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Minister’s Musings…
I recently traveled to Oregon, Washington, and spent two days at our Yakama Mission Church (log Church), as we discussed the vision, hope, and future of this historic mission site. I had time to reflect on family, friends, and our congregation as we move toward the establishing of God’s reign on earth. Sounds like lofty thoughts, does it not. Well, perhaps not lofty but meaningful. I missed my wife’s birthday, Coby’s (our actor son’s) birthday, Mother’s Day, and our Pentecost Sunday service. I was saddened to miss these important milestones but rejoiced in being able to worship on Pentecost in a Catholic service at “The Grotto” in Portland, Oregon. It was a beautiful service and provided me an opportunity to share in the experience with my brother, sister-in-law, and eldest nephew. I know you were all blessed by Jim Pierson being in our pulpit, too, providing a good Pentecost for all.
My prayer for June is that a healing of mind, body, and spirit pervades our congregation, family, and friends. It seems that too many are suffering and I trust that prayer can make a difference in their attitude, condition, and future. As our “health” improves we are given more and more opportunities to express and spread the good news we know in Jesus Christ. If there ever was a time for a renewed sharing, it is now. With elections coming up, war and natural disasters headlining our newspapers, gang and related activities seemingly rising at an ever quickening pace, we definitely need God’s creative grace to flow over all of creation and provide hope to all of God’s people. And, as God’s people, yes that is us; we need to do our part. What a challenge! But, with God’s Spirit providing the strength and peace we can move forward. A challenge? Yes - Exciting? You bet. Believing that “Unity Is Our Polar Star” may we move faithfully forward as one people.
Blessings,
Alan
Ministers Musings
As Teri Smith has repeatedly said, “2008 - Change is Great!” Well, if not great, at least inevitable. As you can see even the Mirror is not exempt from change. Let us know what you think. It is our hope that it is more user friendly and easier to read. Some of our eyes are getting a little older and in need of assistance.
I will be journeying to Yakama Mission church on May 6, and returning to the office on May 14, 2008. I will be meeting with Lonna Owens and Don Shelton from Disciples Home Missions and members of the Yakama board. Keep us in your prayers as we discover newer ways to be a presence and witness to the Yakama Nation. We are ever diligent in maintaining a proper relationship with those whom we serve. (To refresh your memory, the four historic missions of the church are: Yakama (Washington), Inman (Texas), Appalachian (Kentucky), and All Peoples Christian Center (Los Angeles).
This is not the most expressive article (news wise or theological) that I have shared, but alas, time and situations have a way of shifting our objectives. I do, however, want to share with you the closing passage of scripture that will be used on Sunday, May 18, 2008, during our worship. It is found in Matthew’s Gospel, 28:20b and says, “And remember, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” What more is there to say! Thanks be to God for such a gift.
Blessings
Alan
Minister’s Musings …
“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘1have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.” (John 20:18 NRSV)
Having quoted Scripture allow me, too, to quote Verity A. Jones Easter Sunday devotion in our Lenten Season Fellowship of Prayer. She begins “Alleluia, Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed. Alleluia!” An appropriate beginning for an Easter message, and combining her opening with the John passage brings me to her next to closing paragraph. A statement that has caused me to consider, rejoice, reflect, and celebrate.
“Easter is not the end of our journey; even if it arrives at the end of the Lenten season. Easter is the beginning, the new beginning that God offers to each of us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is now our time to step out in faith, to turn our lives around, to seize the opportunities of discipleship and fellowship laid out before us.”
She then concludes with the following, “The risen Christ call us by name. May we answer with confidence and hope as we step forward into new life.”
I wish I had written these passages. But, thanks be to God, I can share them with those with whom I worship. How blessed we are to be so loved by God and so blessed by the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. For all who believe we know that each day is a new beginning. And to that I can only add, Thank You! Amen.
Blessings,
Alan
Minister’s Musings …
Luke writes in the 9th chapter, verse 51, “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem” (NRSV).
Is it not amazing that knowing what awaited him Jesus trekked to Jerusalem, and ultimately his cross. What courage, dedication, and most importantly, faith it took to put one foot in front of the other on that final journey. His followers didn’t understand after three years in his presence. His friends could not understand after years of laughing, crying, eating, drinking, talking, and praying. The Sadducees and Pharisees did not understand the fate that awaited Jesus. The townspeople, the m, the dying, the outcast only knew that this man who was traveling through the countryside was special. He was different from the rest. He loved them all, unconditionally.
This month we will share in what awaited Jesus in Jerusalem. We will share his stories and hope. We will talk about God’s gift of grace. We will give thanks that Jesus said, “Thy will be done.” We will remember. We will not forget. We will celebrate as the living manifestation of Christ in the world. We are the Church, the many faceted parts of the one body of which Jesus is head. We will give songs of praise and thanksgiving for God’s presence in our midst.
Luke shares one of Jesus’ final remarks to a criminal on a cross - a remark that gives us, you and me, eternal hope. Jesus says to him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (23:43 NRSV). It is that promise. It is that affirmation. It is that gift of grace that keeps me hopeful. It is that promise that enables me to continue going even when the path seems rocky. Thanks be to God for loving me (us).
Blessings,
Alan
Minister’s Musings…
It is rapidly approaching February, Valentine’s may, President’s Day, as well as, even more importantly, the beginning of the Lenten Season. We will be joining Valley Christian for their annual Strove Tuesday pancake meal and service on the 5th, Ash Wednesday is on the 6th (no service), and we are moving quickly toward a major event in Christendom, the celebration of Easter ( the resurrection of Jesus).
Baptism classesare being offered in anticipation of a service of baptism during our Easter service. We will be sharing in some soup, salad and bread, meals with a time for discussion, reflection and worship on a few of the Lenten Sunday’s following our traditional worship (stay tuned). Much is, thanks be to God, going on in which we can all participate.
I will end this edition of “Minister’s Musing” by sharing a portion of the Gospel of Matthew 28:18-20, as we prepare for the coming of Lent and Easter; “And Jesus came and said to them. ‘AII authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, Iam with you always, to the end of the age.’” (NRSV)
May these words excite, sustain, and encourage us to be the light of God to the people we meet.
Blessings,
Alan
Minister’s Musings…
Paul writes in Romans 12 the following: Let love be genuine … hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection ..be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer! Contribute the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. At the end of the chapter he concludes: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Many of us are making lists, even checking them twice, to remind us of the way we wish to live in the coming year. New Year’s resolutions are only as good as our resolve to follow them faithfully. How many times I have resolved to lose weight, be nicer, help others, and always increase my obedience to God’s call. My batting average is well below average.
So as this year comes to an end and January is nearly upon us I once again ponder my style for living in the coming year. Oh, I know, I am blessed with a wonderful spouse, great kids and grandchildren, and a wonderful church in.which to serve. I am very fortunate AND very thankful. This all does not remove my need to look at how best to live a life of faithfulness, hope, joy and peace. It only makes it a little more difficult if I neglect to take time to determine how best to follow my call.
The apostle Paul, who never tired of writing words of hope, encouragement, understanding, and always teaching, has once again placed in my life words that echo my hope for the coming year. I will resolve to be ever more hopeful. I resolve to be patient in suffering and more persistent in my praying habit. I will contribute what I can to equip the saints for their tasks and encourage hospitality to all. Most importantly I resolve to not be overcome byevil but to overcome evil with good, grace, love, hope and peace. How about you? What are your resolutions for the coming year? There is still time to make the list and check it twice.
Blessings and peace, Alan
Minister’s Musings…
Paul writes in Ephesians 4 the following: The gives he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
I quote this beautifully expressed statement of understanding and faith to share how important WE are within the body of Christ. October is Ministerial Appreciation Month. That is well and good. But the minister (the pastor, the preacher, the evangelist, the teacher) is only one small part of all the parts that compose the body of Christ. It is wonderful to appreciate the gifts and work that a minister does, but we should never forget the efforts of all who make the Church, in reality, Christ’s body.
I appreciate you. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as the Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bakersfield, California. I appreciate the support, love, prayers and hard work done by all to insure our successful mission in this city. I appreciate each and everyone who contributes time, monies, and talent to the growth and far reaching opportunities in spreading the Good News. I appreciate ….
Therefore, for me, this is “Congregational Appreciation Month” (actually, there are twelve each year). It is with praise and thanksgiving I offer appreciation for the role each of you play in the life of our family in Christ. It is with ongoing expectation and hope that we look toward the future with eyes full of love, hope, and expectation.
It is with Paul that can offer the following words in absolute certainty: But speaking the truth in Jove, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love (Eph 4:15,16). May it be so with us.
Blessings and peace,
Alan
Minister’s Musings …
Can you believe that there is only 14 weeks remaining in 2007? My how time flies when we are having fun. I am becoming ever more excited about an opportunity to provide an alternative worship service in the months ahead. We will be meeting one Friday night a month for food, fellowship, singing, reflection, and prayer. This will allow those who have started (or are on) their spiritual journey to strengthen their knowledge of the transforming power of God we know in Jesus Christ. Our service will be “designed” around the un-churched wishing to become church. We will, more than likely, hold the service in Fellowship Hall and, prayerfully, offer opportunities that touch all of our senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, etc). I ask all of our faithful to keep this service and its participants in prayer. If you are comfortable and fed by our 10:30am Sunday morning service, then, by all means continue to celebrate the Good News in that service although all are invited to worship in this newer service. If you have friends or family that are searching and cannot make worship on Sunday morning, well, we have another option for them!
We are in need of a worship team to plan, evaluate, constructively critique, and assist in leading this service. A commitment for six months will be important. We need to give this new service a chance to make a difference, an opportunity to survive, the ability to become an outreach ministry of FCC, Bakersfield. If you are interested in participating in this new adventure in worship contact the Pastor or the office. Exciting stuff, isn’t itl
In the meantime we have the Fair and our sale of Karmel Korn - Thanksgiving - Hanging of theGreens - Advent - Christmas Eve, weddings and services to celebrate. There remains a lot to be done prior to the change of our calendar year.
FYI: October 19 -27 Kathy and I will be in Hawaii (on Kauai) with friends from Kentucky. Jim Pierson will be in the pulpit on the and I will be back on the 28th. Also, November 7 -11 (Veterans Day) I will be attending the DHM Board Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana [This is the ministry of our denomination that has called Don Shelton to serve as Interim President beginning in January 2008].
Blessings,
Alan
Minister’s Musings …
It is difficult for me to believe that the summer is rapidly ending. School is starting (again!), many trips have been taken, the General Assembly is ended, and the Don Shelton’s are “out of work.” Don finished his reign as our Regional Minister and President in August and Linda is enjoying her retirement from teaching. [FYI: Don Shelton has been named as Interim President of Disciples Home Mission beginning in January, 2008]. Hard to believe how blessed we have been the past 12 years.
It is also difficult to believe that my beautiful wife Kathy has had to undergo living with but now freed from a potentially cancerous growth. She is, and has been, doing well. We give God the thanks for such a wonderful outcome to what could be a difficult situation. Hard to believe how extensive God’s grace is.
It is also difficult to believe that our grandchild number 5 has arrived. Olivia Lee was born to daughter Shannon, son-in-law Garett, and sister Noelle. I pray that her parents decide that she should be dedicated at First Christian, Bakersfield. Hard to believe, isn’t it?
Our office continues to function relatively smoothly with the new computers-my lap top and Linda’s desk model. We are being allowed even more creativity (you may have to wait and see). We are always trying to be a 21st century church. Hard to believe we continue to live and serve.
We have also received a gift of a new electronic piano/organ instrument for our Chapel. It is here and the music it produces, and will produce, is uplifting and wonderful. All y’all will have opportunities to discover this joyful new addition in our near future. Hard to believe we are still moving forward.
We will also be offering a new service of worship (contemplative) soon! It will be offered once a month around a meal, tables, smells, sounds, sights, sharing, and prayer. All who come are asked to support this newer adventure in faith. Many who will come have not been on the journey as long as we have and their transformation may be overpowering. Hard to believe that not all have heard the Good News
We will continue to tell the story.
Alan
Minister’s Musings…
It so often seems like we are non-replaceable, that there is no one who can do our job (at least as good as we can). We are surprised when others step in and replace us and the company continues to operate (sometimes more successfully). Church can be the same way. Pastors come and spend time within the life of a congregation and then “Poof’ they are gone. Thanks be to God another is called and the church continues to function and flourish! It is what keeps many of us excited about our vocational choice.
Don and Linda Shelton are examples of people who served churches, and spent 12 years in Regional Ministry. Don will be leaving that position in August and Linda is now retired from a life of teaching our young people in the academic setting. We have a new Regional Minister-and, are you ready- it is not a single person. Don and Susan Gonzales Dewey will be leaving the pastorate at First Christian Church, Ventura, and accepting the role as the Regional Minister of the Pacific Southwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Our prayers are with them.
Many of you know Don and Susan in different roles, pastoral and Disciple Women, tasks that they performed excellently. We are secure that the love and attention shown their congregations, family, Loch Leven, regional and general women’s work, will continue in their new task as our Regional Minister and, prayerfully, President. The latter will be resolved with a vote during the Regional Gathering in October, 2007. They are a wonderful couple who will bless our Region and our life together.
May God’s blessings continue to strengthen them on their faith journey and us as well.
In Christ,
Alan