and power presented if not explicitly in the Bible then certainly implied in Holy Writ. So I don't know if this is a recommendation or merely a WOW that a major network has taken a story from the Old Testament as the subtext for a major investment of time and money. It should be interesting over the next twelve weeks of this Season One of "Kings" to see how closely and how far apart the story on the small screen parallels and diverges wildly from what is laid out in the Bible.

But for all those who wonder where religion in America is going, you have to be a little curious that such a foundational story of the Bible is being presented with so much thought and energy by one of the Big Three TV Networks.

"The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education" by Craig M. Mullaney--250 pages in

2009-03-16T22:45:00.004-06:00

One of the things I find difficult about this whole blogging exercise is whether or not people are reading what I bother writing about. Not to make any of you feel guilty, its just when i see "0" comments it makes me wonder.

And so again I want to appeal to anyone out there who might read this post. Please read this book!!! It is not only a page turner, but also a great work of literature. It is a coming of age story, but also so much more. From West Point and the peculiar culture that is one of our nation's military academies to the peculiarities of Oxford University in England and then on to the confusion and frustration that is Afghanistan; this memoir is compelling reading for anyone interested in our role overseas as a nation and as a people.

Not only does Mullaney give an insiders' view of the American Armed Forces, but also he gives us a look at what it means to be engaged in Nation Building in a place that can just barely be considered a "nation". Equally compelling are his passages regarding his lead up to deployment. Receiving information about the flora and fauna of Afghanistan, while interesting, was not much help when faced with the indifference of people he was being sent to help.

Mullaney's book is a must-read for anyone curious about our continued role in Afghanistan--whether you are a died-in-the-wool supporter of the "Global War on Terror" or you wonder about how Obama will make new strides as Commander-in-Chief, this book is well worth your time and effort.

"The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education" by Craig M. Mullaney

2009-03-14T20:17:00.003-06:00

As I turn on the TV after reading Eric's bedtime stories from a Children's Bible and a condensed version of "Robin Hood" what catches my attention is "Saving Private Ryan." This reminded me that I am reading a new memoir by a new author, Craig M. Mullaney who has crafted quite the page-turner in "The Unforgiving Minute".

Mullaney describes his upbringing in a blue-collar family and then attending and graduating from West Point. I am at the point in the book where he has graduated and is attending Ranger School between West Point and going to Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship. The book then moves onto Oxford and Afghanistan where Mullaney sees combat in the War on Terror and finally moves into a third faze where he is a veteran whose brother is going into the armed forces in his brother's footsteps.

I guess what has intrigued me so much about this book is that it has so far received a five star rating by Amazon.com through 41 reviews. Also Mullaney's book has received critical acclaim from General Petraeus on the one hand and General Wesley Clark on the other hand. Now that's saying something; from George W. Bush's man in Iraq to a former Democratic Presidential Candidate says to me that this book speaks a truth that transcends the bickering and bitterness that has consumed too much of our country. And now that I am 100 pages into the book it is not only a balm for the ills of our nation but also a fantastic and compelling story of one young man's commitment to this nation and her values.

If you have the time, please, please consider reading Craig M. Mullaney's masterful memoir of duty and sacrifice. It may just restore your sense of what it means to love this country and more importantly to serve something larger than your own self interest.

LOGOS Week 20

2009-03-11T10:23:00.003-06:00

Wow! Can you believe it? Tonight is the Twentieth Week of LOGOS and we are ready to celebrate, but it is still hard to think what will happen next week and the week after until things start back up again in October of 2009. I know at least one six year old who will have trouble adjusting, as well as one thirty-eight year old who will appreciate a few weeks rest but will sorely miss the kids and adults. Granted I will see just about everyone, but it isn't quite the same on Sunday morning with brief encounters before, during and after worship.

When I think about this past year I will recall the time spent with our elementary and preschoolers teaching them about what the different parts of worship are. From learning about the Call to Worship by having the kids take off their shoes and socks and walking through sand, dirt, and stone replicating Moses' walk on Holy Ground to teaching the kids "Go Tell it on the Mountain" while discussing music as Proclamation to having the kids develop a communion table cover that the congregation is using throughout Lent the time I have spent with the dozen or so younger kids during Worship Skills has been priceless.

I will also fondly remember the evenings of being the Dinner Dean during Family Time. Being granted the privilege to be the first one to raise my hand and watching everyone raise their hands and gradually quiet down to prepare to pray for our food through word and song and movement is a joy like no other. And then to bring others along in the activity of thanking the cooks and then to listen to the laughter and sheer fun that young and old alike have during family game time is awesome.

And then there has been the time spent with the two oldest kids in LOGOS, Austin and Zakk who have encounter the Bible through J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Ring" triology has been fun and hopefully stimulating in their grasp of the Bible and concepts of faith. Of course I have missed spending time with the Junior Highs this year, but having that small group time with two young men and talking about how the Bible interacts with their lives has been informative and formative.

Like I said, I will certainly appreciate a few weeks of having six to eight hours each week when I am not preparing and engaged in LOGOS, but I suspect that I will soon feel a great hole in my week. So I pray and ask all of you to pray for the relationships that have been built and have grown throughout these past twenty weeks that they may continue in the time between March 2009 and October 2009. May all who have been touched by the wonder of treating one another as Children of God continue even as LOGOS at FPC, Twin Falls takes a hiatus. And may we all work at building relationships with one another, whatever our age, through God in Christ who has called us all into sacred community.

"Fool" by Christopher Moore; a Right Raucous Read

2009-03-10T08:44:00.003-06:00

WARNING: If you are offended by adult situations, questionable language or a pastor who reads something other than the Bible and Nonfiction, then you may not appreciate this post.

This past week, in spite of a pretty heavy load I was released of some of that burden by the wonders of author Christopher Moore in his latest novel, "Fool". If you have read anything by Moore you know that he is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to delve into his sick mind the laughter he dishes out is well worth the occasional (o.k. it is more than occasional) bit of offensive language.

"Fool" follows the story of King Lear's court jester through intrigue, jesting and a fair bit of promiscuous behavior. The novel is based very, and I mean VERY loosely on Shakespeare's play "King Lear". Actually, about the only thing that the novel has in common with Shakespeare is that some of the characters share the same names and titles as those that appear in the play as well as the setting being England sometime in the distant past. From there the novel takes off.

The lead character, the Black Fool a.k.a. Pocket, is a fantastic character. Throughout the novel the reader is endeared, repulsed, amazed, drawn to and shocked by what comes from his mind and heart or at least what Moore creates through him. If you are looking from an escape from the economic woes of today or of whether or not Obama can actually save anything, then I encourage you to pick up "Fool" or borrow it from me. But be forewarned, if you don't like foul language or reading about consenting adults doing what consenting adults will do from time to time then your best off being dragged down by one depressing news cycle after another. Cheery, isn't it?

"Rendition", a Thoughtful Flick

2009-03-08T18:04:00.005-06:00

Last night I watched a movie that provoked a lot of thought on my part. The movie was "Rendition" which tells the story of an innocent man caught up in America's nearly fifteen year old policy of sending persons of interest overseas to be "strenuously interrogated" by countries of less strenuous rule of law. Although it is a fictional account, it still will cause anyone with a heart for the Bill of Rights to wonder at what we have become as a nation. "Rendition" is sort of the anti "24" the Fox TV hit drama about terrorism and national policy post September Eleventh.

I guess for me one of the things that gets me going is that as a supposedly "Christian" nation it always shocks me to think that torture is o.k.'d by so much of our populous. After all, crucifixion was the state sponsored form of capital punishment, so for our so-called "Christian" nation to so readily accept the idea that any form of torture is o.k. is somewhat suspect to me. Granted, I understand the power of fear; it's just I wonder at people of faith saying that fear is more important than faith.

So if you want to wonder at what it means to be an American in the post-9/11 era this film "Rendition" is one that will make you think and wonder at what our founders are doing in their graves. Are they rolling in horror or are they proud at our innovation of their founding ideals?

Snow in March

2009-03-06T08:50:00.003-07:00

Just when I thought Spring was coming to Southern Idaho we are getting a fair amount of snow this morning. I'm sure it is quite possible in this part of the country to get snow this late, but just a few days ago several of our flowers were starting to come out showing off yellows, purple and pink. And now today it's all WHITE! Ugh!

Even though March started off like a lamb, the lion has come back in the form of a snow tiger. Hopefully here in a few weeks this wet snow will be a memory as we watch trees, flowers and bushes blossom and temperatures rise.

I guess I'm just bummed that after an "interesting" week that Friday is so glum. Oh well, after some sermon preparation and other Sunday morning responsibilities I'll head home for some Wii with Eric and then settle in with my boy and watch "Star Wars the Clone Wars" on Cartoon Network; all in good time.

Neophyte, but a good day to be Presbyterian

2009-03-05T08:35:00.004-07:00

While I am still trying to figure this whole blogging thing out, I haven't quite figured out how to respond to comments posted on my own blog! I'm sure I'll figure it out some day, but in the meantime I wanted to respond to "John" (honestly sometimes the anonymity of this 'networking' is frustrating).

I blogged about prayer yesterday because calling upon the Holy Spirit is important and I believe the Holy Spirit ultimately triumphed yesterday by affirming Adam's preferred course of action after a day long conversation.

That conversation began the night before when Adam came over to my house where my wife and I opened our home to Adam and we shared cake, ice cream and conversation. In the midst of that conversation I recognized and apologized for my part in this whole sorry episode in the life and ministry of Kendall Presbytery. Likewise Adam and I had face to face conversation before and after his meeting with the committee. It seems to me that gossip is more about making an accusation without knowing the facts, as "John" does in his comment that I haven't quite figured out how to respond to.

Well, I pray that "John" reads this post and if not comes to understand that gossip is an easy label to throw out at others without examining your own motives to begin with.