Don't Forget

Good morning, Loved Ones,

For those who kept the gratitude going the past two weeks while I was away from all things cybernetic, I give thanks. This is the first time since email addiction has become a way of life that I have cut the cord for a full two weeks. I vacated KC and cyberspace, but I did not vacate our "Thank you very gracias" way of living. One of my favorite psalms:

Psalm 103

A David Psalm

^1-2 O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
don't forget a single blessing!

^3-5 He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.

1) Today I bless the Lord for two full weeks of vacation. A few hectic and stressful moments (like when I backed into the rear door of Sam's car the morning we were leaving for Colorado! :-( ), but all in all, a great time of refreshment and relaxation.

2) Today I bless the Lord for Randy's return to KC. I give thanks that he included us in his family and allowed us to share the moment of his graduation from the National Urban Fellows Program. I give thanks that the warmth and love of his personality was evident for all to see when he spoke at the graduation. Welcome home, Randy!

3) Today I bless the Lord for the opportunity to experience New York City. I thank God for the vibrant life that pours forth every moment in that crowded place of diversity and dreams.

4) Today I bless the Lord for the beauty of the earth. I give thanks for the great expanse of Kansas, the flint hills, post rock country and the high plains. I give thanks for the soaring beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountians, for the quiet strength and practicality of the Wet Mountain Valley, for the rollicking power of the Arkansas River and for the Spirit given opportunity to be friends with those with whom you disagree.

5) Today I bless the Lord for all of those who picked up the slack while I was slacking. I give thanks for Pastor Alfonso's undying dedication to Christ's purpose at Grandview Park and all those who keep the ark moving forward every day.

6) Today I bless the Lord for Ebenezer Luis Saenz who provided music leadership for us for several years. The demands at Luis' home church have become too great and he has had to leave. Thank you Luis, for sharing your talent and love for the Lord with us.

There are many more blessing, but I'd better move on. It's good to be home. Bless us all with your Gimme Cinco today.

Don't forget that this Sunday is another Work 'n Worship Day. Come dressed to work. We start at 9 with the work, worship and lunch is from 11-12 and we continue to work until 2 pm. See you then.

Pastor Rick
http://gimmecinco.blogspot.com

What’cha Got?

John 6:1-14 July 26, 2009

The “Yes, and . . . “ story of Jesus’ life continues today.
This “Yes, and . . . “ story follows right on the heels of last week’s story.

Remember how the disciple came home from their 2 by 2 mission and were tired?
And remember how Jesus planned a restful vacation for them?
And remember how, by the time they got across the lake to their retreat there was a huge crowd waiting for them?
And remember how we felt when we saw the crowds?
Jesus we’re tired, we need some rest.
And remember how Jesus had compassion on the crowd and began teaching them?

Well, today you get the rest of the story.
Today you get one of the most important stories in all of the Bible.
Want to know why I know it is sooooo important?
It is the only miracle story reported in all four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
This is the one miracle or sign that gets reported in all four stories of Jesus life.
Pretty significant considering all that’s not shared by the gospels.

Jesus takes the huge crowd up the hill and starts teaching.
After a while the crowd gets hungry.
And the disciples are worried.
What do you do with a hungry crowd when you yourself have been living on handouts?

Jesus turns to Javier and says, “So these folks are looking hungry. How’re we going to feed them?”
“What’cha got, Javier?”
“What’cha got, Martha?”
“What’cha got, Lisa?”

And Lisa, Javier, Martha and Philip turn to Jesus and say, “What do we got? You, of all people, know what we got.”
“We got next to nothin’.”
“Yes, Jesus,” Greg says, “but it would take 2/3 of my year’s painting salary to feed all these people.”
“Jesus, there are 10-15000 people here,” Kent says, “How can we even start?”

Then Diosselyn slips up beside Jesus and says, “Hey, Jesus, I brought a friend with me today!”
Simon Peter says, “Imagine that, Diosselyn brought a friend!”
And Diosselyn says, “Hey Jesus, my friend happens to have five bags of tortillas and two pounds of carne asada.”
Sam and Luke butt in and say, “That’ll do for us, but what are the rest of you gonna eat?”
David says, “Jesus, I work in a restaurant and the numbers don’t add up.”
Gely and Veronica say, “Right, We’ve stretched a lot of meals in our day but, 15,000 people and five bags of tortillas and two pounds of asada, Puuulease!”
Jesus turns to Jean & Cheny and says, “Make ‘em sit down.” And they do. And the people sit.

And Jesus took the tortillas and the asada and grabbed enough for himself and then started it around?!?
No. He took the tortillas and the asada and raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Thank you, God, for this gift.”
And then the food went around and everybody, all 15,000, had all the tacos they wanted.
And when the dinner was over Telma and Jennifer and Ricardo and Ivan went around and cleaned up the leftovers.
And what was left over?
Twelve baskets of tacos.
How many disciples were there? (twelve)

And again Jesus said, “What’cha got, Javier, Martha, Lisa?”
And each of the disciples replied, “More than I ever could have dreamed possible.”

There’s a lot to be learned from this story.
It’s a story of amazing grace.

We live in a world that tells us you get what you deserve.
The world says, “pull yourself up by your bootstraps.”
The world says, “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he’ll sit in boat drinking beer for hours on end.” (No I think I got that one mixed up.) But you get my drift.

Did anybody in this story deserve the meal they got?
Does sitting through a sermon entitle you to a free meal? (sniff, sniff) Well maybe so.

Think about the people who showed up by the lake that day.
I don’t think there was an admission fee.
Nor was there anyone checking peoples papers or looking for signs of circumcision.
And I don’t think that the police were there weeding out the criminals.
There were probably some spies from the temple.
My guess is that there were democrats, republicans, greenies, libertarians, communists and dare I say it . . . socialists!
Jesus didn’t require anything from anyone to receive the meal.
This wasn’t a weed and seed program. It was 100% seed.
Pure, unadulterated, awesome-tastic, amazing grace.

What do we do with this story?
Grandview Park, what do we do with this story?
Is this just pure folly? Is it Pollyanna thinking?
When bank accounts are shrinking and the bills keep coming?
What do we do with this story?
When the needs of our neighbors, the world are increasing as it seems our resources are drying up?
What do we do with this story?

What do you say when Jesus turns to you and says, “What’cha got?”
Is it “yes, but . . .” time?

Jesus takes whatever we have and multiplies it.
The surprising thing is who it is that’s brave enough to admit he has something.
Out of that entire crowd, one boy steps forward and says, “I got this!”
Once again, it is a little child who leads.
A child’s faith trumps the faith of 15,000 others.

What’cha got, Grandview Park?
Are you defined by the hard-cold facts of a balance sheet?
Is the information your getting about the economy, about your retirement accounts, about the bottom line making you slow to answer Jesus?
Are you tempted to say, “Jesus, we ain’t got nothin’.” ?
"Look at us. Look at this building. Look at our bank account."

But just when we are about to answer, a huge crowd of kids show up for the summer and somehow are fed.

This sermon is not much different than last week.
In a world where we hear “Yes, but . . .” know that the Good Shepherd’s answer is “Yes, and . .”

Don’t let worry and fear derail the mission that Christ has for your life and for the life of this church.
Scarcity is how the world operates. Cold-hard facts are how the world makes decisions.
Abundance is where Jesus comes from. Dreams and visions and missions of hope and faith are how Jesus makes decisions.

Everyday when that alarm goes off Jesus’ question for you is “What’cha got?”
“Have you got enough to get through this day?” Jesus says.
And while we’re rubbing our eyes and clearing the cobwebs out Jesus whispers, “Remember the five bags of tortillas and the 2 pounds of asada.”

And at noon when you’re trying to get the bills paid and trying to figure out where lunch is going to come from, Jesus whispers, “Remember the five bags of tortillas and the 2 pounds of asada.”

And when you close your eyes at night but your brain won’t shut off because there is so much to worry about, Jesus whispers, “Remember the five bags of tortillas and the 2 pounds of asada.”

I know, then you’ll have to get up and go to the fridge!

Trust and believe.
God is good.
Life is a gift.
And Jesus’ amazing grace is always there for you.

Extravagant Dimensions

Good Morning Loved Ones,

Ephesians 3:14-21 (The Message)

My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Today I give thanks for those who have helped me to experience the breadth, length, depth and heights of full life.

For John Reist, my theology professor in seminary who wedded great poetry and literature with theology in his teaching. He sparked my imagination in his teaching and brought more out of me than any other teacher. The expression of poets. authors, playwrights and artists of every stripe add to the fullness of life in God and the deep and gentle movement of the Spirit.

For singer/songwriter, Bruce Cockburn, whose poetic lyrics and phenomenal musicianship with the guitar has brought me joy and hope for 30 years. Cockburn's Christian witness comes through not as propaganda songwriting, but as genuine expression of life's complexities and beauty and the struggles of faithful response to injustice throughout the world.

For the pastors who have influenced me and pushed me toward a full life, including Pastor Tom, Pastor Terry and Pastor Alfonso.

For teachers like Mrs. Kile who encouraged me to read and memorize Shakespeare and Mr. Smith who encouraged me to audition for a play.

For that fellow seminarian (don't even remember his name) who introduced me to the 'beautiful game' 27 years ago, a game that has provided me many moments of enjoyment in playing, coaching and watching. For all people who share their passionate interests with others and invite them into the 'game.'

What kind of hope is gratitude carving out in your soul today? Gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick
http://gimmecinco.blogspot.com

Jesus Says, “Yes, and . . “

Mark 6:30-34
July 19, 2009

How many of you have seen Pee Wee’s Big Adventure?
Pee Wee Herman was a Saturday morning children’s character who was a lovable nerd.
In the movie Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, his classic bicycle is stolen and he goes off across the country to find it.
Along the way he meets a waitress in a truck stop.
In one scene he is talking with her about her big dream in her life.
She says, “My big dream is to go to Paris, but . . .”
To which Pee Wee quickly responds, “That’s what’s wrong with the world today everybody’s got a big but.”

I don’t recall Jesus ever having a big ‘but.’
Jesus never let the present circumstances, the so-called reality of the moment, stop him from dreaming and believing and living his dream, which was his life’s mission.

Lots of times we have big ‘buts’ though, don’t we?
When we are young we might say, “Yes, I would love to go to college, but I don’t have the money, but I have to take care of my family, but, but, but . . .”
The seven last words of the church are usually preceded by a big ‘but.’ “But we’ve never done it that way before!”
Sure, we’d love to feed the hungry, but we don’t have the resources.
Of course we’d love to host Presbytery, but we’re so small.
Yes, I want to follow you, Jesus, but I have some questions I need answered, but I need to take care of my dying parents, but I have a business to run.

They say that a dying organization is one in which the leaders say “Yes, but . . .” more often than they say, “Yes, and . . .”

In English we say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
I think my vote is with PeeWee Herman, the road to hell is paved with big buts.

Here’s the story.
The disciples have just earned a promotion.
At the beginning of the 6th chapter of Mark they had only been disciples, followers of Jesus.
Here in verse 30 of chapter 6 they are now “apostles.”
Disciples are followers, students, learners.
But apostles literally means “sent ones.”
In Mark 6:7 Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs.
He sends them out with his message and with healing power.
So here in verse 30 they come back promoted from disciples to apostles.
It takes a lot of work to get promoted.
It was a successful sending – they taught, they preached, they cast out demons, they healed.
And they come back tired.
Jesus is a good shepherd and he sees they are tired.

Does he say, “Yes, I see that you are tired, but we’ve got a lot more work to do”?
No. The Good Shepherd says, “Yes, I see that you are tired, and I’ve got the boat ready and I’ve reserved a beautiful little Bed & Breakfast on the other side of the lake and dinner is being prepared as we speak. Let’s go.”

So, the newly promoted and tired and hungry apostles get in the boat with the Good Shepherd and head across the lake. They can almost taste the fried chicken and apple pie alamode.
But what happens when they get to the other side of the lake?
Huge crowds of people had seen them. They recognize not only Jesus, they also recognize the newly empowered apostles.
They run to get there before them. They, too, are tired. They, too, are hungry. They, too, need healing and rest that a only the Good Shepherd can give.

And what does Jesus say?
“Yes, I see how hungry and hurting you are, but we have reservations at this B&B and dinner is about ready. Come back tomorrow.”
No. Verse 34 says, “At the sight of them, his heart broke--- they were like sheep with no shepherd.”
“And Jesus went right to work teaching them.”

The sensible thing would be to say, “Yes, but . . .”
The prudent thing would be to say, “Yes, but . . .”
For his newly promoted apostles the healthy thing, even, would be to say, “Yes, but . . .”

No, when Jesus sees a need, when Jesus’ heart breaks, when the lost sheep begin appear . . .
Jesus never says, “Yes, but . . .”

So, you may think that this is one of the sermons when I am saying, “Be like Jesus.”
Well, no and yes.

First of all, “no.”

You can’t be like Jesus.
Many lives are destroyed when people begin to think they are Jesus.
You aren’t Jesus.
You can’t do it all.
You aren’t the Good Shepherd.

They are times when we are tempted to think, “If I don’t do it, then it won’t get done.”
John Westerhoff says that is a modern atheistic affirmation. “If I don’t do it, it won’t happen.”
I sometimes get stuck in that thinking, don’t you?

Jesus is the one in control --- not me, not you. Jesus is the one who makes it happen.
Even when he sends us out to teach, to preach, to heal --- it’s Jesus who does it.

So, no. Jesus is human and divine.
You, my friends, are only human. I say “only” but according to Psalm 8 “human” is pretty darn awesome-tastic.
You, my friends, get tired, don’t you?
You, my friends, get hungry, don’t you?
You, my friends, get sick, don't you?
You, my friends, need rest, food, fellowship, leading.
You, my friends, need Jesus.

So, no. I’m not asking you sacrifice your mental and physical health to be like Jesus.
I’m not asking you to climb up on your cross and die like Jesus.
There’s a great line in a Tom Waits’ song, “Come down off that cross. We could use the wood!”
There’s only one Jesus and you, my friends, are not him!

On the other hand, I am asking you to be like Jesus in another sense.
Try getting rid of your big ‘but.’
When confronted with a big dream, or a big challenge, try to get rid of your big ‘buts.’
When you see hungry people on the street and you’re already tired, you yourself are hungry . . .
Instead of saying, “Yes, I know those people are hungry, but we don’t have the resources.”
Try this instead, “Yes, those people need to be fed, and we can feed and we can teach them and we can get help from Jesus and other apostles and other brothers and sisters who trust him.”

It’s natural for us to say, “Yes, but . . .”
It’s supernatural to say, “Yes, and . . .”

And is a conjunction.
And is a word that connects one idea with another.
And is a word that creates partnerships.

I love to hear excited kids use the word “and.”
"I want to be an astronaut and a rock star and a fireman and today I’m going to the Worlds of Fun and I’m going to ride the rollercoaster and the carousel and my friends are going, too, and I’m hungry!"

The next time your big ‘but’ starts to get in the way, try thinking instead of that conjunction, that connector, that word that pulls big ideas together.
Yes, but . . . really gets us nowhere. In reality, “yes, but . . .” puts the car in reverse.
Yes, and . . . gets us moving, connects our big ideas with Jesus’ mission.

All you folks who were involved in the summer program . . .
I’m sure you’re tired.
I’ll bet you’re hungry, too, because you spent four weeks feeding others and neglecting yourself.
The Good Shepherd sees you’re tired and hungry.
And the Good Shepherd is ready to lead you beside still waters.
And he’s ready to restore your soul.
And he's ready to prepare a table before you.
And he’s ready to fill your cup with blessings.

Let him do it.
Get your rest.
And then, let’s let the Good Shepherd help us feed the next crowd of hungry people who show up.

Right to Work

Good Afternoon, Loved Ones,

Busy, busy, busy. Your morning edition of Gimme Cinco has morphed into an afternoon edition. The lazy days of summer don't seem so lazy anymore. Jesus and the disciples experienced something of the same.

Mark 6:30-34 (The Message)

^30-31The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, "Come off by yourselves; let's take a break and get a little rest." For there was constant coming and going. They didn't even have time to eat.

^32-34So they got in the boat and went off to a remote place by themselves. Someone saw them going and the word got around. From the surrounding towns people went out on foot, running, and got there ahead of them. When Jesus arrived, he saw this huge crowd. At the sight of them, his heart broke—like sheep with no shepherd they were. He went right to work teaching them.

Today I give thanks that Jesus' answer to those in need is never, "Yes, but . . . I'm taking a much needed break now." His answer to those in need is always "Yes, and . . . I'll give you some beatitudes along with the loaves and fishes"

Today I give thanks that the most successful Kids Club Summer Program EVER is over save for the celebration Ice Cream Social on Saturday from 4-6. What a beautiful bunch of young people! What a beautiful bunch of leaders! What a fantastic piece of shepherding on the part of little old mustard bush GPPC!

Today I give thanks for the life of Cindy, friend of David's who died on Monday. I only came to know of Cindy today, but David came and shared his feelings about his friend with me. She was a 'sweetie' who was a great baker, a tireless worker and a good friend.

Today I give thanks for disciples who follow Jesus into the thick of the crowd, for shepherds willing to lead even when they aren't 100% sure of the road, even when they are tied and worn out, even when their bellies are growling and the crowd is growing restless.

Today I give thanks for the disciples who worked on the rest day last Sunday. For those who got hot and sweaty and dirty before during and after worship, for those who said "Yes, and . . . I'll work, I'll worship, I'll bring food and I'll work some more!"

Stop your "constant coming and going" long enough to gimme cinco. Please!?!?

Pastor Rick
Prayer group tonight is at Veronica's house, 34 S. 6th St. (6th st. & Hallock) - 7 pm
Prayer tomorrow is at our house, 1501 N. 83rd St. - 7 pm.
http://gimmecinco.blogspot.com

Peace of Iona

For those who have visited or might want to visit, here is a video slideshow from my 2006 sabbatical of that "thin place" called Iona in Scotland.

Get God's Attention

Good Morning, Loved Ones!

Welcome to another Wednesday morning full of hope and potential. What are you expecting today?

Your Psalm:

Psalm 147:7-11 (The Message)

^7-11 Sing to God a thanksgiving hymn,
play music on your instruments to God,
Who fills the sky with clouds,
preparing rain for the earth,
Then turning the mountains green with grass,
feeding both cattle and crows.
He's not impressed with horsepower;
the size of our muscles means little to him.
Those who fear God get God's attention;
they can depend on his strength.

Today I give thanks for people like Ed Chasteen. Today I received an e-mail from Ed that was a reflection on a bike ride. It's a beautiful piece about community and hope and I've attached it for you to read when you have a chance. (E-mail me and I will send it to you!) Ed Started a group called Hatebusters many years ago and has worked to bring people together across all kinds of divides. Ed was diagnosed with MS twenty-eight years ago and hasn't slowed down in his mission. Ed is all about hope, community and reconciliation. Read his piece and be blessed. (Find out more about Ed at http://www.chastaincentral.com/content/ed.html ) For people who get God's attention and depend on his strength, I give thanks.

Today I give thanks for people like Jean Parrett. Jean is a deacon at the church and in the last year has thrown herself into the life of our congregation. She has been volunteering for every moment of the Kid's Club and Day Camp. She helps with the little ones at the Healthy Cooking class every Friday. In addition she is a dedicated deacon seeking to find ways daily to carry out her mission. She does all this while also being there for her granddaughter. Without people like Jean the work of the church would come to a screeching halt. For people who get God's attention and depend on his strength, I give thanks.

Today I give thanks for people like Gely Sanchez. Gely also is a deacon who is working in the Kid's Club and Day Camp. Gely has three beautiful children with her husband Ricardo. Gely and Ricardo have incredibly positive spirits and beautiful smiles that their children have inherited. Gely, too, is always ready to contribute and open her home for prayer group (same with Jean!). Gely's warm, generous spirit is a blessing to all she meets. Gely lifts my spirit every time I am around her. For people who get God's attention and depend on his strength, I give thanks.

Today I give thanks for people like Angela Ferguson. Angela is an immigration lawyer who has redifined my concept of 'lawyer'. Angela is a tireless worker for justice and is ready to work daily with allies and even with enemies to accomplish God's work in this world. She is a realist who is always ready to be a part of changing reality. Angela is always ready to help people who are in difficult situations with their immigration status. She is a good friend and an energizer bunny when it comes to educating people about the injustices of our current system. For people who get God's attention and depend on his strength, I give thanks.

Today I give thanks for people like Kelly Haynes. Today Kelly is in the hospital and at this moment is about to bring a new child into this world. Kelly has waited a while to be a mother and she, her husband and her parents are anxiously waiting to welcome this new little one into the world. So are we. To be willing to endure the pain, the risk, the challenge of childbirth is an act of great faith. For people who get God's attention and depend on his strength, I give thanks.

There you have it. My pantheon of faithful people on this hot Wednesday in July. What or who are you thankful for today? Share it and let the blessings flow!

Pastor Rick
http://gimmecinco.blogspot.com
Don't forget ---- This Sunday is Worship & Work Day. We'll work from 9am-2pm and take a worship and lunch break from 11-12. Come dressed to work and bring some tools. We have lots of projects.