I think there will be dust-ups in our collective Christian family until the cows come home. Experts say some conflict is healthy--vital even--for growth and change; however much of our conflict seems to utilize rhetoric that is neither helpful or charitable. All sides are guilty. Much of our language is patronizing. What to do?
Like you, I've read lots of opinion pieces. Some are helpful. Others aren't. There are people on all sides who make good and not-so-good points. What seems to be lacking is conversation between the sides. Where is the back and forth? The Internet (blogs, facebook, twitter, myface, yourface, etc.) can make conversation difficult because "We're talking at each another rather than with each other." (see Saving the Art of Conversation).
I developed a 'yes or no' list on how I want to talk with people, especially those for whom it is difficult for me to listen. It is hard to converse with people who grate our nerves. It's doubly difficult to learn from them. I am not perfect, and I have missed the mark many, many times. I share this list so maybe we can work on some of these together. You might not agree with all of it, but that's okay. We can talk about it...can't we?
How to talk to people…yes or no:
Engage in dialogue...yes
Water down my faith...no
Have strong viewpoints...yes
Be rude when sharing strong viewpoints...no
Listen to understand...yes
Listen only to respond...no
Be open-minded to people w/whom I agree...yes
Be open-minded to people w/whom I disagree...yes
Be funny (or at least try)...yes
Masquerade meanness as "funny"...no
Be fair...yes
Be fair without compassion...no
Be sensitive...yes
Take everything personally...no
Righteous indignation...yes
Anger at things that don't matter...no
Love the world God created...yes
Allow the world to define me...no
And since it's still the Christmas season...yes or no:
Say Merry Christmas...yes
Say Happy Holidays...yes
Say Merry Christmas to spite others...no
Say Happy Holidays to spite others...no
We've got to learn to talk to each other online and in person. This doesn't mean we're doormats. It means active participation with others to understand and learn. Actual conversation can birth growth and change. It is possible to learn a thing or two from people who see the world differently.
So what about it? Ready to give conversation the good ol' college try?
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
25 Cents at a Time
My eye is trained to be on the lookout for coins. I possess this skill thanks to my dad, who can spot a penny from a mile away. When we run together he will shout the denomination as soon as he sees it. PENNY! NICKEL! DIME! It's so exciting. Over Thanksgiving Dad told a tale (apocryphal?) of a floating $20 bill found on the mean streets of Beaver Dam.
There is a strategy to coin-finding. Aim your peepers where car doors open. Check cracks and crevices in the pavement. Stoplights are a popular destination for well-worn pennies (see below). My Thanksgiving run yielded 14 coins. I was ecstatic.
A penny here. A quarter there. It all adds up.
Even though coins are relatively small in value, what a happy surprise to find them! I used to all but ignore pennies, but not anymore. I imagine them as little treasures eager to be found. I even like to pay in pennies (apologies to those behind me in line)!
Sometimes in the church we wonder if calling the sick (nickel), washing the dishes (penny), or involving persons on the margins (quarter), etc. makes a difference. One Sunday School lesson. One dozen cookies for the parade. One hour volunteering at the clothing closet. One hospital visit. One encouraging word to the lonely.
Sometimes we may even wonder if we're just spinning our wheels. Do these 'little' things do any good?
Sometimes we may even wonder if we're just spinning our wheels. Do these 'little' things do any good?
Rev. Fred Craddock said, "We think giving our all to the Lord is like taking a $1000 bill and laying it on the table--'Here's my life, Lord. I'm giving it all.' But the reality for most of us is that God sends us to the bank and has us cash in the $1000 for quarters. We go through life putting out 25 cents here and 50 cents there. Listen to the neighbor's troubles instead of saying 'Get lost.' Go to a committee meeting. Give a cup of water to a shaky old man in a nursing home. Usually giving our life to Christ isn't glorious. It's done in all those little acts of love, 25 cents at a time. It would be easy to go out in a flash of glory; it's harder to live the Christian life little by little…"
A penny here. A quarter there. It all adds up.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Horses with Braces
Tomorrow I go to my new dentist, which reminded me of my first dentist (there were others) in Arlington.
I selected said dentist based on the following: She and her family were in matching Christmas sweaters on the website. I felt like this was a telltale sign of "fun" and "good dentist." Apparently Christmas sweaters are not a good litmus test for whether or not a dentist is recommendable.
Disclaimer: Fantastic dentist and teeth people, congratulations on being wonderful at your work! This is not dedicated to you.
Let's roll back to 2007, friends. Following my adventurous day at the dentist I wrote my pals an email version of this:
Today I went to the dentist for two fillings and by fillings I don't mean the silver kind. Apparently this is not the way Arlington dentists roll. They roll with white fillings that blend in with your teeth and cost lots of money. Also why do I have cavities? So sad.
I try to arrive early to find free parking, but this ends in travesty since all of the twisting and turning leads to motion sickness for Katie. It's a special kind of amazing to cause your own self to be motion sick. I roll down the window to catch a breath of air, but my tummy continues to rumble. I park way down the street and fumble around for change, load the meter, and run to my dental appointment.
Enter the man I like to call Dentist Emeritus. I feel like he was about 80 years old and apparently he made a major discovery in the world of teeth. He kind of sauntered in the room and had that "I'm awesome" air about him. He clearly had dental wisdom to share.
My dentist asked me to bite down on something. Dentist Emeritus was across from the room and said something like "I can see it from here."
And here is where things got weird: Dentist Emeritus looks at me and asks "Is your face deformed?"
"What?" I mumble in that mouth-full-of-dental-stuff way. He's not smiling, but surely he's joking…right? Oh wait: Maybe he's talking about my Novocaine-d mouth that was hanging out on the floor.
I smile and point to the lip and he says something like "No, not that. I'm being serious. Is your face deformed?"
(Mouth-full-of dental-stuff silence. Crickets for days. More silence.)
Dentist E continues with disdain. "Who did your braces?" I'm serious.
"Well, I'm from Kentucky so you probably wouldn't…" He cuts me off.
"Say no more" Dentist E replies. He then explains to the dentists how orthodontists in Kentucky work on horses.
"They put braces on horses in Kentucky" he says to me. Are you kidding? I. have. never. I have never met a brace-face horse. But guess what? HE WAS NOT KIDDING. Nope.
Next, the dentists tag team and tell me they can make this clay plate thing for me to sleep in for seven million dollars. My dentist looks at me and tells me that as I get older things like my mouth will begin to fall apart and "I don't want to see this happen to you." Thoughtful!
I left the dentist for REI to buy some hiking sandals. I'm walking around the store and apparently the 6-7 shots of Novocaine in my mouth meant hours of drooling. An REI worker offers me a Kleenex to clean up the drool. I love it. They still sold me sandals.
The end.
*Here's hoping tomorrow goes a bit better!
I selected said dentist based on the following: She and her family were in matching Christmas sweaters on the website. I felt like this was a telltale sign of "fun" and "good dentist." Apparently Christmas sweaters are not a good litmus test for whether or not a dentist is recommendable.
Disclaimer: Fantastic dentist and teeth people, congratulations on being wonderful at your work! This is not dedicated to you.
Let's roll back to 2007, friends. Following my adventurous day at the dentist I wrote my pals an email version of this:
Today I went to the dentist for two fillings and by fillings I don't mean the silver kind. Apparently this is not the way Arlington dentists roll. They roll with white fillings that blend in with your teeth and cost lots of money. Also why do I have cavities? So sad.
I try to arrive early to find free parking, but this ends in travesty since all of the twisting and turning leads to motion sickness for Katie. It's a special kind of amazing to cause your own self to be motion sick. I roll down the window to catch a breath of air, but my tummy continues to rumble. I park way down the street and fumble around for change, load the meter, and run to my dental appointment.
During the filling process I was to raise my hand if I felt any pain. By the end I had at least six shots of Novocaine in my mouth. I feel like that's a lot. At the end of the procedure my mouth was kinda just hanging out/down…lit-rally. They asked me to sit up in the chair and rest for a minute.
Enter the man I like to call Dentist Emeritus. I feel like he was about 80 years old and apparently he made a major discovery in the world of teeth. He kind of sauntered in the room and had that "I'm awesome" air about him. He clearly had dental wisdom to share.
My dentist asked me to bite down on something. Dentist Emeritus was across from the room and said something like "I can see it from here."
And here is where things got weird: Dentist Emeritus looks at me and asks "Is your face deformed?"
"What?" I mumble in that mouth-full-of-dental-stuff way. He's not smiling, but surely he's joking…right? Oh wait: Maybe he's talking about my Novocaine-d mouth that was hanging out on the floor.
I smile and point to the lip and he says something like "No, not that. I'm being serious. Is your face deformed?"
(Mouth-full-of dental-stuff silence. Crickets for days. More silence.)
Dentist E continues with disdain. "Who did your braces?" I'm serious.
"Well, I'm from Kentucky so you probably wouldn't…" He cuts me off.
"Say no more" Dentist E replies. He then explains to the dentists how orthodontists in Kentucky work on horses.
"They put braces on horses in Kentucky" he says to me. Are you kidding? I. have. never. I have never met a brace-face horse. But guess what? HE WAS NOT KIDDING. Nope.
Next, the dentists tag team and tell me they can make this clay plate thing for me to sleep in for seven million dollars. My dentist looks at me and tells me that as I get older things like my mouth will begin to fall apart and "I don't want to see this happen to you." Thoughtful!
Needless to say, I left sans clay plate.
I left the dentist for REI to buy some hiking sandals. I'm walking around the store and apparently the 6-7 shots of Novocaine in my mouth meant hours of drooling. An REI worker offers me a Kleenex to clean up the drool. I love it. They still sold me sandals.
The end.
*Here's hoping tomorrow goes a bit better!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
We're singing NEW Christmas carols?
One of my favorite holiday traditions is Christmas caroling with my family and childhood friends. Since I live far from my Old Kentucky Home I can't always make it...but this year I'll be there! I'll be fresh off the plane and under the influence of Drammamine, but I'll be there in body anyway.
Many of the people for whom we carol were Sunday School teachers, GA leaders, Deacons, and Choir members. Many are part of my great cloud of witnesses. It is an evening of joy and reflection.
Though we're happy most of the evening, there are also times of sadness. Last year's elderly couple is this year's widower. We swallow back the lump in our throats and sing, and even when the tears come they are a mix of mourning and gratefulness and family. Hugs and love and support and community abound. The whole evening is a gift.
Some of our favorite carols are 'Silent Night' and 'O Come All Ye Faithful.' The familiar tunes are nice since carol-ees can join in with the carolers. We also remember singing these songs throughout the years with family and friends. Singing these songs together is a gift.
I am excited to sing with my Scottsville Baptist family too. Our choir is busily preparing for the Advent and Christmas seasons. We have selected six new-to-us carols to share with the congregation on December 22nd. At first I think we were hesitant to pick new songs since familiar ones are so loved, but we are trying to step out of our comfort zones! Way to go, choir!
As we were practicing last night the lyrics to one of the songs startled me. That's the thing about new songs: It's difficult to miss the words because we're still stumbling over them! With new songs, the meaning has a greater chance to grab us. Consider the last verse of one of our new-to-us songs, 'Our Savior's Infant Cries Were Heard'
For Christ, who was a refugee
From Herod and his sword,
Is seeking now, thro' us, to be
Our children's friend and Lord
Naming Christ as refugee is powerful to me. I have always known Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fled to Egypt, but never had I captured that imagery by naming them refugees. Sometimes one word is all it takes to paint a picture. My mind began racing with the vulnerability of refugees and the care of the least and lost. It is a powerful song.
I am excited for our choir to share these new-to-us carols on December 22nd. I am also excited to share a service of Lessons and Carols on December 29th. We'll be sure to sing many familiar and beloved songs.
As we sing familiar carols this holiday season, let's make room for new songs, which may have a word for us too. Listen to the lyrics of new-to-you carols. See the story with different eyes. And when we do sing 'Silent Night' let us listen closely to the power of its words--not only for nostalgia's sake--but for the awesome wonder of the Christ child's coming to the world.
Many of the people for whom we carol were Sunday School teachers, GA leaders, Deacons, and Choir members. Many are part of my great cloud of witnesses. It is an evening of joy and reflection.
Though we're happy most of the evening, there are also times of sadness. Last year's elderly couple is this year's widower. We swallow back the lump in our throats and sing, and even when the tears come they are a mix of mourning and gratefulness and family. Hugs and love and support and community abound. The whole evening is a gift.
Some of our favorite carols are 'Silent Night' and 'O Come All Ye Faithful.' The familiar tunes are nice since carol-ees can join in with the carolers. We also remember singing these songs throughout the years with family and friends. Singing these songs together is a gift.
I am excited to sing with my Scottsville Baptist family too. Our choir is busily preparing for the Advent and Christmas seasons. We have selected six new-to-us carols to share with the congregation on December 22nd. At first I think we were hesitant to pick new songs since familiar ones are so loved, but we are trying to step out of our comfort zones! Way to go, choir!
As we were practicing last night the lyrics to one of the songs startled me. That's the thing about new songs: It's difficult to miss the words because we're still stumbling over them! With new songs, the meaning has a greater chance to grab us. Consider the last verse of one of our new-to-us songs, 'Our Savior's Infant Cries Were Heard'
For Christ, who was a refugee
From Herod and his sword,
Is seeking now, thro' us, to be
Our children's friend and Lord
Naming Christ as refugee is powerful to me. I have always known Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fled to Egypt, but never had I captured that imagery by naming them refugees. Sometimes one word is all it takes to paint a picture. My mind began racing with the vulnerability of refugees and the care of the least and lost. It is a powerful song.
I am excited for our choir to share these new-to-us carols on December 22nd. I am also excited to share a service of Lessons and Carols on December 29th. We'll be sure to sing many familiar and beloved songs.
As we sing familiar carols this holiday season, let's make room for new songs, which may have a word for us too. Listen to the lyrics of new-to-you carols. See the story with different eyes. And when we do sing 'Silent Night' let us listen closely to the power of its words--not only for nostalgia's sake--but for the awesome wonder of the Christ child's coming to the world.
 |
| Scottsville Baptist Choir |
Monday, November 4, 2013
What Millennials Can Learn from Older Folks
Article after article after article after article has been written about how the church can reach millennials. Many of those articles make good points the church can and should incorporate. Thank you writers of those articles; however...is anyone asking what millenials can learn from older folks?
Many say the millennials want authenticity. I like what authenticity means, but the word has worn out its welcome. Authenticity is a buzz word much like missional. Everyone is saying it, but what does it mean? Everybody wants everybody to be authentic: Got it! (...except I'm not sure that's what we really want. Rather, we want authenticity on our own terms--the kind that jives with our preferences, attitudes, opinions and beliefs, i.e. "I want people to be my kind of authentic!")
Despite the overuse of the word, let's think about it's actual definition. According to webster, authenticity is "worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact." Let's use that definition to frame the question: What is "worthy of acceptance" in the lives of older folks?
Answer: A lot. So what can we (I say 'we' because I'm relatively youngish, emphasis on 'ish') learn from older folks?
They don't retire from missions. There is 92 year old lady who works the clothing closet and food pantry every week at Scottsville Baptist. I wish you could see how she treats every shopper with dignity and respect. I am learning about how much God loves the poor by watching her. It's inspiring.
They give sacrificially to the church AND non-profits. Statistics tell us young people are less likely to tithe to the church. "But they give to other worthy non-profits!" you say. Fantastic. You know what we can learn from older folks? They tithe AND give to Heifer International. They give sacrificially AND support a child through Compassion International. They believe in the work of the church.
They are loyal to the church. Many are members of one faith community for decades. They don't run away when the going gets tough or flee at the first sign of conflict. They recognize the plusses and minuses of the community in which they worship and serve. Older folks understand commitment. (Also older folks can't wait to get back to church following illness or a stint in the hospital. They are eager to return to church and get back to work.)
They do what needs to be done. I'm a big fan of the emphasis on calling (thanks Frederick Buechner!); however some things need to get done whether we're called to it or not. Someone has to change the light bulbs. Someone's tithe has to buy toilet paper. Someone has to be the treasurer. Someone has to serve on nominating committee. The faithfulness and loyalty of older folks teach us not every task is something we are called to do (or want to do!), but it needs to get done. Everybody has to take turns being the 'someone.'
They built a foundation for us. I'm grateful for the older folks who taught me about Jesus: For Mrs. Jackson who taught me about missions; for Ms. Lummy who taught me to be a good listener during worship (or else!); for Mrs. Casebier who modeled humor, grace and elegance and for my grandmother who honors her home church by sending gifts. Faithful older folks have given time, resources and love. Perhaps some new models work better in the church today. Perhaps we need to rethink missions and absolute quiet during worship (!), but older folks have taught us so much. Don't forget their sacrifices for the kingdom (and us!).
They're willing to try new things. Not all older folks are willing to try new things mind you (not all young folks are either!), but many are. Don't assume every older person is against change. Scottsville Baptist counts many older folks among its ranks. They called a pastor who happens to be a young, single lady (cue Beyonce). They are willing.
Any time we categorize or stereotype an entire generation, we're bound to miss the mark at least a little bit (as I'm sure I have here). For example, an old person might like to rock out to Chris Tomlin song while a young person might relish the sound of a pipe organ in worship. So any time we say "this is how we reach the millennials" or "this is what we can learn from older folks" it's not going to be 100% or even 70% accurate. Every person is different.
Like most people I have ideas on how to reach the millennials, but I don't want to miss out on what the older folks have given us. Focusing solely on one group or generation (be it older or younger) causes us to miss out on the wholeness of who God's people can be together. Sometimes older AND younger folks are guilty of simply stomping our feet and demanding our way. If that's what authenticity means--getting our own 'authentic' way--I'm not so cool with that; but if it means honoring what is "worthy of acceptance" in every age--I can get behind that.
Millennials have much to learn from older folks and older folks have much to learn from millennials. Let's include everyone's voices in the conversation.
Many say the millennials want authenticity. I like what authenticity means, but the word has worn out its welcome. Authenticity is a buzz word much like missional. Everyone is saying it, but what does it mean? Everybody wants everybody to be authentic: Got it! (...except I'm not sure that's what we really want. Rather, we want authenticity on our own terms--the kind that jives with our preferences, attitudes, opinions and beliefs, i.e. "I want people to be my kind of authentic!")
Despite the overuse of the word, let's think about it's actual definition. According to webster, authenticity is "worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact." Let's use that definition to frame the question: What is "worthy of acceptance" in the lives of older folks?
Answer: A lot. So what can we (I say 'we' because I'm relatively youngish, emphasis on 'ish') learn from older folks?
They don't retire from missions. There is 92 year old lady who works the clothing closet and food pantry every week at Scottsville Baptist. I wish you could see how she treats every shopper with dignity and respect. I am learning about how much God loves the poor by watching her. It's inspiring.
They give sacrificially to the church AND non-profits. Statistics tell us young people are less likely to tithe to the church. "But they give to other worthy non-profits!" you say. Fantastic. You know what we can learn from older folks? They tithe AND give to Heifer International. They give sacrificially AND support a child through Compassion International. They believe in the work of the church.
They are loyal to the church. Many are members of one faith community for decades. They don't run away when the going gets tough or flee at the first sign of conflict. They recognize the plusses and minuses of the community in which they worship and serve. Older folks understand commitment. (Also older folks can't wait to get back to church following illness or a stint in the hospital. They are eager to return to church and get back to work.)
They do what needs to be done. I'm a big fan of the emphasis on calling (thanks Frederick Buechner!); however some things need to get done whether we're called to it or not. Someone has to change the light bulbs. Someone's tithe has to buy toilet paper. Someone has to be the treasurer. Someone has to serve on nominating committee. The faithfulness and loyalty of older folks teach us not every task is something we are called to do (or want to do!), but it needs to get done. Everybody has to take turns being the 'someone.'
They built a foundation for us. I'm grateful for the older folks who taught me about Jesus: For Mrs. Jackson who taught me about missions; for Ms. Lummy who taught me to be a good listener during worship (or else!); for Mrs. Casebier who modeled humor, grace and elegance and for my grandmother who honors her home church by sending gifts. Faithful older folks have given time, resources and love. Perhaps some new models work better in the church today. Perhaps we need to rethink missions and absolute quiet during worship (!), but older folks have taught us so much. Don't forget their sacrifices for the kingdom (and us!).
They're willing to try new things. Not all older folks are willing to try new things mind you (not all young folks are either!), but many are. Don't assume every older person is against change. Scottsville Baptist counts many older folks among its ranks. They called a pastor who happens to be a young, single lady (cue Beyonce). They are willing.
Any time we categorize or stereotype an entire generation, we're bound to miss the mark at least a little bit (as I'm sure I have here). For example, an old person might like to rock out to Chris Tomlin song while a young person might relish the sound of a pipe organ in worship. So any time we say "this is how we reach the millennials" or "this is what we can learn from older folks" it's not going to be 100% or even 70% accurate. Every person is different.
Like most people I have ideas on how to reach the millennials, but I don't want to miss out on what the older folks have given us. Focusing solely on one group or generation (be it older or younger) causes us to miss out on the wholeness of who God's people can be together. Sometimes older AND younger folks are guilty of simply stomping our feet and demanding our way. If that's what authenticity means--getting our own 'authentic' way--I'm not so cool with that; but if it means honoring what is "worthy of acceptance" in every age--I can get behind that.
Millennials have much to learn from older folks and older folks have much to learn from millennials. Let's include everyone's voices in the conversation.
Monday, October 28, 2013
There's a Place for Us
On our best days small churches feel strong and mighty. We celebrate and build on our strengths and move forward knowing and sharing the love of Jesus. On our not best days, however we can feel discouraged. Without the funding and programs of larger sister churches, smaller churches can feel as if we are somehow less than. Is there a place for us?
Yesterday Scottsville Baptist had the privilege of hosting the Kelly and Cates bell ringers, a group of adults with special needs who lead worship through their gift of music. This group is from Fredericksburg Baptist, a wonderful church with a history of missions and generosity. Tommy, their director, conducts music by using color-coded cards. By watching the colors change these friends are able to joyfully ring bells to beloved hymns and other songs.
Following one of the hymns, Tommy shared the beginnings of their ministry. A woman named Margaret Ingram invited her neighbor to church. The neighbor's daughter had special needs. The neighbor asked "Is there a place for my daughter?"
Fredericksburg Baptist got to work and started a "Special Friends" class for persons with disabilities. The ministry grew and today Fredericksburg Baptist has two residential homes for adults with special needs. In addition to music ministry, many of these folks live at the Kelly or Cates Home near the church. All that to say: The ministry of the Kelly and Cates bell ringers is possible because of Fredericksburg Baptist Church and Margaret Ingram. Thanks Margaret for inviting your neighbor to church.
A happy twist to Tommy's story is Margaret grew up at...Scottsville Baptist Church!
On our not best days small churches can fall prey to comparison. That church has x. We only have y. On our best days however, we celebrate our strengths. We rejoice in the privilege of raising young women like Margaret, who invited her neighbor to church. Today a ministry to adults with special needs thrives. We rejoice in the privilege of raising young women like Lottie Moon, who followed Jesus to China for the sake of the gospel.
This is not to toot the horn of Scottsville Baptist Church. We have growing edges just like everyone else! This is not a "Look how great we are" post. It is, however a reminder that God works in small spaces and places. No matter the budget or number of programs, God can still work...and God does work in small churches, friends! Margaret and Lottie are sisters to celebrate.
During the service a blind gentleman with perfect pitch sang West Side Story's "Somewhere."
There's a place for us,
Somewhere a place for us.
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere.
He sang with pure joy. There wasn't a dry eye in the room.
I could almost hear Margaret's neighbor asking "Is there a place for my daughter?" Fredericksburg Baptist Church said "Yes." Yes, there is a place for persons with special needs. Peace and quiet and open air waited for Margaret's neighbor at Fredericksburg Baptist Church. Thanks Fredericksburg Baptist.
Likewise, there is a place for small churches. We may not see "results" tomorrow or even next week, but perhaps we are part of something we cannot begin to imagine. Be faithful, small and mighty churches. There is a place for you in God's kingdom.
Yesterday Scottsville Baptist had the privilege of hosting the Kelly and Cates bell ringers, a group of adults with special needs who lead worship through their gift of music. This group is from Fredericksburg Baptist, a wonderful church with a history of missions and generosity. Tommy, their director, conducts music by using color-coded cards. By watching the colors change these friends are able to joyfully ring bells to beloved hymns and other songs.
Following one of the hymns, Tommy shared the beginnings of their ministry. A woman named Margaret Ingram invited her neighbor to church. The neighbor's daughter had special needs. The neighbor asked "Is there a place for my daughter?"
Fredericksburg Baptist got to work and started a "Special Friends" class for persons with disabilities. The ministry grew and today Fredericksburg Baptist has two residential homes for adults with special needs. In addition to music ministry, many of these folks live at the Kelly or Cates Home near the church. All that to say: The ministry of the Kelly and Cates bell ringers is possible because of Fredericksburg Baptist Church and Margaret Ingram. Thanks Margaret for inviting your neighbor to church.
A happy twist to Tommy's story is Margaret grew up at...Scottsville Baptist Church!
On our not best days small churches can fall prey to comparison. That church has x. We only have y. On our best days however, we celebrate our strengths. We rejoice in the privilege of raising young women like Margaret, who invited her neighbor to church. Today a ministry to adults with special needs thrives. We rejoice in the privilege of raising young women like Lottie Moon, who followed Jesus to China for the sake of the gospel.
This is not to toot the horn of Scottsville Baptist Church. We have growing edges just like everyone else! This is not a "Look how great we are" post. It is, however a reminder that God works in small spaces and places. No matter the budget or number of programs, God can still work...and God does work in small churches, friends! Margaret and Lottie are sisters to celebrate.
During the service a blind gentleman with perfect pitch sang West Side Story's "Somewhere."
There's a place for us,
Somewhere a place for us.
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere.
He sang with pure joy. There wasn't a dry eye in the room.
I could almost hear Margaret's neighbor asking "Is there a place for my daughter?" Fredericksburg Baptist Church said "Yes." Yes, there is a place for persons with special needs. Peace and quiet and open air waited for Margaret's neighbor at Fredericksburg Baptist Church. Thanks Fredericksburg Baptist.
Likewise, there is a place for small churches. We may not see "results" tomorrow or even next week, but perhaps we are part of something we cannot begin to imagine. Be faithful, small and mighty churches. There is a place for you in God's kingdom.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
How to Stop a Running Toilet
A couple of months ago I heard a noise in the church building. It sounded like running water underneath grates in big cities. Have the ninja turtles finally arrived to recruit me as the next April? Per "All Creatures of our God and King" animals are welcome, but no turtles were found.
Maybe there's a leak in the kitchen? Nope. No leak.
Perhaps it's an issue in the restroom? The women's bathroom was quiet as a mouse, but upon entry to the men's room I found the culprit: The urinal was running like a madman and screaming for attention. Eeeeek.
What do I do? Call the deacons, of course! I called the deacon chair and he walked me through a solution. I essentially punched the urinal in just the right place (yes I did) to stop it from running. It worked! Also I'll take "Things They Didn't Teach Me in Seminary" for $200, Alex. The urinal was fixed and I felt like a champ. I think I told 3,400 people about it.
A few weeks ago another toilet was running and I observed someone quietly slip into the bathroom and fix the problem. He fixed the problem and then did another 5 servant-y things around the building. He didn't tell 3,400 people or ask for accolades. He quietly fixed the problem and went on about other business of serving the church.
I wanted to post a clever facebook update. He wanted to go unnoticed. This is probably a lesson for me, yes?
On Sunday we ordained two new deacons and reflected on Jesus' servant ministry in John 13. Jesus shows us what love does by assuming a posture of humility and washing the feet of the disciples. Let's be honest: The disciples' feet had to ripe with nasty, and yet Jesus washed them. Jesus teaches us about servant ministry by washing feet.
Likewise, servants in the church wash feet. Servants aren't afraid to do the dirty work. There is no task beneath the servant. Servants take initiative and get things done. Servants see someone sitting alone and make conversation. Servants reach out to those perceived as strange or different. Servants see a coffee spill on the floor and clean it up. Servants do thankless things that may appear small. Servants sacrifice for the good of others. Servants fix the running urinal without fanfare.
The church can improve in many ways, but whether you know it or not--there are secret servants all over the place. It's a treat when you get to see one in action.
Thanks be to God for folks who humbly serve to God's glory.
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