One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these." ~ Mark 12:28-31
This is being sent to you on February 14th, Valentine’s Day. I have a bit of difficulty with this “holiday” – much like the difficulty I have with Thanksgiving. Why do we set aside one special day to show our gratitude? Again, why do we need a special day to show our love? Is it because the expression of gratitude or love doesn’t come easily for many of us?
My dog, Oliver, seems grateful for every pat on the head, belly rub he gets. He wags his tail with overwhelming enthusiasm at the mention of a bite of apple, the sound of his food or water filling his dish. Oliver seems to love me because he’s always beside me, on top of me, gazing intently into my eyes and wanting and waiting desperately for me to say the word, “kiss” – permission to quickly lick my hand or cheek. Thanksgiving and high regard for others come so naturally for him. Oliver doesn’t care how old/young I am, how I look, how much money I make, who I love, where I live, how I worship.
I know, I know, you are thinking it has nothing to do with me. He just knows I’m the source of those pats and belly rubs and sustenance. I’m convinced there is more behind his responses. That’s why all dogs go to heaven.
How amazing it would be if, as human beings, we could love as unconditionally and with the same forgiveness as our pets! Whether that love be agape love (the love of God or Christ for humankind), philia love (friendship) or eros (erotic love)!
Our neighbors are any folks we share time and/or space with. Sorry, Jesus, but some of them…well…they just aren’t so lovable! What’s that you say? Love them as you love them? That’s where that agape thing comes in? Aren’t you kind of expecting a lot?
Oh. Yes. You are expecting a lot.
Perhaps Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day are okay after all. Seems I do need a reminder. And between you and me, God, once a year may not be often enough.
What are the rest of you thinking?
Love,
Terry
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
What's Your Story?
My sister and I were raised in different families together. Let me explain. When we get together and start reminiscing about our growing up, we have very different memories of things; how they came about, who was involved, even names of family members are recalled contrarily.
“Remember the trip the family took to Niagara Falls in 1957,” Barbara would ask. “No Barb,” I would remind her, "you were studying in Cleveland by then. It had to be in 1956.” “Oh, and what about Uncle Ed’s boots dripping acid on the new carpet?” I would add. “New carpet? I don’t remember any new carpet,” she might reply. After talking about “cousin Sid” during one long conversation I finally broke in asking, “Who the heck was Sid?” “Aunt Betty’s son between Chuck and Joe,” she explained. “You mean Pat?” “His real name is Sid.” And so on and so on.
Sometimes Barb’s daughters would be present, or my sons, and they would have looks of incredible confusion on their faces. But what a wonderful turn of events! The very fact of our disagreement about family stories would keep their interest far beyond what might be normal for youngsters separated from those events by both distance and time. They would ask us questions. We would relate our histories as best we could, often with revelations to one another.
Our stories are so very important. The stories of our families and the stories of our life as a congregation and the stories of our faith – all so very important. Had it not been for story tellers we wouldn’t have scriptural accounts which sometimes are as inconsistent as Barb’s and mine of our early lives. We wouldn’t have the examples of courage and hope and changes of heart that the Bible records for us. As troublesome as some of them are to believe they teach us the values and tenets of our religion.
2012 is in many ways to be “The Year of Stories” for Midway Hills Christian Church. Our Elders will soon share in a retreat designed to help us remember individual stories that contributed to making us the people we are. The hope is that you, as a member or friend of this congregation, will have the same opportunity. And that, together as church, we will celebrate our collective stories shaping the character and nature of our mission and ministry, and how we became the kind of church we are.
This is powerful and important for us to do as we continue to be a relevant, welcoming purposeful church!
Love,
Terry
“Remember the trip the family took to Niagara Falls in 1957,” Barbara would ask. “No Barb,” I would remind her, "you were studying in Cleveland by then. It had to be in 1956.” “Oh, and what about Uncle Ed’s boots dripping acid on the new carpet?” I would add. “New carpet? I don’t remember any new carpet,” she might reply. After talking about “cousin Sid” during one long conversation I finally broke in asking, “Who the heck was Sid?” “Aunt Betty’s son between Chuck and Joe,” she explained. “You mean Pat?” “His real name is Sid.” And so on and so on.
Sometimes Barb’s daughters would be present, or my sons, and they would have looks of incredible confusion on their faces. But what a wonderful turn of events! The very fact of our disagreement about family stories would keep their interest far beyond what might be normal for youngsters separated from those events by both distance and time. They would ask us questions. We would relate our histories as best we could, often with revelations to one another.
Our stories are so very important. The stories of our families and the stories of our life as a congregation and the stories of our faith – all so very important. Had it not been for story tellers we wouldn’t have scriptural accounts which sometimes are as inconsistent as Barb’s and mine of our early lives. We wouldn’t have the examples of courage and hope and changes of heart that the Bible records for us. As troublesome as some of them are to believe they teach us the values and tenets of our religion.
2012 is in many ways to be “The Year of Stories” for Midway Hills Christian Church. Our Elders will soon share in a retreat designed to help us remember individual stories that contributed to making us the people we are. The hope is that you, as a member or friend of this congregation, will have the same opportunity. And that, together as church, we will celebrate our collective stories shaping the character and nature of our mission and ministry, and how we became the kind of church we are.
This is powerful and important for us to do as we continue to be a relevant, welcoming purposeful church!
Love,
Terry
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
"Perfect" People Only God Could Love
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…
~Jeremiah 1:5
Maybe we should all run for public office. We could have debates, disagree and end up still shaking hands. We’d have to be “transparent” about our finances; what we make, how we make it, who we get our money from, to whom we give it etc. Everything we have ever done would be fair game for thorough scrutiny. All the poor decisions and mistakes of our lifetime would be printed in newspapers nationwide. We’d be haunted by each of our actions and inactions. Our whole family would be judged; no single member immune from the harsh light of close inspection.
On the other hand, anything we’ve done well or time we’ve been thoughtful or wise or helpful would be lifted up by our friends. Although some crowds would boo us, others would cheer us. We’d start out with lots of money (a requirement to run for public office it seems) but could end up deep in debt. Some of those debts are better described as indebtedness. We would owe and owe and owe.
We wouldn’t always mean everything we would say and never say everything we mean. We’d learn the art of compromise but only practice it with our friends. We would know every moment which way the wind was blowing.
Considering all this, trying to be a good person doesn’t seem so difficult after all! I say that because some churches have given many people the impression that you have to be perfect to belong. Anyone who is honest with her/himself realizes they aren’t perfect and no one else is either! So the conclusion is that churches are filled with folks who think they are perfect, right? And who wants to hang out with a bunch that thinks so highly of themselves and who will judge you for not being so wonderful, right?
Wrong. We know it is wrong. But convincing those who are not part of a faith community that this understanding is incorrect is not an easy task. It would be far easier to run for public office. Isn’t that where we expect the perfect people to be?
How wonderful that we worship a God that knows us so well and loves us anyway!
Quizzically,
Terry
~Jeremiah 1:5
Maybe we should all run for public office. We could have debates, disagree and end up still shaking hands. We’d have to be “transparent” about our finances; what we make, how we make it, who we get our money from, to whom we give it etc. Everything we have ever done would be fair game for thorough scrutiny. All the poor decisions and mistakes of our lifetime would be printed in newspapers nationwide. We’d be haunted by each of our actions and inactions. Our whole family would be judged; no single member immune from the harsh light of close inspection.
On the other hand, anything we’ve done well or time we’ve been thoughtful or wise or helpful would be lifted up by our friends. Although some crowds would boo us, others would cheer us. We’d start out with lots of money (a requirement to run for public office it seems) but could end up deep in debt. Some of those debts are better described as indebtedness. We would owe and owe and owe.
We wouldn’t always mean everything we would say and never say everything we mean. We’d learn the art of compromise but only practice it with our friends. We would know every moment which way the wind was blowing.
Considering all this, trying to be a good person doesn’t seem so difficult after all! I say that because some churches have given many people the impression that you have to be perfect to belong. Anyone who is honest with her/himself realizes they aren’t perfect and no one else is either! So the conclusion is that churches are filled with folks who think they are perfect, right? And who wants to hang out with a bunch that thinks so highly of themselves and who will judge you for not being so wonderful, right?
Wrong. We know it is wrong. But convincing those who are not part of a faith community that this understanding is incorrect is not an easy task. It would be far easier to run for public office. Isn’t that where we expect the perfect people to be?
How wonderful that we worship a God that knows us so well and loves us anyway!
Quizzically,
Terry
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Waiting to be inspired
Waiting…waiting…waiting…
…to be inspired!
What inspires you?! If asked, I think many people would give answers that would include words like sunsets, the ocean, other things that might be suited to the genre, “nature.” Perhaps I"d get responses such as strength, courage or beauty. Another level of inspiration might be reflected in the words prowess, intelligence, and integrity.
As I'm sitting here waiting for it, I think I'd say - were someone to ask me what inspires me - my reply would be people. More precisely, I'm inspired by people who make a positive difference. Many of my other anticipated responses, as listed above, could be used to describe people who make a positive difference. They tend to be folks who have skills, intelligence, integrity, strength, courage and an appreciation for beauty and nature.
What's more, people who make a positive difference are more likely to see these qualities in the world around them, especially in other people. They are confident, tolerant, determined, optimistic, compassionate and understand their connection to others.
Still waiting, in re-reading what I have written, I am suspecting I'm describing the One whose name I claim. (No, not captain Terry Lee from
the WWII comic strip, Terry and the Pirates.) The attributes I have listed as belonging to a person who made a positive difference certainly fit my heart's portrait of Christ. Since I have chosen the path for my life that I have, that's pretty darn affirming!
I realize, too, that I am inspired by those in whom I have seen the Christ Spirit. Not all of them would call themselves Christians, but that same Spirit shines in them all the same.
Well, it looks as though I've been inspired enough to finish this column. I doubt it has the effect to make a positive difference to anyone. But who knows? Stranger things have happened!
Love,
Terry
…to be inspired!
What inspires you?! If asked, I think many people would give answers that would include words like sunsets, the ocean, other things that might be suited to the genre, “nature.” Perhaps I"d get responses such as strength, courage or beauty. Another level of inspiration might be reflected in the words prowess, intelligence, and integrity.
As I'm sitting here waiting for it, I think I'd say - were someone to ask me what inspires me - my reply would be people. More precisely, I'm inspired by people who make a positive difference. Many of my other anticipated responses, as listed above, could be used to describe people who make a positive difference. They tend to be folks who have skills, intelligence, integrity, strength, courage and an appreciation for beauty and nature.
What's more, people who make a positive difference are more likely to see these qualities in the world around them, especially in other people. They are confident, tolerant, determined, optimistic, compassionate and understand their connection to others.
Still waiting, in re-reading what I have written, I am suspecting I'm describing the One whose name I claim. (No, not captain Terry Lee from
the WWII comic strip, Terry and the Pirates.) The attributes I have listed as belonging to a person who made a positive difference certainly fit my heart's portrait of Christ. Since I have chosen the path for my life that I have, that's pretty darn affirming!
I realize, too, that I am inspired by those in whom I have seen the Christ Spirit. Not all of them would call themselves Christians, but that same Spirit shines in them all the same.
Well, it looks as though I've been inspired enough to finish this column. I doubt it has the effect to make a positive difference to anyone. But who knows? Stranger things have happened!
Love,
Terry
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Peace: the New Normal
How fast 2011 has gone! But I think that every year"s end. Is time speeding up or is it just my age? We've seen tragedies and miracles all over the world in 2011; meanness and compassion too. All of it is fresh in our minds and we tend to think it abnormal.
It is not. It is life.
So much of what happens to the world, to our country, our community, our congregation and our family is the result human action/inaction. A man I greatly admire has said more than once, “Most of our problems are caused by human beings. Most of our problems can be solved by human beings.” To this I would add, “IF we are Divinely inspired.”
For the most part, if communities would follow the guiding principles of their culture"s dominant religion, amazing and incredible miracles could happen! We have the power to create a New Normal!
Can you imagine countries putting peer pressure on one another to be more ethical, compassionate, honest, peace-seeking and justice-loving? Now that's a trickle down policy I could support!
One thing I learned from my Human Rights Campaign experiences is that the way to achieve change is to start at the bottom and work your way up. Huge changes in political parties' philosophy were begun through elections to positions on school boards and county commissioners - elections that are not considered by many to be of high importance.
So that sappy hymn I love so well just might hold a key to open the door to that New Normal. “Let There Be Peace On Earth and Let It Begin with Me!”
Hope, Peace, Love and Joy to you and “Happy New Year!”
Terry
It is not. It is life.
So much of what happens to the world, to our country, our community, our congregation and our family is the result human action/inaction. A man I greatly admire has said more than once, “Most of our problems are caused by human beings. Most of our problems can be solved by human beings.” To this I would add, “IF we are Divinely inspired.”
For the most part, if communities would follow the guiding principles of their culture"s dominant religion, amazing and incredible miracles could happen! We have the power to create a New Normal!
Can you imagine countries putting peer pressure on one another to be more ethical, compassionate, honest, peace-seeking and justice-loving? Now that's a trickle down policy I could support!
One thing I learned from my Human Rights Campaign experiences is that the way to achieve change is to start at the bottom and work your way up. Huge changes in political parties' philosophy were begun through elections to positions on school boards and county commissioners - elections that are not considered by many to be of high importance.
So that sappy hymn I love so well just might hold a key to open the door to that New Normal. “Let There Be Peace On Earth and Let It Begin with Me!”
Hope, Peace, Love and Joy to you and “Happy New Year!”
Terry
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
To a Glorious Tomorrow!
I watched a 38 minute DVD last night. It was of the program celebrating MHCC"s 35th Anniversary as a congregation. Divided into 2 sections, the first covered the history of our church from its inception through 1990. The second portion was a series of short comments from then-members beginning with the phrase, “I remember when….” Among the faces I recognized were Ray Bristol, Frank Mabee, Stan Hagadone, Gay Gilmore, Cy Gaiser, Lou Ann Ligon and Val Cunningham. As the video played I must admit that, at first, I was a tad depressed. Before me were scenes of a full church with lots of children and many peace and justice efforts that were well documented. But by the end of the disc, I realized that I was watching my church, made up of my friends who were doing God’s work! I was excited! The spirit of our people, that time and this place have not changed!!!
But some things do change.
2011 has brought so many changes to our remarkable faith community! The most obvious and, by far, the most conspicuous, are manifested in our building and entrance. But there have been other changes that have gone by with less fanfare.
Despite some financial belt-tightening, we have maintained, and in some cases exceeded our outreach efforts. New opportunities for direct involvement are seen in members" exponential participation in Project Linus and our serving meals to young people at First Youth Texas. The Alternative Christmas raised over $10,000 for a variety of deserving non-profits and we have met our goals for mission giving from our 2011 budget, which is around 10% I believe. Still, independent of other fundraising, we have benefited from generous donors, resulting in a new piano for the renewed Sanctuary and windows for the Education Building and Community Hall plus new sliding doors for that area as well.
We have welcomed back David Hammons as our Administrative Assistant and embraced Amber Churchill as our Minister In Training, while continuing to enjoy the skills and creativity of Greg Nunn, Music Director, and the detailed work done by Barbie Lund, Bookkeeper. Lay leaders have worked diligently and intensely on our behalf all year. (So glad we don’t pay them, especially by the hour!)
We are about to begin a New Year that will bring changes and nonchanges:
a new slate of officers, but the same passion to serve; a new budget, but the same priorities for doing God’s work; the same location, but a new look.
We have a history, a legacy, and a reputation within our denomination that have been made strong through the dedication of Ray and Frank and Stan and Gay and Cy and Lou Ann and Val and so many I never had the honor to know - all who made this church the fantastic one-of-a-kind community of faith it has become! Today’s congregation bears the weight of the dreams of all who came before us. We have our own dreams, dreams that are consistent with our past, yet looking toward the future. Their coming true depends upon us. So here’s to yesterday, today and to a glorious tomorrow!
Love,
Terry
But some things do change.
2011 has brought so many changes to our remarkable faith community! The most obvious and, by far, the most conspicuous, are manifested in our building and entrance. But there have been other changes that have gone by with less fanfare.
Despite some financial belt-tightening, we have maintained, and in some cases exceeded our outreach efforts. New opportunities for direct involvement are seen in members" exponential participation in Project Linus and our serving meals to young people at First Youth Texas. The Alternative Christmas raised over $10,000 for a variety of deserving non-profits and we have met our goals for mission giving from our 2011 budget, which is around 10% I believe. Still, independent of other fundraising, we have benefited from generous donors, resulting in a new piano for the renewed Sanctuary and windows for the Education Building and Community Hall plus new sliding doors for that area as well.
We have welcomed back David Hammons as our Administrative Assistant and embraced Amber Churchill as our Minister In Training, while continuing to enjoy the skills and creativity of Greg Nunn, Music Director, and the detailed work done by Barbie Lund, Bookkeeper. Lay leaders have worked diligently and intensely on our behalf all year. (So glad we don’t pay them, especially by the hour!)
We are about to begin a New Year that will bring changes and nonchanges:
a new slate of officers, but the same passion to serve; a new budget, but the same priorities for doing God’s work; the same location, but a new look.
We have a history, a legacy, and a reputation within our denomination that have been made strong through the dedication of Ray and Frank and Stan and Gay and Cy and Lou Ann and Val and so many I never had the honor to know - all who made this church the fantastic one-of-a-kind community of faith it has become! Today’s congregation bears the weight of the dreams of all who came before us. We have our own dreams, dreams that are consistent with our past, yet looking toward the future. Their coming true depends upon us. So here’s to yesterday, today and to a glorious tomorrow!
Love,
Terry
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Santa's Sack, or...?
For what I do is not the good thing that I desire to do; but the evil thing that I desire not to do, is what I constantly do.
~ Romans 7:19, The Weymouth New Testament
Today I’m wearing clothes that are big and baggy looking on me, not because I’ve lost weight but, on the contrary, because Halloween, family special occasions and Thanksgiving seemed all bunched together. This is yet another example of the truth I find in the quote attributed to Paul as printed above.
Sometimes the wrong words come spilling forth from my mouth just as surely as the wrong foods are shoveled in. I’ve learned over the years that, for me, when I’m really upset about something, the best course is to keep my mouth shut until my brain catches up with my tongue. That is a lesson learned, but not always a lesson put into practice.
Too many poorly chosen foods and too many poorly chosen words both weigh heavily upon human hearts and both are very unhealthy; one physically, the other spiritually [although if you keep company with a rough crowd those words may cause you bodily as well as spiritual pain!].
We often hear the term “comfort food.” That’s the stuff we eat when we are feeling blue or lonely or sad – the tastes that remind us of safety and warmth and love – they make us feel better. I have heard the term “gunny sacking” referring to collecting negative feelings like anger and hurt and refraining from acknowledging them, claiming them or responding to them until the bag gets so full, heavy and cumbersome that we have no control over our will to open them and let it all pour out in one ragging wave of emotion. Momentarily, we might feel a bit better but in the long run [which is often of short duration] we end up feeling much worse than before, just as we do when we indulge in too much “comfort food.”
This is where I invite you to re-read our lead scripture in this column to better understand what I think, in part, it means for our lives today.
Done? Good.
I find it easy to find this fault in others but easier to find in myself. If you have ever been hit by someone’s over-stuffed gunny sack you how much it can sting. With all the responsibilities we each one carry, how about if we offer extra doses of grace to one another. Grace is a gift that fits all and we don’t have to worry about the color. Still, it might be a good idea to open our sacks a little at a time…
Love,
Terry
~ Romans 7:19, The Weymouth New Testament
Today I’m wearing clothes that are big and baggy looking on me, not because I’ve lost weight but, on the contrary, because Halloween, family special occasions and Thanksgiving seemed all bunched together. This is yet another example of the truth I find in the quote attributed to Paul as printed above.
Sometimes the wrong words come spilling forth from my mouth just as surely as the wrong foods are shoveled in. I’ve learned over the years that, for me, when I’m really upset about something, the best course is to keep my mouth shut until my brain catches up with my tongue. That is a lesson learned, but not always a lesson put into practice.
Too many poorly chosen foods and too many poorly chosen words both weigh heavily upon human hearts and both are very unhealthy; one physically, the other spiritually [although if you keep company with a rough crowd those words may cause you bodily as well as spiritual pain!].
We often hear the term “comfort food.” That’s the stuff we eat when we are feeling blue or lonely or sad – the tastes that remind us of safety and warmth and love – they make us feel better. I have heard the term “gunny sacking” referring to collecting negative feelings like anger and hurt and refraining from acknowledging them, claiming them or responding to them until the bag gets so full, heavy and cumbersome that we have no control over our will to open them and let it all pour out in one ragging wave of emotion. Momentarily, we might feel a bit better but in the long run [which is often of short duration] we end up feeling much worse than before, just as we do when we indulge in too much “comfort food.”
This is where I invite you to re-read our lead scripture in this column to better understand what I think, in part, it means for our lives today.
Done? Good.
I find it easy to find this fault in others but easier to find in myself. If you have ever been hit by someone’s over-stuffed gunny sack you how much it can sting. With all the responsibilities we each one carry, how about if we offer extra doses of grace to one another. Grace is a gift that fits all and we don’t have to worry about the color. Still, it might be a good idea to open our sacks a little at a time…
Love,
Terry
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