Food, or Java, for Thought

I could laugh, but there is a ring of truth here, methinks.

Taking it on the Road

Tomorrow I preach for the last time in the Country Parish. They are still stuck between those who want to preserve a kind of special club and those who want to reach out. They have met about it. Including a meeting where someone said that maybe people would be more motivated if they could see how, based upon average giving, how many members would equal how many dollars. Sigh. I pray for them, for the pastor and the for future. But tomorrow I preach on John 14: 1-11. And in two weeks we will part ways.

I have a confession to make. I am directionally challenged. Give me somewhere new to go and I will probably get lost, even with a map. I am not even good at folding maps back up either. My husband will tell you that if left to my own devices, at an intersection where I have to decide which way to go, my first instinct is .. probably wrong. Even with directions. The best example of this is told in my first trip from Pittsburgh to Michael’s family home in Palmyra. He gave me directions, but I did not listen fully, or at least I didn’t get the significance of what he told me. SO when I got to Hershey, the road splits into 322 or 422. I remembered there would be a split. I knew what I would see after the split. But which road?
So I took 322, which after the Medical Center in those days was pretty much field after field. I drove for a pretty long time I thought and I didn’t see what I was looking for soon enough. I must have it wrong. So.. I drove back to the split. I tried 422 which took me through Palmdale, and then Hershey, but where was Palmyra? Eventually I thought maybe I had it wrong again. So I drove back to the split and got on 322 again decided I just needed to keep driving. I was looking for Forge Road. So I drove and drove and finally got to a cluster of houses and a Gulf gas station in a village called Leeds Corner. I decided I needed help. I pulled in, went inside and said I was looking for “Forge Road in Palmyra.”
Imagine the amusement of the man who politely comes out and without much effort pointed about a block’s distance away- “It’s right there.” Just to make this even more amusing, I had missed the entire town of Palmyra (thousands of people) and ended up in Leed’s Corner, population 22. If only I had paid more attention and then had trust and belief in what I was told. It was right there, in front of me. I sure am glad someone showed me the way.
In today’s lesson the disciples are having some trouble with directions and belief too. Jesus is saying goodbyes and tying up loose ends, speaking of going to prepare a place for them, and how great it will be. I half expect he will then ride off into the sunset, and the movie credits will start to roll.
Which is why I love Thomas and Phillip in this story. They ask the questions we want to ask. “How can we know the way?” “Can’t you just give us a sign?” They too were struggling to read the map and understand the directions. Maybe Jesus assumed his closest followers got it by now, but their faith is stuck in neutral. They still don’t see that he is not just “from” God, He is God.
I am sure they felt awkward. But then, Jesus shifts gears and begins to give the disciples a pep talk, to build up their confidence and faith. “Do not be troubled” really doesn’t quite fully express what Jesus is saying. “Don’t stress out” “Do not be in turmoil” “Don’t fall into a state of confusion” are more like it. Jesus knows the disciples will face anxiety, doubt, and fears that are real and fear of the unknown. Sound familiar?
And they will be without his physical presence- they will feel isolated. They will feel that their faith, so easy to express in the abstract, is suddenly much more complicated in a time of testing. We’ve all faced these moments- moments far more trying than getting lost in Leed’s Corner. Maybe even times when it seems like it will all unravel, or it actually has, not just as individuals, but as a community of believers. When with Thomas and Phillip we say, “How can we know the way? Just show me a sign.”
Jesus says- “I am the way.” The way to salvation, because Jesus walked the way of the cross. But this story is not just about the great hereafter, but the way for us in this life as well. Jesus is the way of truth and life. The way of understanding- Understanding how to live in relationship with God and with each other. The gospel is for us-here and now.
We are probably all here today because someone showed us the way, not with the map or the GPS, but that this way of life is the key to life. Maybe it was our parents, or a friend or a co-worker. For each of us, someone was that man at the gas station who could tell us that what we needed was RIGHT HERE.
But after that, why have we stayed? Perhaps after those first experiences, our belief has deepened. We became more in tune with God’s message. Perhaps for some of us, the road has wound through crisis that has shaped us. Times where we asked again- how will I find the way? Show me a sign. And God was revealed to us, in the Word, in the sacraments, maybe a service of healing. But also in the deeds of the fellow travelers here who asked how we were, prayed for us and with us. Who have rejoiced and cried, celebrated and supported, who remind us to believe. This is THE LIFE- the life Jesus talks about for the here and now before we are reunited with all of the saints.
When I first came here over seven months ago, I was pretty nervous, although, thanks to Norbert, I did not get lost. But I didn’t know any of you. I didn’t even know my way in the building. Jean, you showed me. Over time I came to get to know pretty many of you pretty well. To learn how proud you are of this place- the preschool, the addition, your history and your wonderful fellowship. That last part is the reason I need to go on a diet. And many of you have shared your stories and your lives. But in my time here you all showed me another step in the way- the way of a believer. Even though I wasn’t “from here” we each have learned some things from each other. This is the LIFE.

But today we hear not just of our own lives and call to belief. This is important, but it’s just the first step. Jesus also say believers ( that’s us) will do miraculous deeds. Even greater than Jesus did. How can this be? Without stealing all of the thunder of Pentecost, Jesus is here foretelling that day. The time of the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who will fill the disciples. And these same confused disciples will, by the power of the Spirit bring more people to believe in that one day than in all of Jesus’ ministry. But this was just the start.
These “greater deeds” are a continuing vision, and in fact a call for all of the believers. The imperfect and reluctant believers were and are the ones chosen to carry on the mission. The mission of evangelism.
But how will we do this? In addition to the Scriptures, Jesus tells us how we can in fact do these great deeds. “ Whatever you ask in my name, I will do.” We will do this by the power of prayer.
Maybe we need guidance- ask
Maybe we need understanding for people not like us- ask
Maybe we need the energy to do one more thing in our busy world-ask.
Whatever you ask for the work of God’s kingdom, your prayers WILL be answered.
But then we must take one more step and do. Jesus says, “Believe in me.” We need to take our plan out of these doors and back onto the road. Maybe this sounds hard. But remember that all of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection says something even greater- “I BELIEVE IN YOU. And I call you to help others. Don’t be afraid. Believe.”
This is our calling, for all of us who make up Luther’s “ministry of all believers.” We all know people out there on the road of life who don’t know the way, or who have gotten lost. Whose lives are full of the turmoil and crisis we know Jesus can calm. People seeking some grain of truth, looking for a sign, hoping for life. Who can be not just fellow members, but fellow disciples.
We know the way, the truth and the life. God has spoken and through each of us, God is speaking still. So .. what are we waiting for? The key is in the ignition and the tank is full. We’ve got a map and message that can’t be beat. ( Hold up Bible) . It’s time to take the story on the road! Amen

The Super-Greeters

The other Sunday I had the Sunday "off" from the Country Parish to go the The Stone Church in the City as part of a requirement I see urban ministry. The city is in a county of a couple hundred thousand people, so in the pantheon of cities, not large. But it is in the corridor between Baltimore and New York and has changed immeasurably over the years. Lots of drug trafficking and influx of people, often transient. The church used to be a neighborhood church, but now most people live "out" and come in.
The church has a new pastor and is evaluating how they can best provide ministry where they are- they have specifically and overwhelmingly rejected flight to the suburbs. They enmeshed in an intentional visioning process and are open to many avenues that other similar congregations would not take on. I pray they discern their path- they have great facilities, an endowment, eager pastor and..
And they have - the Super Greeters.
When I entered, I was greeted by an eager, but not pushy, older gentleman. He introduced himself, determined I was visiting, asked me to sign the visitor book, showed me to a seat, made his way to shake my hand during sharing of the peace with his wife in tow. Gave me a coffee mug, magnet and pen, and invited me to fellowship. When he learned I have a home congregation, encouraged me to consider their church, my home whenever I might be in the area.
And today, two weeks later, a card in the mail from The Greeters, telling me they were blessed by my presence, hope I found the word of the Lord sustaining in my time with them, wished me peace and come back anytime.
If this enthusiasm can translate beyond the doors and into the community in evangelism and mission, there is great hope for the future. What a blessing to be in the midst of someone with the true gift of hospitality.

The country parish

Welcome to my new parish to which I have been assigned for "Teaching Parish." Behind these doors lies a country parish built on land from someone's farm. There is probably only one farmer left now. Life has changed. To the right, if I had used a wider angle, you would see the sprawling cemetery for the saints triumphant which is still actively used.

Behind the building is a new addition that houses class space, the pastor's office, restrooms, and downstairs, the social room and kitchen. Since the parking lot is around back as well, many people do not come in the "front door" anymore which says "Welcome", they come in the back or side doors which do not say anything.

The congregation worships on average 80 people at one service. Many folks are "from here" although that has started to change. Many people used to come from neighboring farms to this parish, but now they come from developments or home scattered throughout the community. The town actually has three Lutheran churches.

Our parish on a winding country road, off of the beaten path. Some very large new homes have been built nearby but the people in these homes want a church that looks like their home, new, and contemporary. Which may be too bad. For people who will miss out on a great experience here, and for those who wonder what the future will hold here if folks do not come.

Amidst this are people who take awhile to warm up to a new face. Once I was introduced and "installed" many people wanted to meet me at the door, at the sharing of the peace, and during fellowship. Before that I was a face they did not know. Alone. I experimented with their reaction to a total stranger. One person said "Hello" in the parking lot and asked me if I was visiting.

Not one other person said a word. I tried making eye contact, and smiled. I said,
" hello" to people who kind of smiled and kept on. No one sat in my pew even though I sat in the midst of the congregation. Not until it was clear that I was someone they will be seeing and it was clear why I was there. I had the chance to worship in a new place without family ( they were at our home parish) and to be new and "single."

This group of people is pleasant once they connect with me. There is a list of people signed up to take me out to lunch, or home for lunch as the case may be, now that they know who I am. I guess I passed the test, in fact I was even asked what I like to eat.But if they wish to thrive into tomorrow, they will need to grow a little into connecting with the random visitor if they want to continue on. I know they can, and I hope they will. Evangelism is scary.

I sat in on the middle school Sunday school/confirmation- three boys.I confess that while I found teaching 20 middle school students a challenge in the past, three seems...like a different challenge. The class is taught by a high school student and the pastor. Next week I will be teaching with the pastor as the high school student is away.

I will be assistant in worship in a new setting and with new worship practices ( as in this is not how "my church " does it), and intoning the liturgy, but for all of this I will not have a single familiar face. And so the presence of a friendly supervising pastor and the sustaining power of God will have to carry me through. For the first time in my entire life, I am embarking on a journey without a single familiar face, not one connection to prop me up. It's just me and God. I am sure God is up for it. In fact, it sounds really foolish for me to limit God by saying "just God." I am the only one with limitations in this equation.

I think there are many stories to hear and to share. I think that aside from my fears about " getting it right " which is just about me, I suspect that the people here have fears as well. Fears about letting people in who might "change things" or about losing identity, or about what others might think who come here. Maybe a little defensive. Thoughts about what will happen to "my/our church" and maybe if we keep it all the same it will feel right.

But this is surely not the message of Christ for them or for me. This church needs to reach out not just to those who are "like them" but those who are decidedly not. And to eat with the "sinners" whatever that may conjure up. After all aren't we all just a little self-righteous from time to time when we see someone who looks or acts in a way we think is not "right"? And do we not then need to see Christ in those we meet and cast our fears upon God and be about God's mission?

And if this conversation is to happen, it will not be because I or any other person "tells it like it is." If it is to happen, it is because we make connections, build relationships, and understand how each of us got to this place and time. And I look forward to hearing theirs hopes, joys, fears and concerns and pray that they will discern, as I will, where the future will take each of us from the crossroads in our lives. And I am eager to take this journey with them and grateful they have been willing to receive me.

Church Search

We began to drive around looking at where other churches were, read our local weekly paper for service information. I look back now and realize that we approached the search for a faith home like two lawyers would approach a legal question. We looked at likely distance we would travel. We evaluated what denominations had churches in our community. Although there are many churches that fall into the Anabaptist category, we both felt this was not in keeping with our faith views. I was adamant that I would not convert to Catholicism. Neither of us felt that the "bible-centered" churches with a heavy leaning upon the Old Testament law or knowing your salvation moment seemed like us either. Which narrowed things down pretty quickly. Episcopalian, Methodist, United Church of Christ, Lutheran.
So I suggested we visit each. We started with the Episcopalian parish. I am not sure why. We arrived for the service. It was a lovely stone church with very pleasant greeters. The sanctuary looked like we were in the British Isles if a little small. About 40 people were there including the pastor and organist. The service bulletin and the service itself were easy to follow. At the conclusion of worship we were eagerly greeted and invited to the church basement for coffee and danish. We went. Light hearted banter with people who were genuinely enthused and introduced us around. We felt almost like we were in a James Herriot novel ( he of the All Creatures Great and Small). What we also noticed was that they had one confirmand, no significant childrens programming and we were clearly the youngest people there by 30 years. And yet here was this wonderful group of folks doing their darndest to change that with people like us. But we were the only ones and this is a town of 10,000 people. We knew we planned to start a family in a few years. How would this all play out? We did not go back. I felt horrible picturing these saints of God who we would not be coming back to. For years I could not drive past the church. They are still hanging on as a congregation but it is a struggle.
Next we visited the Methodists. Very large congregation. An abundance of activities and programs and an enormous campus. Large more modern sanctuary. Tons of kids and young adults. During the service the pastor talked a lot about money and how they needed more money to reduce their building debt, and there were posters and flyers about the money needs as well.
The greeters were pleasant in a kind of neutral way. No one in our pew said hello. When we left at the end of worship, everyone was disbursing to all of the activities in a swarm, but no one made any contact with us, in fact it seemed we were in the way of traffic. We signed the visitor's pad but no one followed up-ever. We did not go back. I have been in this church many times since because my brother in law now lives here and worships there. Each time has been about the same and his family has even said you just try to make your group of friends.
Meanwhile at my new job, my coworkers are interested in my church search. Finally my secretary says that we might like her church- the Lutherans just down the street. Tells me when the services are and tells me that if we come which service she goes to if we want a friendly face. And that if we do not go or do not like it she will not think anything of it. Low-key evangelism.
Neither my beloved nor I have ever been to a Lutheran service and we go for Reformation Sunday.