Woodbury 5.0

Good morning, Loved Ones,

Thanks to Terry we are back Hump Day at least for a week. Woke to find Terry got the gratitude started today. So . . . your Hump Day 5.0 from Terry!

Rick:

I awakened aware I had fallen asleep amidst my Dame 5.0's last eve. So, here's a reflection you can use if you wish for your Hump Day blessing to "your loved ones."

__________________

Today's Thanks-giving Reflection is from Psalm 147.

How good it is to sing praises to our God;

for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.

²The Lord ... gathers the outcasts of Israel.

³He heals the brokenhearted,

and binds up their wounds.

⁴He determines the number of the stars;

he gives to all of them their names.

⁵Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;

his understanding is beyond measure.

⁶The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;

he casts the wicked to the ground.

⁷Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;

⁸He covers the heavens with clouds,

prepares rain for the earth,

makes grass grow on the hills.

⁹He gives to the animals their food,

and to the young ravens when they cry.

¹⁰His delight is not in the strength of the horse,

nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;

¹¹but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,

in those who hope in his steadfast love.

My thanks today is to God "whose understanding is beyond measure, who lifts the downtrodden and casts the wicked to the ground, and whose pleasure is not in the strength of the horse but in those who hope in his steadfast love."

>> Thanks be to God today for 8 Hispanic men who work from sun-up to sun-down replacing our hailed roof: a true team -- energetic, professional, steadfast & joyful. They humble me.

>> Thanks be to God today for Chrysanne Grund and Keith Anglemyer -- long time developer of health and brand new pastor to a community -- who, together, have taken the reins of service, ready to energize those near and far in gaining a fresh vision of tomorrow. They humble me.

>> Thanks be to God today for Eldonna's and my new grandson -- George Douglas Woodbury -- born to Lance & Dana: a gift from above, born into a world below begging for yet another to fear the Lord and lift the downtrodden. This birth humbles me.

>> Thanks be to God today for my 6 Public Square Colleagues -- all fully engaged in their life work -- who give themselves additionally to the dream of revitalizing communities who also have a dream of being more than they are. They humble me.

>> Thanks be to God today for John and Gwen Haspels, lifelong missionaries in Africa, whose stories put flesh on the wisdom that God uses the weak to shame the strong, taking what is foolish to shame the wise. They humble me.

And thanks -- one more time -- that Pastor Rick began this weekly Discipline of Gratitude two Thanksgiving's ago. What a gift to the world, acceptable and blessed!

Amen.

Terry

Terry Woodbury, President
Public Square Communities LLC
twoodbury@buildthesquare.com
620/214-0002

All the Saints

Good afternoon, Loved Ones,

Another Hump Day came and went without enough time to document my gratitude cybernetic-ally. Consequently, I have decided to roll with it. Consider this Thankful Thursday. Today I am thinking ahead to All Saints Day, Monday, Nov. 1, and sharing one of the lectionary texts for that day, Luke's version of the beatitudes..

Luke 6:20-23 (The Message)

Then he spoke:
You're blessed when you've lost it all.
God's kingdom is there for the finding.
You're blessed when you're ravenously hungry.
Then you're ready for the Messianic meal.
You're blessed when the tears flow freely.
Joy comes with the morning.

^22-23"Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb, if you like!—for even though they don't like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this.

Jesus Idea of blessings, of things we should be thankful for, seem to fly in the face of our expectations. The saints, those who follow Jesus, see challenges as blessings.

Thanks for the blessings Grandview Park has found in the midst of the tremendous loss, hunger and tears of the last couple of months.

Thanks for the 25 saints gathered for prayer on a cool Wednesday night at the church.

Thanks for the spontaneous lunch crew of Stella, Veronica, DeDe, Sonia, Maria, Carmen and others who have satisfied our hunger after church the last few weeks.

Thanks for Orlando Gallardo, the young seminarian who will bring the message to us this Sunday.

Thanks for all the saints, who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia!

2 Peter 2:10 reminds us of our call "to tell others of the night-and-day difference God made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted." So, all you saints, even though we are a day late, let's hear of your blessings.

Gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick

Good morning, Loved Ones,

Today we look at a traveler's psalm. Psalm 121

Psalm 121 (The Message)

A Pilgrim Song

^1-2 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.
^3-4 He won't let you stumble,
your Guardian God won't fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel's
Guardian will never doze or sleep.
^5-6 God's your Guardian,
right at your side to protect you—
Shielding you from sunstroke,
sheltering you from moonstroke.
^7-8 God guards you from every evil,
he guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return,
he guards you now, he guards you always.

This psalm is one of the psalms of ascents. It was a blessing for those about to travel 'up to' Jerusalem. It acknowledges the dangers along the way; the temptation to be drawn away to the mountain top altars burning to Baal, the hazards of bandits, the blistering sun, the terrors of night. But even as it acknowledges the terrors of the journey, the terrors are trumped by the unwavering companionship and protection of the Lord of heaven and earth who does not snooze nor snore.

Whether you journey is of the weekend variety or the lifetime sojourn, give thanks for the Guardian God who 'walks with you and talks with you along life's narrow way.'

Thank you, Lord, that though I still live and work in the city of my birth, you have taken me far from the comforts and confines of a parochial faith.
Thank you, Lord, for being there during the terrors I have experienced in life.
Thank you, Lord, that most terrors are not at all what they are made out to be.
Thank you, Lord, that today we are able to travel and journey with a level of peace and safety unheard of in the history of the world. Yet, Lord, we offer prayers for those who, around the world, make life-threatening journeys across borders for better lives.
Thank you, Lord, that our life-long journeys with you are full of beauty, grace, hope, peace, welcome and overcoming.

Where are you headed today? Do you know that the One "who made heaven, and earth, and mountains" is with you?

Gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick

Shouting Gratitude

Good morning, Loved Ones,

Hump day is a day late this week. My apologies, but yesterday got away from me.

Today we look at the gospel reading from Sunday's lectionary.

Luke 17:11-19 (The Message)

^11-13It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"

^14-16Taking a good look at them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests."

They went, and while still on their way, became clean. One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan.

^17-19Jesus said, "Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?" Then he said to him, "Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you."

Today I give thanks that the church's healing is often found in those who are considered outsiders.

I give thanks for the work of Elena Morales and the MUSA theatre group who bring healing and hope to those who are survivors of domestic violence.

I give thanks for the bi-lingual prayer group gathering at the church last night.

I give thanks for the voices of little Alin and Ashley reading many scriptures aloud last night, but particularly Philippians 4:6-7 about not worrying and turning our worries into prayers. If I had a recording of their voices reading that passage to listen to once a day, then worry would occupy far less of my day.

I give thank for hot chocolate, sweet bread and apples with caramel dip.

We're a day late, but not short on gratitude,

Gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick

Good afternoon, Loved Ones,

One of the psalm passages from the daily lectionary is Psalm 65.

Psalm 65:9-13 (The Message)

^9-13 Oh, visit the earth,
ask her to join the dance!
Deck her out in spring showers,
fill the God-River with living water.
Paint the wheat fields golden.
Creation was made for this!
Drench the plowed fields,
soak the dirt clods
With rainfall as harrow and rake
bring her to blossom and fruit.
Snow-crown the peaks with splendor,
scatter rose petals down your paths,
All through the wild meadows, rose petals.
Set the hills to dancing,
Dress the canyon walls with live sheep,
a drape of flax across the valleys.
Let them shout, and shout, and shout!
Oh, oh, let them sing!

Today I give thanks that the creative work of God continues each day even as we struggle with our personal, family and church challenges.

Today I give thanks for our presbytery, for it's staff and for the careful support and care given to congregations who are hurting.

Today I give thanks for friends who listen and help.

Today I give thanks that God promises that all things work together for good.

Today I give thanks for Grandview Park Church, it's past, present and future.

Gimme cinco.

Blessings,
Pastor Rick

Reckless Love

Good afternoon, Loved Ones,

Today you get a tandem jump on the Gimme Cinco skydive. Let's hope the chute opens!

As Pastor Terry and I work together preparing for a community conversation tomorrow night in Conception, MO we ponder our gratitude with the daily lectionary passage ringing in our ears.

John 12:24-26 (The Message)

^24-25"Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal.

It is wheat planting season. Thanks for those who plant in faith knowing that something has to die in order for something else to be born.

Already in Meade County last week's tragic death of Craig Unruh has given birth to the mystery of hope and new energy.

For support that is all around us in friends and strangers and the reckless way God loves us through them.

I give thanks for the times I have failed, been terminated and been sued. These have taught me life's best lessons.

For the cracks in my heart and armor in which the seed of God's love can find it's way in and out.

I give thanks for mentors who have died and who's seed I have seen multiply: my mother and dad, Morris McCrackin, Otto and Sally Handwerk, Alma West, Bert Cantwell.

I give thanks for mentors who are living who are continually "dead to the world" and alive in Christ: Tom Williams, Phylis Rauh, Bill Mularky, Donna Chavez, Doug Hubbard.

I give thanks for wisdom and mentoring that can come even from our children . . . Sam and Luke, thanks!

I give thanks for the reckless loving of Chip, our newly adopted dog who we accidently locked in the shed for two days without food or water, yet who cam bounding out, playful and giving kisses to Eldonna and me.

I give thanks for all who "listen carefully." Theirs is the Kingdom of God.


Well, I think the chute opened, and now that our feet are back on the ground . . . back to work!

Gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick & Pastor Terry

Mercy Is Infinite

Good evening, Loved Ones,

It is the wee hours of Thursday morning and I am just now preparing for sleep and drumming up thankfulness. My meditation for the night comes from the movie Babette's Feast. In the movie, set in an isolated coastal town in Denmark, a small faith community of puritans is given a gift of an exquisite feast. The feast cost Babette, the servant cook, the entirety of her lottery winnings which would have enabled her to return to Paris and live comfortably. Instead, Babette chooses to lavish an incredible feast upon those who would not even have the least idea of the incredible value of the meal. An army general attends the meal and is able to communicate to puritan brothers and sisters the phenomenal gift of rich food and drink they are sharing. As he revels in the moment he remembers the words of the community's deceased pastor.

"Mercy and truth have met together. Righteousness and bliss shall kiss one another. Man, in his weakness and shortsightness, believes he must make choices in this life. He trembles at the risks he takes. We do know fear. But no. Our choice is of no importance. There comes a time when your eyes are opened. And we come to realize that mercy is infinite.We need only await it with confidence, and receive it with gratitude. Mercy imposes no conditions. And, lo! Everything we have chosen has been granted to us, and everything we have rejected has also been granted. Yes, we even get back what we rejected. For mercy and truth are met together; and righteousness and bliss shall kiss one another."

In these early morning hours hours I give thanks that, though we lose sleep over the trials of today and the challenges of tomorrow, we can be confident that mercy is infinite.

As I sit here in bed and consider my own limitations and my own failings I give thanks that mercy imposes no conditions.

At the close of the day I give thanks for moments of sharing with my best friend DeDe about our day.

In this infinitesimally small moment of my existence I give thanks that, as St. Julian of Norwich said, "all shall be well and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well."

I give thanks that today I have had life, and tomorrow, God willing, I'll have more of it.

Blessings and Mercy,
Pastor Rick

Listen Hard

Good morning, Loved Ones,

Our text for today, though it may initially sound like a lamentation, is in the end a statement of trust.

Psalm 130 (The Message)

A Pilgrim Song

^1-2 Help, God—the bottom has fallen out of my life! Master, hear my cry for help!
Listen hard! Open your ears!
Listen to my cries for mercy.
^3-4 If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings,
who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
and that's why you're worshiped.
^5-6 I pray to God—my life a prayer—
and wait for what he'll say and do.
My life's on the line before God, my Lord,
waiting and watching till morning,
waiting and watching till morning.
^7-8 O Israel, wait and watch for God—
with God's arrival comes love,
with God's arrival comes generous redemption.
No doubt about it—he'll redeem Israel,
buy back Israel from captivity to sin.


Today I give thanks that God hears the cries of the people.

Today I give thanks that forgiveness is God's habit.

Today I give thanks that God's arrival means the arrival of love.

Today I give thanks that waiting and hope are essentially the same word in Spanish. (Esperar-Esperanza)

Today I give thanks that God is in control.

I ask for two special prayers from you today.
1) Please pray for my son's (Sam) safety as he travels back to school in Ohio on this rainy first day of September.
2) Please keep Grandview Park Church in your prayers as we go though some very significant challenges.

Friends, wait and watch for God . . . and as you wait . . . give thanks.

Peace,
Pastor Rick

Good Terms

Good morning, Loved Ones,

Our scripture for the day is a small portion of one of the lectionary passages for this Sunday. The entire passage is Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16.

Hebrews 13:1-2

^1-2Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it's needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!

The challenge of being held together by love seems to have a connection to hospitality. In the times when relationships are strained and stretched, hospitality may be the best and only medicine.

I give thanks for . . .

. . . the act of generosity from the family of Misa who last Sunday provided a meal for the congregation when one was not available. Hospitality often comes form the 'new' person.

. . . Pastor Alfonso who goes above and beyond the call of a pastor by seeing that the trash gets where it needs to be, enlisting folks like Hugo, Veronica, Luis, Telma and many others to join him in cleaning the church, and working each day to make the church a place of welcome for all people.

. . . my grandparents, the Behrens, the Davidson's and the Nelson's (three sets of grandparents - one of the benefits of having a step-dad!). Grandparents have hospitality figured out. I remember delicious rice and toast at G-ma & G-pa Davidsons, Saturday nights with Yahtzee games and 'comfortable' couch-beds at G-ma & G-pa Behrens and Lincoln Logs and fried chicken at G-ma & G-pa Nelsons.

. . . the incredible welcome and hospitality offered every Wednesday night in homes that are opened for weekly prayer group. Prayers, songs, food and fellowship.

. . . all those who have offered unmerited hospitality to me in my 50 years. I give thanks that hospitality is an act of faith that can heal and strengthen us.

My prayer today is that we would learn from all those who have acted in faith and offered hospitality to angels.

Gimme cinco.

Pastor Rick

Closer Than Breath

Good evening, Loved Ones,

It's barely hump day still. Another 57 minutes here in Central time. It's getting more difficult for me to get this done on Wednesdays. I'll try to figure out a way to get the e-mail posted earlier in the day. But until I do, I hope that you will be patient and continue to respond, even if it's Thursday or Friday or any day.

Our quote today comes from the Rev. George MacLeod. George MacLeod was a pastor in the Church of Scotland. He pastored a church in the Govan neighborhood in Glasgow during the 1920's and 30's. He saw that most pastors were disconnected from the poor. During the depression many skilled blue collar workers were out of work. Pastor MacLeod arranged for seminary students to work alongside these workers to help rebuild the chapel and abbey on the western isle of Iona. Today the Abbey is a place of welcome and peace for people from all over the world. His life and theology was incarnational as is this quote.

God is at the heart of all life, in both the visible and invisible. We don't have to try to reach God through acts of devotion, for God is closer to us than our very breath. We have been given union with God whether we like it or not. Our flesh is his flesh, and we can't jump out of our skins. The Rev. George MacLeod

Much to be thankful for . . .

Twenty-five years of partnership, family and love with my wife and best friend, DeDe.

Seventeen years of getting to know Lucas, the youngest of God's two most tremendous gifts to our family. Happy B-Day, Pato Lucas!

Two more weeks before Sam heads back to Oberlin. Another great summer with Sam the Yeoman.

A Wednesday night prayer group with more than 30 people singing, praying, eating and celebrating.

Charlie the Honest One who gave it to us straight in an impromptu interview in Clyde, MO. Woven through the f-bombs and bull he told us what was important to him and helped us to understand the community.

God's incarnation in Jesus and in each of us at one and the same time keeping us humble and pointing us toward glory.

Gimme cinco!
Pastor Rick

Good evening, Loved Ones,

The evening psalm for today is number 33. Here are the first few verses.

Psalm 33:1-5

Good people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising.
Use guitars to reinforce your Hallelujahs!
Play his praise on a grand piano!
Invent your own new song to him;
give him a trumpet fanfare.
For God's Word is solid to the core;
everything he makes is sound inside and out.
He loves it when everything fits,
when his world is in plumb-line true.
Earth is drenched
in God's affectionate satisfaction.

Thank you for the new songs of youth that challenge my 50 year-old presumptions and preferences -- for the Lady Gagas, the Frightened Rabbits, the Arcade Fires and the Los Amigos Invisibles. New songs are new songs and God is in them.

Thank you for new songs from young people who are supposed to be old. Mavis Staples at 70, still belting out the good news through new melodies and words and even making the old tunes like Freedom Train and I'll Take You There new.

Thank you for new songs echoing through the concrete canyons of Chicago coming from young people who gathered by the thousands to be inspired by and to share the gift of music.

Thank you for new songs in the hearts of those of us who aren't so new. New visions and messages from the likes of Pastor Alfonso bring hope and faith.

Thank you for new songs that remind me of God's affectionate satisfaction.

Gimme cinco.

Pastor Rick



Suddenly Doing the Impossible

Good evening, Loved Ones,

Ran upon this quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi:

Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
Francis of Assisi

Every day we are surrounded by people who are doing the necessary, the possible and the impossible. Let's give thanks.

Thank you, Lord, for a Sunday full of puppets and kids.
Thank you, Lord, for summer full of young people from as far away as California, New York and Canada who lived in the church and served in our neighborhood.
Thank you, Lord, for Eric, Cassie, Jesse and Katie who gave their summer to leading those 700+ young people.
Thank you, Lord, for our eldest son, Sam, who turned 21 last Friday.
Thank you, Lord, for the impossible opportunities that surround us.

Gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick

Tell the World

Good morning, Loved Ones,

The psalm for this Sunday is 107.
Psalm 107:1-3 (The Message)
Oh, thank God—he's so good! His love never runs out.
All of you set free by God, tell the world!
Tell how he freed you from oppression,
Then rounded you up from all over the place,
from the four winds, from the seven seas.


I thank God that I have been rounded up with folks from the four winds to be one of God's children.
I thank God that I have been set free from labels and labeling.
I thank God for youth who are jazzed and energized by a trip together with other youth from all over the place.
I thank God for traveling mercies and homecomings.
I thank God that underdogs win more often than we expect --- KC Wizards 2 - The Mighty Manchester United 1 --- Wahoodles!

Tell the world! Gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick

Your Secret Garden

Good afternoon, Loved Ones,

Two quotes to consider for tonight. The first is from Sarah Ban Breathnach who has written a great deal on the subject of gratitude. The second is attributed to Buddha and I think establishes the sort of baseline gratitude we express when working in 100 degree heat we say, "Well, at least it's not raining!"

“Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend… when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present — love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure — the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience Heaven on earth.” –Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” — Buddha

So, whether you are tending your secret garden of abundance or simply happy you didn't die today . . . whatever inspires your expressions of gratitude, know that gratitude is not gratitude if it is not expressed. If you don't say it here, then say it to someone near you. "Thank you!"

Thank you for . . .

. . . twenty brave Dream Act young people who are tired of living in the shadows and risked arrest and deportation to make a case for the DREAM Act.
. . . the coalition of leaders who came together and planned and executed the Love Conquers Hate rally last week in southern Johnson County.
. . . the cool rooms to which I am able to retreat after a day of working in the hot sun.
. . . Cofi the Border Collie who always greets me with love and is a great swimmer.
. . . the 5000 youth and adult leaders from Grandview Park and many other churches who have gathered at the Presbyterian Youth Triennium at Purdue University to learn and be inspired.

What's in your secret garden today?

Pastor Rick

What's Coming to You

Good evening, Loved Ones,

The daily lectionary gospel passage for today is one I cannot resist. Here's a portion.

^{Matthew 25:31-46
34-36}"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why:

I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.'

Today I am thankful for those who have fed me . . . those who take the time to make a meal to share, those who bake the bread, make the tacos and set the table.
Today I'm thankful for ice water on 100 degree days, for sun tea brewed a day ahead to share, for coffee handed to me loaded with cream and sweetener and a dram of scotch shared over good conversation.
Today I'm thankful for people who welcome me in their home, their city, their town, their hearts.
Today I'm thankful for thick clothes on cold days and thin clothes on warm days and the variety of hands that toil in areas of poverty around the world so that I can dress appropriately and cheaply. (God forgive us!)
Today I'm thankful for those who have cared enough to stop and share words of hope when my spirit is sick and touch me with healing hands when my body aches.
Today I'm thankful for my faith family whom I know will be there to help liberate me from whatever evil may capture me.

For the promise of a blessings that come when we share our common humanity with each other . . . I give thanks.

Gimme cinco!
Pastor Rick

Cultivate Thankfulness

Good morning, Loved Ones,

Welcome to Wednesday. Your passage for the day . . .

Colossians 3:12-17 (The Message)

^12-14So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

^15-17Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

The thankfulness I cultivate today . . .

. . . the canceling of a political rally at a local Christian University. The rally was not consistent with the values of the passage above and the president of the University changed his mind and canceled an event that would have brought dissension and hate to our community. Thanks be to God for an administrator who listens.

. . . the opportunity for training which will come to our elders this Saturday and over the next 3 months. This training should help us to be in tune and in step with each other.

. . . three beautiful days of day camp. This tradition of 30+ years has not grown old or stale. For Lone Pine shelter, circles of songs, stories and prayers, swimmers and keep away games, smores and hot dogs and watermelon, soccer and kickball, hikes and buses . . .

. . . the last 4 weeks of a church bursting at the seams with activity, children and youth.

. . . the perfect storm of rainy day + work at home + Tour de France in the morning + World Cup Germany v France in the afternoon + prayer group at Pastor Alfonso's in the evening = "Happy, happy, joy, joy!"

Gimme cinco!
Pastor Rick

A Careful Exploration

Good Evening, Loved Ones,

Made it through the day with twos hours left before my discipline of Wednesday gratitude fades into the night. Here's one of the lectionary passages for this Sunday to consider.

Galatians 6 (The Message)

^1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

^4-5Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

This Dame Cinco effort is part of our "creative best." In the last year-and-a-half we have made more than 5000 expressions of gratitude through this discipline. There have been more than 1000 email links in our gratitude chain. Let's keep making a "careful exploration" of our lives through gratitude.

As I move toward sleep, tonight I give thanks for . . .

. . . Alin Sanchez who celebrated her 9th birthday tonight at prayer group. Alin is a tiny little 9 year old, with a tremendous character. She is a devoted sister to her brother and little sister and an inspiration to her parents and her church family. Feliz Cumpleanos, Alin!

. . . day one of the more than 30 year tradition of Grandview Park's Day Camp. About 90 kids and adults invaded Heartland Presbyterian Center and had a blast singing, telling Bible stories, swimming, hiking, cooking and eating lunch, playing soccer and making crafts.

. . . the hard-working staff of the summer program - Jennifer, Ms. Washington, Gely, Sam, Erandeni, Cheny, Jean and Martha. They sink four weeks of their lives into the lives of our children and youth. May God bless them richly.

. . . a vacation weekend soccer tournament that found youngest son, Lucas, on the winning end of a tournament even as the US was eliminated from the World Cup. It was a great getaway made all the better by one of those rare win-it-all moments.

. . . the beauty of God's creation that can be seen even while traveling at 75 mph down the interstate. Lakes rimmed in reeeds, rolling green hills of various hues and bounty, rich blue skies dappled with puffs of white . . .

Gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick

Good morning (barely), Loved Ones,

Must confess to having spent the last 2 hours glued to ESPN watching the USA's last minute victory over Algeria in the World Cup. After having been denied a victory against Slovenia when the ref wrongfully disallowed a goal, having a similar moment happen early in today's game, the team persisted and at the right moment in the 92nd minute their persistence paid off. Without the goal, the tournament would have been over for the US. As it is, they go on to the knock out round of 16. I must admit that I am glad I am communicating via email at the moment because I blew out my voice, first in despair and then in glorious celebration.

One of the daily lectionary passages for tomorrow is a favorite of many.

Romans 5:3-5 (The Message)

There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

It's easy to believe the truth of this passage when you win the game in the 92nd minute. A bit harder when the goal doesn't come and a dream comes to an end. But the passage reminds us that troubles will come, that patience comes out of trouble, and character or virtue then leads us to hope. And we end up finding our lives full of God's grace.

I thank the Lord today for . . .

. . . moments of ecstatic joy when, in spite of troubles and challenges, patience endures and character produces the hoped for Goooooooooooooooooooooooal!
. . . Grandview Park Church which has endured many trials and struggles and yet has developed a passionate patience and determined character and has not only survived, but thrived when and where many others have given up. There are definitely not enough containers to hold everything God has poured into the life of GPPC in 121 years.
. . . the many who are suffering on the gulf coast and yet are persevering to do what is necessary to move forward and clean up what seems an insurmountable disaster. May their faith stay strong.
. . . the faithful 'perseverers' in small town/rural America who fight against long odds and a long list of challenges to build their communities and live in "alert expectancy." Their struggles are not unlike the struggles urban neighborhoods face.
. . . youth, like many in our church, who are persisting in doing the right thing educationally even though the current immigration laws have put a seemingly insurmountable wall in front of them. A wall that will deny them the ability to work, get a driver's license and, even in some states, attend a state university. They have shown immeasurable patience and character. Now we are alert for what God will do next!

Troubles + Patience + Character = Hope

Gimme Cinco!

Pastor "Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole!" Rick

A Gentle and Quiet Whisper

Good afternoon, Loved Ones,

Consider this story of Elijah as we approach Father's Day.

1 Kings 19:3-15 (The Message)

^3-5 When Elijah saw how things were, he ran for dear life to Beersheba, far in the south of Judah. He left his young servant there and then went on into the desert another day's journey. He came to a lone broom bush and collapsed in its shade, wanting in the worst way to be done with it all—to just die: "Enough of this, God! Take my life—I'm ready to join my ancestors in the grave!" Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush.

Suddenly an angel shook him awake and said, "Get up and eat!"

⁶ He looked around and, to his surprise, right by his head were a loaf of bread baked on some coals and a jug of water. He ate the meal and went back to sleep.

⁷ The angel of God came back, shook him awake again, and said, "Get up and eat some more—you've got a long journey ahead of you."

^8-9 He got up, ate and drank his fill, and set out. Nourished by that meal, he walked forty days and nights, all the way to the mountain of God, to Horeb. When he got there, he crawled into a cave and went to sleep.

Then the word of God came to him: "So Elijah, what are you doing here?"

¹⁰ "I've been working my heart out for the God-of-the-Angel-Armies," said Elijah. "The people of Israel have abandoned your covenant, destroyed the places of worship, and murdered your prophets. I'm the only one left, and now they're trying to kill me."

^11-12 Then he was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by."

A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.

^13-14 When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he muffled his face with his great cloak, went to the mouth of the cave, and stood there. A quiet voice asked, "So Elijah, now tell me, what are you doing here?" Elijah said it again, "I've been working my heart out for God, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies, because the people of Israel have abandoned your covenant, destroyed your places of worship, and murdered your prophets. I'm the only one left, and now they're trying to kill me."

^15-18 God said, "Go back the way you came through the desert to Damascus. When you get there anoint Hazael; make him king over Aram. Then anoint Jehu son of Nimshi; make him king over Israel. Finally, anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Anyone who escapes death by Hazael will be killed by Jehu; and anyone who escapes death by Jehu will be killed by Elisha. Meanwhile, I'm preserving for myself seven thousand souls: the knees that haven't bowed to the god Baal, the mouths that haven't kissed his image."

Elijah has hit the wall. He's up against that wall that we often hit ourselves; the "I give up" wall, the "I'm all alone" wall, the "what's the point" wall. But Elijah finds that he's not alone, that God has not given up on him and that the point is still justice and hope. Whether you are a father or mother or a brother or sister you have surely struggled with keepin' on keepin' on. I give thanks today that we are not alone in the struggle. I am thankful for the fathers/brothers/mentors who have helped me get over the walls.

Check out this father/son song. It inspired me --- hope it does you too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbqF6Xv1mNU

Thank you, Lord, for . . .

. . . my father, Dean Behrens. Although he died when I was 5 and I barely knew him, I remember a few moments and I am grateful for those memories and whatever good he passed on to me through those moments we shared together.
. . . my brother, Greg Behrens. I know of no more patient and kind person than my big brother. I'm thankful for his work as a father and a dedicated leader in his faith community.
. . . my step-dad, Jerry Nelson. Jerry stepped in when I needed a father figure and immersed our family into a small faith community. I remember the day he came into our room and asked us to call him "Dad."
. . . my Prebyterian father, Tom Williams. Pastor Tom welcomed me into a new church family and mentored and counseled me. He has been an inspiration for my pastoral call.
. . . my Parishioner dad, Bill McCune. When our boys were little Bill encouraged me saying, "enjoy this time, Rick. These are the best years."
. . . my older-brother-of-another-mother, Terry Woodbury. Pastor Terry has been an unwavering friend, supporter and partner in minstry.
. . . my brother-from-another-culture, Alfonso Tot. Pastor Alfonso has expanded my understanding of what it means to follow Christ. He has challenged my faith as we have worked hard to embrace a common vision.
. . . Randy, Bump, Javier, Dedric, Greg, Mike, Darrick, Ricardo, Jonathan, Mark and many others to numerous to mention who have been part of God's grace in my life.

We are "surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses." We are never alone.

Gimme cinco and have a great Father's Day.

Pastor Rick

Good afternoon, Loved Ones,

"If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal." This is what Jesus says in response to a pharisee's criticism of him because he allowed a prostitute to crack open an expensive vial of oil on his feet and wipe it up with her hair and her kisses. The exchange reveals much about our sense of entitlement, our impulses to be hospitable and the understanding of our need for forgiveness. However, the link between forgiveness and gratitude is something to which I have not given much thought. Does the level of our sense of being forgiven correlate to our expressions of gratitude. 79 people are on this e-mail list, yet 8-10 people consistently respond. Could this somehow be related to our personal sense of forgiveness? Is this true, what Jesus says? Minimal forgiveness = minimal gratitude. And is the converse potentially true? Tremendous forgiveness = tremendous gratitude.

Luke 7:36-8:3 (The Message)
36-39 One of the Pharisees asked him over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee's house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him."
40 Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Oh? Tell me."
41-42 "Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?"
43-47 Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most."
"That's right," said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."
48 Then he spoke to her: "I forgive your sins."
49 That set the dinner guests talking behind his back: "Who does he think he is, forgiving sins!"
50 He ignored them and said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

Today I give thanks for . . .

. . . the lessons in hospitality and gratitude I have receive almost daily from my brothers and sisters at the church.
. . . the many times I have been forgiven by the people I love.
. . . the great mercy of God shown in Jesus who asks me to forgive even when I don't feel like it, even when its my enemy.
. . . the reality that, thanks be to God, I am learning enemies are few and far between and mostly in my head.
. . . people like Telma and Martha and Greg and Kent and Maria and Jennifer and many, many others who daily break open their expensive canisters of precious perfumes and oils and offer them to the church, the neighborhood, the community and thereby offer them to Christ. Their understanding of, their 'standing under' forgiveness must be great indeed.

How has forgiveness made you more grateful? Gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick

All of Our Yearning

Good evening, Loved Ones,

It's almost evening and my heart turns toward an evening psalm written by a favorite singer/songwriter named Bruce Cockburn. Perhaps tonight you'll be able to "step outside and take a look at the stars." (lyrics from another B. Cockburn song ;-) Maybe when you look at the stars your heart will leap or like David in Psalm 8 you will consider your place in God's great creation. Your reflection for tonight is extra-biblical.

Lord of the Starfields by Bruce Cockburn

Lord of the starfields
Ancient of Days
Universe Maker
Here's a song in your praise

Wings of the storm cloud
Beginning and end
You make my heart leap
Like a banner in the wind

O love that fires the sun
Keep me burning.

Lord of the starfields
Sower of life,
Heaven and earth are
Full of your light

Voice of the nova
Smile of the dew
All of our yearning
Only comes home to you

O love that fires the sun
keep me burning

To hear the song go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFkM_R3CZvI
(Images added detract from the song - so listen without watching video!)

Tonight I give thanks for

. . . a holiday weekend of work, play, rest and worship.
. . . Katie, Cassie, Jake and Eric -- the YouthWorks staff who will be living in our church all summer.
. . . Greg Take, whose vision has brought us a summer full of opportunities to share the grace of God.
. . . my friend Mark who has given me work to do this summer and with whom I shared an after-lunch walk around Lenexa Lake this afternoon.
. . . the love of God which created the universe and burns in our hearts.

What can you say to the Lord of the Starfields tonight? Step outside, take a look and say "Thank you!"

Pastor Rick

Good afternoon, Loved Ones,

A little earlier this week than last, but still unable to say "Good morning!" This afternoon I look out my window and see our apple tree that is most prolific. Of the four apple trees and two pear trees in our yard there is one that produces far more fruit than all the others combined. This year looks to be a very fruitful year. That particular tree is full of green golf ball sized apples and is already beginning to sag under the load. What an amazing thing! I can already taste the apple crisp, pies, applesauce and the simple, juicy goodness of the apples. One of the evening Psalms for the day speak of faithful people as trees. This and other passages remind us that we are to be "fruity" -- producing good fruit in our lives of faith.

Psalm 1 (The Message)
How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road,
you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.
2-3 Instead you thrill to God's Word,
you chew on Scripture day and night.
You're a tree replanted in Eden,
bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
always in blossom.

Thank God for a real winter and a real spring. For slow-soaking snows all winter long and abundant spring rains nourishing winter wheat, apples and everything in between.

Thank God for the warmth of summer finally arrived. For a little sweat, the sounds of birds, crickets, toads and motorcycles.

Thank God for God's tree named Kent Parrett who is singlehandedly renovating the basement of the church into a place of welcome for our summer program kids and staff as well as the hundreds of YouthWorks kids and adults who will be sojourning with us throughout the summer.

Thank God for the steadfast hope of youth like those in the Kansas/Missouri DREAM Alliance who are working and risking their own welfare to make life better for millions of children and young people. Thank God that Yahaira is out of detention. But keep her in your prayers because she now faces deportation.

Thank God for the synergy of Creation, Redemption and Sustenance. May we all find ourselves swept up in, enmeshed with, enfleshed into the essence of the Three-In-One who Lives, Moves and Breathes in our world and in our lives.

Thank God for all of you trees out there of every type, bearing fruit in season and out, always in blossom.

Gimme cinco or seis or ocho or diez!

Look for your bag of apples in September!

Pastor Rick

Good night, Loved Ones,

It's still Wednesday . . . barely. It has been a long day with much to do. Perhaps you've been giving thanks through it all. Perhaps you've just made it through. Whatever the case, take a moment and breathe. Consider the day . . . all you were given and all you gave . . . what you remembered and what you forgot . . . things you accomplished and things that will have to wait. Know that in all things God is working. Consider these words . . .

Galatians 5:22-23 (The Message)

22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Tonight I thank God for Mike Spears . . . for his humility, his patience, his faith . . . for the doctors and nurses who are caring for him . . . for Rhonda and her loyal commitments to faith, family and friends.

Tonight I give thanks for Yahaira Carrillo, a young, undocumented college student who through the strength of her convictions went to Arizona to protest the new law and promote the DREAM Act. While protesting at Sen. McCain's office she was arrested, is now detained and may face deportation. For such courage and commitment I give thanks and I pray for her release.

Tonight I am thankful for a weekly prayer group of thankful, hospitable and hopeful people.

Tonight, Lord, thanks for the "basic holiness that permeates" all that surrounds me. I pray that I would be more aware.

Lord, thank you that I am tired and have experienced blessings this day.

Peace this night.

Pastor Rick

You Are the Equipment

Good morning, Loved Ones,

Lately I've been reading a book by Lesslie Newbigin called The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. I've been captured by his discussion of both election and the nearness of the Kingdom of God. In short, he explains God's election or choosing of us not as an opportunity to lounge and revel in God's favor, but intead as an election or choosing to responsibility. The responsibility is to share the Message. We are elected primarily for the purpose of sharing. About the nearness of the Kingdom of God, Newbigin emphasizes the nearness as spatial. God's Kingdom is spatially close. There is a thin veil that seperates us from the Kingdom. God's Spirit breaks through the veil to us to reveal that hidden Kingdom to us. Perhaps you have had one of those moments this week -- a moment when the Kingdom was within reach.

Here is your passage for the week.

Matthew 10 (The Message)

^5-8Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:

"Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.

^9-10"Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light."

I give thanks for . . .

. . . my mother and the many mothers who were honored in church Sunday. A loving parent can be our first revelation of the love of God.
. . . the fathers and children who kicked open the veil to the Kingdom by cooking and serving a delicious meal to the mothers on Sunday.
. . . the KU architecture students who have built a state-of-the-art, energy efficient home next to the church. Open house on Saturday 10-3.
. . . the communtities of Conception, Conception Junction and Clyde who are embarking on a journey of hope with Public Square Communities. In our meeting with them on Monday night there were moments when the Kingdom was very near.
. . . my sons, Sam and Lucas. Sam has returned from his border studies program full of his usual energy and with a greater sense of the need for action to correct the injustices he saw. Lucas is energetically tackling the challenges of being an full IB student. His courage in taking on this demanding course is inspiring.

The Kingdom is near. You have been chosen to share. Give thanks, live generously and gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick
http://gimmecinco.blogspot.com/

No Matter What

Good morning, Loved Ones,

There is much to be stressed, concerned and worried about these days; an environmental disaster of unprecedented proportions, a law enacted that targets our brothers and sisters who are economic refugees - a law 10 other states are seeking to replicate, continuing economic crises around the world. In the midst of such ominous news those of us who have been elected to see the world through eyes of faith must maintain the strength of relationships and trust in God and each other. The purpose of our election as faithful people is to be those who share a different vision of the world and share that vision with the world. The power of our witness depends not only on our relationship with God but also with our brothers and sisters.

1 Thessalonians 5:13-18 (The Message)

^13-15Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.

^16-18Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

Today I give thanks for . . .

. . . brothers and sisters who warn me to get off my duff when work needs to be done.
. . . sisters and brothers who gently encourage me when I am straggling and exhausted.
. . . brothers and sisters who are patient and try to understand me.
. . . sisters and brothers who are careful with their words even when I am not.
. . . brothers and sisters who over the years have looked for the best in me and others and have sacrificed their own time and energy to bring it to the surface.

It takes faith to see beyond the crises. It takes a faith community to move beyond the crises. When you share your gratitude it builds up that community. Gimme cinco!

In the words of Pastor Alfonso we are not "juntos en crisis." (together in crisis) We are "juntos en Cristo." (together in Christ)

Pastor Rick
http://gimmecinco.blogspot.com/

The Thick of Trouble

Good morning, Loved Ones,

Sometimes this discipline becomes truly a discipline. When times are tough and expressions of gratitude are most needed, those are the most likely times when we choose not to give thanks. But we are called to give thanks in all circumstances. So in the shadow of all we face that would inhibit our gratitude, let's not fail to give thanks.

Psalm 138 (The Message)

A David Psalm

^1-3 Thank you! Everything in me says "Thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
and say it again: "Thank you!"
Thank you for your love,
thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
you made my life large with strength.

^4-6 When they hear what you have to say, God,
all earth's kings will say "Thank you."
They'll sing of what you've done:
"How great the glory of God!"
And here's why: God, high above, sees far below;
no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.

^7-8 When I walk into the thick of trouble,
keep me alive in the angry turmoil.
With one hand
strike my foes,
With your other hand
save me.
Finish what you started in me, God.
Your love is eternal—don't quit on me now.


Today I thank God for . . .

. . . work to do.
. . . family and friends.
. . . daily bread.
. . . a home.
. . . rest.

Gimme cinco!

Rick Behrens

Grace Before

Good evening, Loved Ones,

My day has been a bit too busy to get to my Gimme Cinco for today. But I suppose it's not too late, is it?

Here's our inspiration.

You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink. ~G.K. Chesterton

Has your day been Grace-full?

Here are my Grace-filled moments:
. . . a bucket full of paint, a fresh clean brush and a french-paned window ready to be transformed
. . . a perfectly comfortable breeze to cool my fearful soul on the 40 foot ladder
. . . a sweet packed lunch
. . . Bernie, Conan and Mark
. . . 14 people at soccer practice

Gimme cinco!

Rick

Gimme Cinco

Good morning, Loved Ones,

Psalm 118:21-25 (The Message)

^21-25 Thank you for responding to me;
you've truly become my salvation!
The stone the masons discarded as flawed
is now the capstone!
This is God's work.
We rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it!
This is the very day God acted—
let's celebrate and be festive!
Salvation now, God. Salvation now!
Oh yes, God—a free and full life!

Thanks be to God for . . .

. . . another day to try and get it right.
. . . forgiveness
. . . patience
. . . work
. . . a green world

Gimme Cinco!

Pastor Rick

Straight from the Easter People

Good Morning, Loved Ones,

The old Avery and Marsh song is our meditation for today.

Every morning is Easter morning from now on!
Every day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone!

Good-bye guilt, good-bye fear, good riddance! Hello, Lord, Hello, sun!
I am one of the Easter People! My new life has begun!

Every morning is Easter morning from now on!
Every day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone!

Daily news is so bad it seems the Good News seldom gets heard.
Get it straight from the Easter People! God's in charge spread the word!

Every morning is Easter morning from now on!
Every day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone!

Yesterday I was bored and lonely; But today look and see!
I belong to the Easter People! Life's exciting to me!

Every morning is Easter morning from now on!
Every day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone!
Every morning is Easter morning,
Every morning is Easter morning,
Every morning is Easter morning,
From now on!

Thank God for proofs of the resurrection all around us.

. . . for Youth, like Angeles, Alan, Max, Karina, Diosselyn, Richard, and Lucas who are full of life and ready to take on the world.
. . . for leaders like Pastor Alfonso, Jennifer, Greg, David, Randy, Javier, Carmen, Gely, Ricardo, Dedric, Stephanie, Maria, Dede, Martha, Lisa, Jean, Kent, Ruben, Bump, Linda, Pastor Tom. Pastor Terry and so many more who keep on keepin' on, overcoming all kinds of obstacles and challenges to serve.
. . . for babies like Everardo's who bring fresh smiles and joy and purpose to our striving.
. . . for children like Alin, Johann, Angelica, Christian, Regan, Lola and many more who ask the questions that keep us on our toes.
. . . for parents like mine who love and support at all times and are even willing to change when life calls for it.

What proofs of the resurrection surround you today? Gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick
http://gimmecinco.blogspot.com/

The Seed of Life

Isaiah 25:6-9
April 4, 2010

At prayer group on Wednesday night, Pastor Alfonso asked the question of the week.
How do we know the resurrection is true?
What are our proofs?

We went around and answered to the best of our abilities.
Most of us quoted scripture stories.
I gave the safe, theologically appropriate answer.
With reformation surety I said “only scripture, only faith, only grace.”
This was my answer for proofs of the resurrection.
And of course I was right and silenced everyone else.
All were in awe of my astute and profound answer!
Not!

The voice of a young woman uttered something from the corner.
We tried to ignore her.
But she kept saying it quietly.
Pastor Alfonso asked her to speak up.
What is your proof of the resurrection, Angeles?
Timidly, with her characteristic smile, Angeles said . . .
Life.
What is your proof of the resurrection, Angeles?
Life.
Life.
Life.

Scripture is great.
Faith is an incredible gift.
Grace is amazing.

But the best proof of the resurrection . . .
The proof that inspires us to live in hope . . .
Is the living proof . . .

The life that we share every day can prove the reality of the resurrection . . .
Or it can deny the resurrection.

When Sam came home from the travel seminar for his border studies program last week he told us about a living proof.

On December 22, 1997, gunmen came in to a church in Acteal – Chiapas, Mexico.
They gunned downed, murdered, destroyed the lives of 42 children, women and men.
This town had been a center for the Zapatista liberation movement.
The death squad came in to try and put the movement to death.
So they massacred 42 followers of Christ who had gathered for worship.
The worshippers were members of Las Abejas, the Bees - a pacifist group that supported the Zapatista movement.
The government was suspected of complicity in the attack because a nearby military post did not respond to the attack that lasted for hours.
The following morning soldiers were found in the church trying to wipe away the bloodstains.
Some of the pregnant women, part of the prayer group, were stabbed and shot in the belly intentionally to kill their unborn children.
It was a horrible, life denying, resurrection-denying event.

But Las Abejas still exists.
And, despite experiencing such heinous violence, Las Abejas are still a pacifist organization.
They pray and they fast for peace and justice.
They share tons of food, water and medicine with others in the region.
They now have grown to represent 48 different indigenous communities in Chiapas.

What Sam experienced in Acteal, what he saw at the church where the massacre occurred was not despair.
Sam experienced hope, life, hospitality, peace, joy and love in the lives of the people he met there.

Julio Cesar, the bus driver for Sam’s group, who was from Chiapas spoke of the massacre.
He said, “They tried to bury us, but they forgot we were seeds.”

I think that Sam’s answer to proof for the resurrection would be the same as Angeles.

Life.

We need living proof of the resurrection.
We find it in the faithful, hopeful, graceful response of our brothers and sisters to their own sufferings and struggles.

I can tell you stories all day about Jesus’ resurrection.
I can read to you the resurrection narratives from all four of the gospels over and over again.
I can write you a book to try and prove the resurrection.

But unless you see it in me, see it in my life; I seriously doubt that you will take it seriously.

Some have called Isaiah the first evangelist.
Isaiah seems to have understood the resurrection even before Jesus’ proof.

The people of Jerusalem were in a deadly situation.
The forces of death were descending upon the poor of the city.
But Isaiah forecasts a great banquet feast for all the people of the world.
It will be a seven-course meal with lavish, gourmet desserts.
Better than any Chinese buffet.

And God too will eat at this meal.
God will eat death.
God will consume death.
God will chew it up and spit it out.
Eliminate it, in the words of Walter Brueggeman.

Death here is not simply that fear we have that our existence has a terminus.
The death that God will consume and destroy is the “active force of negativity” that closes in on us.
Death is that ongoing “No” that we hear whispered at us from the systems of the world.

No! You don’t belong here!
No! You don’t deserve healthcare!
No! You’re too old!
No! You’re too young!
No! Peace is not possible!
No! Justice is just a dream!

But God swallows that “NO”.
God chews it up and spits it out.

In the death and resurrection of Jesus, the deathly “No!” of the world is chewed up and spit out by God.

And God does not simply say, “Yes we can!”
God says, “Yes, we will!”
Yes, we will have justice!
Yes, we will have peace!
Yes, you do belong here!
Yes, life is ultimately good!
Yes, we can live everyday in hope!
Yes, we can serve others and work for the common good of all!
Yes, peace and dignity and justice will come!
Yes, God is with us!
Yes, this meal God has prepared on this Holy Mountain is the most divinely delicious, delectable meal ever served!

Yes, we will!
Yes, we will!
Yes, we will!

Jesus said . . .
“Listen carefully: . . .
Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat.
But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over.
In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life.
But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal.” John 12:24-25 (The Message)

If you’re looking for proof of the resurrection, look around you.

Life.

Life abundant.

Life eternal.