The Democratic National Convention/Democratic Politicians Are Strengthening the Republican Party for Decades to Come, and They Do Not Even Realize It.

           LONG POST from my facebook page. It is political in nature, not trying to attack anyone, just making some observations. Read if you would like.

This is the second part of the article/blog I am working on that is about the election, the first few weeks of the DJ Trump presidency, and the reactions by people on both sides. In a previous post I have mentioned I try to bring theology to the world of politics as I do not believe one can, or should, have a separate faith value system in private and in the public eye. This particular post has precious little outward theology, but one may be able to mine it to see how faith matters in these type of situations.

                I need to tell a story about the United Methodist Church.  I promise it will tie in with the subject of this part of the blog.  In early May, 2004, The General Conference of the United Methodist Church (the international, governing body of the United Methodist Church) approved a resolution affirming the unity of the church.  This was immediately following a holding of hands and the singing of “Blest Be the Tie that Binds.”  The singing and the resolution were a knee jerk reaction to a proposal about amicable separation into two different groups because of differences in the authority of Scripture and what the church’s view on sexuality should be.  As I read reports about it, and have looked at it since, it seems as if the proposal was being let out of the hen house just to see if the fox was away and the chickens could do what they wanted, or to see if the fox was just outside, waiting to pounce on whoever walked out the door.  The fox was there, and the chickens quickly retreated to the supposed safety of the hen house.  It was quickly evident to the ones who were thinking about proposing the idea of amicable separation that there would not be enough support for their proposal. 

                As the traditional side went back to their roost to recuperate and prepare for the next General Conference in four years (2008) they reverted back to their old style of thinking.  This occurred even though the pendulum seemed to be swinging to their side.  According to one commentator’s belief on a discussion board that is no longer there, the traditional side made a very bad, almost fatal, error.  They did not come with a plan to the GC of 2008.  That General Conference was essentially a rehash of the last one.  In 2012 the General Conference was held in Tampa, FL, and by many accounts was a waste of money as very little was accomplished.  When the GC was held in 2016 in the city of Portland, OR, the non-traditional side pushed their agenda to the point the United Methodist Church came to the point of almost splitting officially into at least two factions/new denominations.  The only reason there was no split is because the active bishops of the denomination asked, begged, for time  to choose a commission and have them meet for roughly two to three years to try to discern if there was any possibility to move forward over the disagreements on sexuality and other matters that divide.  During this time there was supposed to be a moratorium on actions that were against church law.  It was also suggested that the traditional side not instigate any new disciplinary actions against clergy who committed offenses on certain matters of sexuality.  After the adjournment of the conference the non-traditional side quickly broke the barriers that had been erected to include the electing of a gay bishop.  The other side cried foul.  As of now, the commission looking for a wa y forward is meeting, but it is increasingly looking like regardless of what the commission decides that within the next decade, and possible in the next four to five years the United Methodist Church will cease to exist.

                Now, I do not believe the Democratic National Party is going to cease to exist, but I do believe they are strengthening the Republican Party for years to come by acting like the traditional side of the UMC in 2004, 2008, 2012, and possibly 2016.  How, do you ask are they acting like conservatives in a church denomination?  It is this, they are acting like they do not know what to do in their new role as the minority party.  When the traditionalists in the UMC attained the majority status/gained the power to get what they wanted, they could not because they did not have a plan, and they kept doing what they had done for years.  They did not come forth with a plan.  The DNC is acting in a similar method even if they are now in the minority.

                Listening to the media reports what is often heard is how the DNC and its members who are in Congress are going to do the exact same thing the Republicans did to President Obama, and obstruct as much as possible President Trump’s plans.   They are constantly whining about how bad things are going to be, and how rosy the country was under President Obama.  The leadership of the DNC and the representatives of it that appear in the media may have some valid points, but they are not communicating it well.  They never imagined being in the position they currently find themselves, and they are reverting back to tactics they, or the Republican Party, have used in the past.  Voters see this, and it is my opinion that because of the actions of the vocal Democrats the voters who switched to Trump for the presidential election hear the same things that they voted against in the 2016 general election. 

                The voters who normally would have voted for Hilary Clinton and other Democrats may have split their vote, but if the Democratic Party members of Congress do not begin to present a positive plan to help those in need the voters will eventually switch almost all of their votes to the Republican party.  Once they are gone, they are gone.  There is no coming back for probably at least a generation.

                What the DNC leadership does not understand is the plight of the blue collar worker.  While much as been made about the angry, white male (AWM) voter, not much has brought forward to help the AWM other than complaining about the voters shooting themselves in the foot.  There is no plan in place to help raise the AWM up or to help ease the anger.  Then there are the spouses of the AWM, and their reaction to what is said about their husbands, or even themselves.  When a segment of  voters are called deplorable, uneducated, backwards, etc it can be seen by that block of voters as well as their families as an attack upon them.  Many people’s first reaction is to circle the wagons around the one being attacked, and protect them.  If they survive they might take the battle to the attackers. 

                In addition, the DNC leadership does not seem to realize that some of their core constituents are beginning to ask how the Democratic Party has helped them in the last few years.  The DNC should begin repairing existing or new building bridges quickly to some of their key constituent groups because Donald Trump raised the issue that has only been bubbling a little bit under the surface-are the constituent groups, or at least certain constituent groups, being pandered too only during the election and then cast aside for four years.  While the groups may not go Republican if another group arises that meets the core values of constituent groups then they might say Trump was correct when he asked one of the DNC main constituent groups what did they have to lose voting for him instead of Hilary Clinton. 

                Some may say this will never happen, and others will begin to pray fervently that it does.  I do not know if I am correct or not, but anecdotally some of those I know who would vote Democrat are not happy with the Democratic Party.  Some of this dislike is racism and bigotry, but I believe most of it is coming from a huge amount of distrust with the DNC.  While most of it is by AWMs, there are rumblings in other core groups the DNC relies on.  They are not loud, and probably will not amount to any type of rebellion for now, but the leadership would do well to reclaim the party’s historic roots planted in the working class, populist/everyman (yes I know that is not politically correct) garden of ideas.

               



                

Fear: Neither Side Will Admit Using It to Change Minds, and Yet Condemn the Other for Using It When It Comes to Guns or Refugees

     This is a short, quickly thown together thought/blog.  I do not mean to offend anyone, but I hope people will begin to think about the way the other side feels.

  I do believe we should help the Syrian/Mid-Easterm refugees in some way.  At the same time I do have legitimate concerns about the vetting process especially when I hear that the government wants to allow 10,000 in by the end of next year.  There is no way to do proper vetting on that many in that short of time frame.  In addition people can hide their true motivations if they have the discipline to do so.  Because of the concerns many will call me names such as bigot, fear monger, etc.  There is a difference between concerns and fear.  The Bible is pulled out a lot for allowing open borders, but rarely is it mentioned that Jacob's sons went back to Canaan (yes, I know they eventually settled in Goshen, but that was due to Joseph's position more than the kind heartedness of the Egyptians.)  It is rarely mentioned that when Mary and Joseph fled with Jesus to Egypt they went to another section of the Roman empire, not a totally new country for them.  It could be seen today as moving from one state in a region to another state in another region of the USA.

     In our congregations we have people on both sides of the issue-let them in or keep them out-and both sides are correct.  Some may disagree with this, but one can make a biblical case for either side.  I believe our job is to help people figure out how we can love and help regardless of what side they stand on the issue.  When we begin to throw around terms and calling names because we do not like where they stand hurts the cause more.

     Along the same lines have you ever noticed that the tactic used for stricter gun control/abolition of guns is the same one that is supposedly used by those who are against the refugees coming and settling here-FEAR.

     Why is it okay to use fear of what might happen, and what has happened for the removal of guns, and yet when people lift up concerns about the refugees coming to America they are letting their fear rule them? 

     This is an issue for clergy of all denominations.  Yes, I know this is a controversial subject, but it is one that is taking place know.  As I said earlier name calling does nothing, nor does projecting your thoughts about what someone feels onto them help.  While I have seemingly allied myself with the ones who have concerns about refugees, it needs to be pointed out that that side calls names and casts aspersions on the other side just as much.  The question is how can we help regardless of what side we are on?  How can we get fear out of the equation?  How can we notice that we often condemn the other side for their tactics, and yet use the same ones for our own benefit?  Are we willing to admit that we often do use fear?  Are we willing to admit we call people names and cast aspersion upon their motivations and emotions?

Is fear a good thing?  That might be a post in the future.

Soap Box about Veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs

Before I get into the heart of the matter let me say I know there are good, honest hardworking people in the VA, maybe even the majority.  However, it only takes a few for the whole group to be tarnished.

While I appreciate the sentiment of Veterans Day it would be  even better if the government of the United States kept their promises to its veterans when they have to apply for health and compensation benefits when their service begins to impact their lives in the future.  Too often it seems as if the Department of Veterans Affairs look for ways to deny benefits, push pills for treatment, and are more concerned about bonuses for executives. 

This is not new.  From the beginning of the country veterans have often been used and then tossed aside like chaff after the harvest, left to be blown about by the vagrancies of the wind, the promises going up in smoke from the fires that are used to get rid of the trash.

It is not just the VA's fault.  From the executive branch not pushing enough to the congressmen and senators who use the veterans for photo ops and trying to buy votes with empty promises (much like Democratic candidates going into black churches and Republican candidates going to evangelical churches) the government often fails the veterans until many have succumbed to the ravages of war, and yet it will seem to many, because of the passing of time, that it is something else that has caused the death or maiming of a veteran.

 The wounds of war often are not ones that can be seen, and these wounds often start small and then begin to fester before one even realizes the hurt is from serving.  Many times by the time it is evident help is needed the poison in the body and/or soul has spread impacting not just the veteran, but the friends and family of the same veteran.

Here are some experiences with the VA myself and others have encountered in the last two decades.  Most of them have occurred in the last few years, and some of those in the last few months.  Some are from news reports, some are personal.  Some are from interactions and observations.  It is only the tip of the iceberg.

1.  Being hung up on because it is five o’clock/quitting time.  This is even after being on hold.  No explanation given, just click or "Thank you for calling the Depart of Veterans Affairs.  Our office hours are..."  This has happened not just 20+ years ago, but in the last few months.

2.  For certain type of comp and pension exams unqualified doctors being used.  An example is found in Minneapolis where GPs were doing traumatic brain injury evaluations despite the VA regulation saying only specialists in certain fields were allowed to do so.

3.  Medical and other sensitive information being thrown away in the public trash with no safeguards taken.  Examples include Sacramento, Hot Springs/Rapid City,  Dorn VAMC in South Carolina, and many more.

4.  While some may argue the following point, I think it is not good that they do it, and it should be easy enough to fix with today’s technology.  The issue is when you call just about any number in the VA system you will get a recording that says in essence “Thank you for call The Generic Veterans Medical Center (or whatever spot it is).  If this is a medical emergency please hang up and dial 9-1-1.  If you are thinking of harming yourself or others hang up and call the Veterans Crisis Line their number is:      .”  For many facing a mental health challenge it is difficult to make the first phone call, and then to be told call someone else may result in them not ever calling.  There should be a way to push a button to be connected to the Crisis Line as well as a way to push a button to be connected to the local 9-1-1 operator if it is a medical emergency. 

5.  To go along with number two many of the VA doctors are not versed in exposures the military faces, and when brought up many doctors will not believe what you have to say.  I have personally been told that sand cannot be inhaled deep into the lower parts of the lungs even though the Dept of Defense has issued at least one major report that says sand in the Middle East especially Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia can be less than two micrometers in diameter.  The sand can cause scarring that does not show up in X-rays or pulmonary function tests.  Sand is but one issue, chemicals in daily work, fumes from various sources, infectious diseases and the list goes on and on.

6.  Seemingly try to find ways to deny benefits even to the point of going after another opinion and phrasing the request to point to the conclusion they want.  This can be especially true of one physician has linked the condition to military service and the VA does not want to give it a rating.

7.  Making it difficult to talk to National Service Officers, and the VA Benefits Administration in general, by having them in a building that requires a security check that sends subtle intimidation with an over- abundance of VA/Federal police, passing through security that is a joke, but requires everything out of pockets, belts removed, jackets removed.  Passing through the security one day I heard one of the officers saying that he had hoped the lady a few minutes before would have given him more attitude toward having to take off her belt.  He was actively wanting a confrontation to happen.  The security is a joke as it is passing thorugh a metal detector and having belts, jackets, etc go through some sort of scanner/x-ray.  While the common people have to wait to go through just feet from the metal detector is an employee entrance with no security other than what looks like a key card type of entry.  If anyone acquires a card then they will be able to enter freely.  Outside the building you have to go through a security check at the entrance, show your license, and then have a gate opened.  Again the employees have access to lots that just have a gate on it.  Realizing there may be other measures not seen if one wanted to cause damage to a federal building all one would have to do is to drive a truck much like Timothy McVeigh had through an unmanned gate, drive to the building, disgorge any terrorists that may be hidden within or blow the truck up even though the entrance is 25-50 feet from the driveway.  The  very front entrance may be somewhat safer, but it is full of glass, the distance is not great enough to prevent major damage, and on either side they could drive into a steep ditch and be right next to the building.

On a related note I was in the travel section of the VA Medical Center when somebody was complaining a bit loudly about the shortage of workers helping people even though there were workers not doing anything.  Another veteran told the one complaining to be careful because they would call the VA police for almost anything.  Intimidation is there even if they say it is not.

8.  Laying the burden of proof on the veteran when their respective service, the service in which medical help was sought, or DOD has lost the files of the event that occurred.  Even with medical records it can be difficult.  It is a documented fact that many units in Desert Storm threw away their records because of a directive that said to do so because it would be too expensive to ship otherwise.  Shot records are routinely lost, and the DOD even acknowledges that there are going to be records lost in a combat theater.  Often the reason for denial is because there is no evidence of an event that caused injury in one's service file.  Even if there is evidence it can be difficult to receive benefits for the injury.  I have seen a private health care provider who was also a reservist at one time.  This individual was eith a NP or PA, and had been activated several times in support of the units for OEF, OIF, and Afghanistan, and spent quite a bit of time in a deployment/redeployment center.  We have talked twice and both times she has said that there was a belief among the armed service personnel at the center that unless one was missing a limb, and even then there very well might be questions, that you would not be granted your claim.


I could go on and on with examples from myself and from others, but you can get the idea.  If one wants to honor the veterans the best way is to pressure the legislative and executive branches to honor the promises and obligations made to those who serve with the expectation that the government will fulfill their obligations.

Dave

Broken Promises: The Government's Responsibility to Its Veterans Is Not Being Met

If a country goes to war, or a veteran is injured or falls ill during their time of service, then it has a moral obligation to take care of its veterans.  Unfortunately, too often that is not the case.  Instead, for many veterans when they seek compensation and benefits it feels like the VA’s motto is “Deny, Deny, and wait (hope) that they die.”  The veterans of Desert Shield/Storm conflict are one of the groups who, the last time I saw a statistic, had an over 80% denial rate for claims.  It has been at 80% for denials since at least the mid-1990s.  Using myself, let me give a brief review of my experience with the Bureau of Veterans Affairs.

            In October, 1991 I returned from Saudi Arabia after having been exposed to multiple toxins, poisons, stress, infectious diseases, pesticides, oil well smoke, substandard living conditions, and other exposures for ten months.  For several months myself and others literally lived in a depression under a cloud of fumes from chemical agent resistant coating (CARC Paint) and its solvents.  This dome of fumes over our living area and worksite was so thick a safety officer shut down the site because he was afraid if a light that was being used for night time illumination was to bust the spark could explosively ignite the fumes.   I fell into a bunker with all my gear on and landed on my back, and even went on sick call for it even though it was miles away because ten days later my back and knees were still hurting.  When I arrived back in the states I specifically noted the fall, the heartburn, the smoke from the oil wells, the paint exposure, and other items on my redeployment physical. 

            I started going to the VA approximately 13 months after my return.  I am not sure when I first asked to go, it could have been within 12 months and it took some time for the VA to be able to see me.  What I do know is that 21-23 years ago I was not treated well by the VA or many of its employees.  Episodes included purposely being given the wrong directions to an office (turned out to be an outside door), being hung up on while I was on hold because it was five o’clock and the union would not allow anyone to work past that time, and being in line waiting to check out when quitting time came around, and being told that the ones in line would have to find another station to finish that day.  At the turn of the century I applied for a reconsideration/increase of my contentions and all were turned down.  In the statement of the case it mentioned an exam that I did not show up for, and that was used against me.  However, I made every exam that I knew about. 

I have recently been going through the process again for the aches and pains have progressively gotten worse.  Other than a clerk or two who was probably having a bad day no one has been obnoxiously rude to me, but there has been an attitude of condescension from many.  It is important to note, not all that I have come across has exhibited this, but many have had an aura of “you should be glad that we are letting you be examined here by our great personages.”  Others have shown disinterest, and others have shown no interest.  There have been some who have been nice, but at the same time project an attitude of disbelief.  Doctors are, for the most part, not interested in material one brings in to show them about what one had been exposed to in theater.  It seems as if the physicians look at two things when they see me, and make up their minds simply because I am aging (48y.o.) and overweight.   They do not believe there is something wrong other than deconditioning and aging.  It seems as if they cannot accept the fact that part or all of the deconditioning and weight gain is due to something they cannot explain or figure out, or they make snap judgements that are hard to break.

            From my experience what seems to have hurt me are several factors.  Here are some of them:

1.  I have not always been able to go to a doctor because of cost or distance.  I have never had a lot of money and I have three children and a wife.  Even with insurance the cost of going to a doctor can be prohibitive.  Also, many times you go to a doctor and they will tell you the same things to do you have been told before.  It is often a waste of time and money to go to a doctor if you know what is wrong.  Other times the medical advice that is being issued to the public is to not go to the doctor for every sniffle, ache or pain.  Instead one should try to wait it out to see if it resolves itself without professional medical intervention or prescription drugs.  

     As for the distance to a VA Medical Center in the last twenty-two years I have lived within a ½ hour of a VAMC only six of those years.  Most of those years it has been over an hour away, and no less than 50 miles away.  Some of those times the distance has been over two and a half hours.  Because of not complaining and unnecessarily spending time and money every six months the VA will say there is no chronicity of at least six months that would make it chronic.  This is even if it is more than six months after they receive your claim and you get a so called compensation and pension exam (the exam I have been told is not really an exam, but rather the physician is supposed to just review the records, maybe take a few x-rays, and do some very basic testing such as “can you push my hands up while I am pushing down on your hands.  This was a VA C&P MD examiner in the last three years who told me this.) 

2.  An action taken by the Department of the Army that calls into question any denial of service connection is the order that was given units to destroy their records because there was not enough room to ship them back.  The Army acknowledged this was in contradiction to their own policies.  This action makes one wonder and lays the ground work for the granting of any condition.  Some will say this is not/should not be the case, but if they destroyed some records on purpose in contradiction of standing orders reasonable doubt is raised as to what else was ordered destroyed, or what the government wants to keep hidden.  Some will say this is conspiratorial, but all one needs to do to see that the government is capable of such things is to remember Tuskegee , Vietnam and Agent Orange, the Atomic Veterans and others. 

3.  Like many veterans I did not go on sick call for every ache, pain, or fever.  In good conscience now, I have started telling those who are going to serve to make sure you get everything into your medical record.  Unfortunately that may hurt their advancement because of the attitude of “sucking it up” that is prevalent in the military.  Too many complaints can cause someone to be rated lower.

      Then there is the issue that many times in a combat theater the medical personnel that are seen are medics, and not necessarily nurses or physicians. 

4.  As a young man I was ignorant of many of the health issues that were affecting me, or did not realize there would be long term consequences to my health or to my benefits.  When I returned stateside, I was ready to see friends and family, and did not have anyone helping to guide me through the process.  An example of this would be heartburn actually being gastro-esophogeal reflux disease.  As a 25 year old who had been eating army food for a year, and had not had any major bouts of heartburn before, I just thought it was something I ate.  Little did I know heartburn was a serious condition, or that it would continue to get worsen.

 5.  An attitude of denying a claim when possible.  Even when there is a clear link to a health problem if one has not been diagnosed while in the military with a problem the claim is likely to be denied.  An example is my back where the VA will admit that I fell into a bunker and went to sick call, but because there was no diagnosis given, and I think I was seen by medics and not physicians, I am not service connected to it.  This is even though I have heard medical people say that back injuries often will not show up for years after the precipitating event.  I have not seen a doctor very many times for my back because they will give me some exercises to do, and sometimes pain medicine or muscle relaxants.

6.  A desire on the part of the Department of Defense and/or the Bureau of Veterans’ Affairs to not admit that the environment that was in Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War was extremely toxic , and the troops even in Saudi Arabia were exposed to chemical warfare agents.  The standard line is that even if there were chemical agents in the area they would have been so dispersed to render them ineffective.  The problem with this is that it would be unethical to test to see how much it would take to begin to damage the troops minds and bodies.  Another standard tactic is to say that there are no proven studies that exposure to the many different chemicals and conditions the troops faced were actually dangerous or harmful.

     Another thing it seems that the government wants to deny or not admit to is the number of military personnel given experimental vaccines.  Before my company left Ft Stewart for Saudi Arabia we were told that we were receiving the botulism vaccine which was experimental.  The line today is that only about 8000 troops received it while they were in Saudi Arabia.  What happened to the ones stateside who received it.

            I will admit I am writing this out of frustration and hurt as once again I have been denied items that should be service connected.  Unfortunately my story is not unusual.  The process for applying and being granted compensation and benefits has become so complicated that most people who do not use a veterans service organization such as the American Legion do not get granted on the first try.  They have to fight and appeal for years to be granted connection for benefits they have earned, often at the expense of their health.  It is time for the executive and the legislative branches of the United States to meet and fund the promises they made when the personnel of the Armed Forces raised their right hands and entered into the service of the USA.
This is a copy of the letter someone received when they were searching for their records.  Notice it flat out says most records below the brigade level were destroyed, and it went against the regulations.

SOME THOUGHTS ON LOSS

Grief overwhelms many
Rage, denial, depression
Acceptance distant

     Several of my friends have suffered loss over the past week.  For some it is the death of loved ones, family and/or friends.  Others have lost pets that had grown to be part of the family.  There are those who have hopes and plans ripped to shreds by others who seemingly don't know or don't     care.  Some are waiting test results that will determine the way one lives over the next few months or years.  I know there are others who are hurting, and yet have not shared it on facebook, and maybe even with their closest friends and family.

     We all have or will face these issues.  Then to compound the unease the emotions that are raging in and through us, we begin to to feel guilty because we "have to be strong for ___."  We feel guilty for feeling like we are putting more burdens on others, or that other people have problems that are worse than ours.  We may not want to appear weak or down, whiny or indecisive.

     For my friends who have gotten this far and are experiencing this I have something to tell you.  Actually I have several things to tell you.  The first is this:  YOU ARE NORMAL as you experience these feelings.  You have suffered a major loss be it a relationship (death is a form of being broken up) or the hopes and dreams you had for the future have been ripped from your soul by news you have received.  It is alright to feel this way.  While it may be hard to do so, please do not feel guilty for feeling the way you do.  Now, if it is six months to a year later and you are experiencing the same feelings you probably need to seek professional help, but loss of any time is a wound to your psyche/soul/spirit and it takes time to heal.  As I understand medicine, one of the actions that needs to take place for people to heal is the need to get rid of the bad germs/poison in the body.  If the bad stuff is not expelled then it grows and festers until it either comes out explosively or overcomes the body and begins to impact the rest of the body as it spreads.  Keeping your grief and hurt inside is like keeping the infection inside of your body while it grows and begins to swell the body.  Work your hurt out through some way.  It may be prayers to God (it is ok to yell and question God); maybe it is a bunch of crying; it could be some sort of meditation and solitude; and still another way could be talking with close friends.

     The second item is this-do not minimize how you are feeling.  Remember this-one person's mole hill maybe some one else's mountain.  You may be looking at another person's mountain and think yours in only a molehill when in reality to you it is as steep and as high as the other person's.

     As we move to number three, understand that working through hurt and loss, grief and pain can be a very long process.  Rarely is it over quickly, and rarely can you do it yourself.  You might think you can, but every time you talk to a friend, pray to your God, post on facebook you are reaching out for help.  It may just be to say you are hurting still, or it may be you want a response, some comfort.  The pain can ebb and flow.  The sorrow may be seen approaching while other times it can just appear out of no-where (one of my friends calls it a grief tsunami.)  As you think about the history in the world think about how many cultures have had extended times of mourning.  We in America often want and think our loss and pain should be overcome and disappear within a week.  It does not usually happen that way, and if we try to rush it we end up with the same effects as number one.

     Finally, remember there is hope.  It may be hard to see, but it is there.  As long as one draws breath there is hope.  Some may say that is not true and give evidence of those who are in a vegetative state in a hospital or care center.  However, miracles (or unexplained phenomena if you do not want to ascribe certain things to God or are a non-theist) do occur.  New procedures are discovered.  Strangers enter your life and become friends.

     As a follower of Jesus Christ I believe in the hope that will be fulfilled at the end of time.  Even when it may seem hopeless I can lean on the hope that only God can provide through his faithfulness to his covenant.  May you find peace and hope in your time of hurt and sorrow.

Positive Instead of Negative Resolutions

            Have you ever noticed how many of our resolutions are driven by self, selfishness and/or negativity?  Stop smoking so I don’t die, stop eating too much so I can lose weight or not gain weight, don’t exercise enough and that is bad for my heart, work too much and it impacts the family, and the list goes on and on.  With the New Year upon us, how many of our/your resolutions are driven by bad or negative thoughts, by fear?  Please understand there is nothing wrong with these type of resolutions or other similar type of resolutions especially if they are needs you need to do.  At the same time do our resolutions tear us down instead of build us up?

            What if instead of focusing our resolutions on what is negative or needs to change we turned our attention and actions to what we have that is positive, and work to make them better thus making ourselves better and stronger?  Maybe someone likes to talk to people, friends and strangers alike.  What if the resolution was that while talking to someone you naturally slip a personal, positive thought or compliment into the conversation?  The idea would be to help brighten someone’s day, to encourage them, to strengthen them.  Maybe there are some who really like to cook, could the resolution be to find a way to use your passion?  There might be neighbors who do not get home cooked food very often, or parents of young families who are harried and would love to have a meal or a dish provided for them with no ulterior motive.  What about those who are good with their hands, schematics, and diagrams what if the resolution made dealt with fixing things around the house for someone who is not able to do it?  Maybe, you have some extra time and the resolution could be to volunteer some place like a school or Feed My Starving Children, Goodwill, or someplace else.  There are many who garden.  What if a resolution was made to provide a basket of fresh food each week to the food bank during growing season? 

            You might be wondering how are these type of resolutions church related.  One way is to remember God has given each and every one talents, abilities, and gifts of the Spirit for the up-building of the body of Christ.  As we explore and find out what the Lord has given us we can begin to use and strengthen the talent, the ability, the gift.  We can use them for the strengthening and building up of the body of Christ and the members in it.  Maybe we find out we have a passion for something but we have no ability or gifts in it, and are asking ourselves what do we do then.  Guess what, we can still make a resolution to find a way to make a positive impact.  Think about music as an example.  Many will not sing when people are around, but in a car, the shower, the workshop these same people will sing, and maybe not well but they enjoy it and are able to do it in time.  What if in a church setting those who do not sing for any reason, except physically not being able to, sang?  Think of the example setting to the children and to others about it is ok to make a joyful noise to the Lord.  Maybe by your singing someone else will be willing to begin to sing.  By using our gifts and passions we strengthen the body of Christ and our gifts get refined.

            A second way the positive resolutions are church related is that we are called to be a light to the world.  Many times resolutions focus on the self, losing weight, eating less or healthier, stop cursing, etc.  Yes, these can be a light to others in the name of Jesus, but more often than not we do not think about our resolutions being for God or for others.  What if our resolutions were focusing on the positives we have and telling others, reaching out to others all in the name of Jesus Christ.  When someone asks “why are you here fixing up my house” a reply could be “I made a resolution to use my actions, gifts, and talents in positive ways in the name of Jesus,” or “I have these abilities/time/desire given to me by God, and I want to reflect his love for me and the light he has brought to me to others.  This is a way I can do it.”

            Resolutions do not always have to be negative in tone or in response to not meeting yours or others’ expectations.  They can be positive and up-lifting for you and for others.  What type are you going to make this year.

            I hope your Christmas was blessed with joy, and the New Year be filled with hope and love,

           

Pastor Dave 

DO YOU WANT TO GET WELL?  IS OUR NORMAL GOOD? 

A Reflection on John 5:1-18

NORMAL:  The malleable condition or state in which we are most used to or comfortable.  It is not always the healthiest condition or state one can live in.  (Dave’s working definition of what normal sometimes means.)

                Jesus once asked an invalid man, "do you want to get well?"  Instead of immediately saying yes, the man began to tell Jesus why he could not get well.  Why was that?  As I have reflected on it this week I wonder if the man's reply was a way of saying he did not want to change what he knew.  It was his normal.  He had resided in an invalid state for 35+ years, and it was all he knew.  When Jesus asks the man the question the paralyzed man may have heard it as “do you want to change from what you know?”  The man never actually says he wants to be made well, instead he tells Jesus why he cannot be made well where he is at.  So what does Jesus do?  He says to the man"get up!"  The man's normal was instantly changed.  The man was healed, but there was some action required on his part.

                As we fast forward 2000 years we know Jesus is still asking the question "do you want to get well" to people.  Many of us, possibly most or all of us, have something that is laming us, blinding, us, paralyzing us or in some other way impairing or making us ill.  While for some it is a physical ailment for many it is a spiritual, emotional, or mental long term condition that has gradually changed what we used to see as normal into a new normal.  When we are asked the same question we have a choice to make, to move into a new normal that is being offered, or to stay in the normal we know even if it is not good.  As we reflect on what we would do, think about how easy it is for us to look at others and say they need to change their attitude/way of living/ relationships/etc, and then think about what our reaction is when we are faced with the same situation.

                Probably one of the most prominent examples of people being asked if they want to get well, and then, even knowing they probably should, do not get up and walk away from the situation are those who are caught up in domestic abuse.  This confuses and upsets many people on the outside as well.  We often ask why people stay or go back to their abusers.  There is often a lack of mercy and grace shown.  Why is that?  Why do people withdraw from those whose normal is one of pain?  Why do people return to a normal that is makes them ill and causes them pain?

                Looking at those who get irate at their friends and others who don’t do anything about the situation, or keep returning to it we see many who would say they would never get caught up in something like that; that they would leave if anything like that would happen.  Sometimes the frustration comes out with friends and friends walk away from each other.  Other times is we do not know the people we hear or read about that go back to the abusive arena we will call them names like stupid or dumb.  Mercy and grace are often not shown.

                What if we began to look at what the normal is for those people?  Their normal probably has changed over the course of time.  Like the man at the Pool of Bethesda the hope has gradually faded until they are just there.  So what would cause a person to have their normal changed like that?  In our example it could be the words that are used against them that gradually begin to rot the knowledge of who they are.  They may not be loud outbursts, but quiet phrases used over and over again, each one, even the time they are said, allowing the germs of despair and hurt to get in and begin to attack from the inside. Words and phrases uttered in arguments and in simple day to day living.  Words like “you’re stupid;” “you’re dumb”; “it’s better if I do it because you will screw it up”; “your clothes are getting too tight”; “you can’t do anything right”; and the list goes on and on.  And, while people say it shouldn’t, when words are uttered enough times at someone they will begin to believe it about themselves.

                It is not just words that change a person’s normal, there are the threats that are made and the fear that is caused by them.  “If you leave you’ll never see the kids again!”  “Sure go ahead, leave, but you will never see any of the money in the accounts.  You will be poor the rest of your life.”  “You’ll be out on the streets with no place to go.  Do you really think child welfare is going to let the kids be with you.”   “I’ll kill myself if you leave and take others with me” with an implied threat it will be the abuse and kids/relatives.”  If the abusee has been worn down, or is scared, or been in a situation where this is normal they believe all these threats, and others will happen, or believe they could happen and they do not know what to do about them.  They may also have had experience where the threats have become actions. 

                Now take all of these actions, live in them a while, and then begin to think about how much people like change and the unknown.  The normal is not good, and yet the fear of the unknown may seem worse than the current reality.  While it may be illness producing, at least one knows what to expect, and the unknown brings uncertainty.

                Again, there are those who say that this could never happen to me, but it could.  If it is very gradual, one often does not see how the old normal that is healthy has been changed to a normal that is paralyzing.  Sometimes one exchanges one normal for another that is essentially the same.

                We could talk more about the different ways the normal changes for the ones in abusive relationships and how it gradually changes over time, but we won’t.  I will say this, it is NOT just in abusive relationships that the normal we have becomes toxic, paralyzing, hurtful.  It is just an example that is very visible and that we may not understand why people stay in it or return to it.  There are other examples as well such as being a work-a-holic, being paralyzed by fear of the unknown, a desire for control, etc, that people live into that becomes normal, but is not healthy.

                So what can we do?  The first is to recognize that we could be in the same or similar position ourselves.  We need to ask ourselves how we would like people to interact with us if we were in the same position.  Often we find out that what we would want ourselves we condemn in other people.  Mercy, grace, tolerance, love, support, friendship are all characteristics we want and can offer, but often do not because the normal of other people is radically different from what we know is healthy.  We begin to withdraw instead of continuing to seek to help them get healthy. 

                We can ask the question, maybe not so bluntly, “do you want to get well?”  We can listen to their answers, and then work from there.  There may be those who are not ready to get well or admit they are sick.  We can stay begin to lay the groundwork so they are ready to be able to answer yes when asked “do you want to get well?”  It is seldom that we can be effective with the approach Jesus took and just tell them to get up and be better.  IT does work for some, but for many it does not.  Instead, we can listen to what they say when asked the question, and then begin to address their fears and concerns.  The man Jesus was talking too had the concern no one was helping him get to where he needed to go.  Jesus listened, and told him what he needed to do.  While we may not be Jesus we can listen, and we can maybe point out different ways to begin to change the unhealthy normal to a healthier normal.  We can walk with them as they begin to address their fears, and understanding within our own selves we may never understand why or how our friend arrived to the place where they are hurting so bad.

                If we are in that situation we can ask for help.  The man at the pool of Bethesda did not ask for help, but we see in other situations where people came to Jesus for help.  Sometimes it was for themselves and sometimes it was for others.  We can also be aware that people are asked the question still today.  The people include ourselves.    We can also accept the help, like the man at the pool did, that is offered. 

                Do you want to get well?  Do you want your normal to become a healthy normal?

The Plateau

      I like the mountain top experiences I have experienced in my life.  They have encouraged me in ways seen and unseen.  Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, they have been few and far between.  As for the valleys, I have had a few of them along the way.  Some have been darker than others.  And, while they may have helped me in some way, I am not going to say I am glad I went through them.  The journeys through the valleys are exhausting, painful, despair inducing times.  Yes, coming out of them have strengthened me, and I have experienced God in unique ways which I am grateful for, but the residual pain is often there.

     What I have learned through the years is that the flat plateau on the journey of faith may be the best.  It may be the most boring as well, but think about what it means when our faith journey is on a straight and level path.  It is on the level places that we train and build our endurance to survive going into the depths of darkness.  Just like when we exercise our physical bodies and build stamina our reserves and endurance are built up on the plateau of our faith journey.  And, for the mountaintop experiences, traveling the plateau allows us to be able to see and recognize when we are  on top.

     I encourage those who are struggling with the plateau to remember that the plateau is not always the bad thing it is made out to be.  We can still grow and become stronger in our faith simply by walking the journey we have before us, one step at a time.  If you have fallen into the valley draw upon the reserves you have built up travelling on the road of faith.  If you are on the mountaintop come and share with the community what you have experienced, and remember walking the path helped you to be able to reach the mountaintop.

     One last thing for this little post, remember that it is easier for the Lord to come into our lives when the road is level.  He can come in, and we can issue the invitation, when we are on top or in the bottom, but the road to our heart should be as level as possible.

"Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting,

'Clear the way through the wilderness

    for the Lord!

Make a straight highway through the wasteland

    for our God!

4 Fill in the valleys,

    and level the mountains and hills.

Straighten the curves,

    and smooth out the rough places.

5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,

    and all people will see it together.

    The Lord has spoken!'"  (Isaiah 40:3-5, New Living Translation)

Joy v Happiness

Some thoughts on the difference between Joy and Happiness.  It was a sermon from September 21, 2014.  I do not preach verbatim, this is more of an outline for me so there may be parts I think are clear because I know what I wanted to say or add while I was speaking.  If you come across some areas that are not quite so clear to you and have questions feel free to ask, and I will try to get back to you.  The Scripture lessons are before the message proper.
Blessings,

Dave

Philippians 4:4-14 New International Version (NIV)

Final Exhortations

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

Nehemiah 8:1-12 New International Version (NIV)

8 ¹ all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel.

² So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand.³ He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

⁴ Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

⁵ Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. ⁶ Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

⁷ The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. ⁸ They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear^[a] and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.

⁹ Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Leviteswho were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

¹⁰ Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of theLord is your strength.”

¹¹ The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”

¹² Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

                Back in February The Tonight Show on NBC switched hosts.  For several decades the host had been Jay Leno, and he did what many talk show hosts do-have political satire, made fun of people, etc.  When they switched hosts the network went with a former Saturday Night Live cast member named Jimmy Fallon.  During his short time on the show Jimmy Fallon has brought joy to late night.  This change has been so notable that even magazines such as Christianity Today have noticed and written about it.  There is something about his demeanor that goes beyond just happiness.  It seems to radiate out from him it seems to be part of him.  And, it is so much a part of him that it seems as if he wants to share it with others.  He is joyful.

                In today’s world many people think joy and happiness are the same.  As we read Scripture, and as we go through life we find out they are not.  Happiness is a temporary emotion that can be stripped or ripped away quickly.  Happiness is not something that is lifted up extensively in the Bible.  Joy, however, is something that is lifted up quite a bit.  Joy is a state of being that allows a person to go forward knowing God is in control.  Rick Warren, the pastor who wrote “The Purpose Driven Life” and founder of Saddleback Church in California, wrote a devotional about happiness and joy.  This is what he says:

                “Finding joy is a challenge for me. I’m not naturally an upbeat person; I’m more of a melancholy. When I talk about joy, I’m not doing so from the perspective of a generally peppy person who never has a bad day. In fact, it’s because of my own inability to live with joy that led me to explore why my experiences didn’t line up with Scripture.

                My problem was my definition of joy. I thought joy meant feeling good all the time. That’s impossible! Even for those who are naturally upbeat and optimistic, that’s impossible. We have to start somewhere more realistic — and close to Scripture.

                So here’s the definition I’ve come up with from studying Scripture:

Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control..., the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.

                You’ll find nothing in that definition about happy feelings, because, as we all know, happiness is fleeting and temporary.

                We tend to think that life comes in hills and valleys. In reality, it’s much more like train tracks. Every day of your life, wonderful, good things happen that bring pleasure and contentment and beauty to you. At the exact same time, painful things happen to you or those you love that disappoint you, hurt you, and fill you with sorrow. These two tracks — both joy and sorrow — run parallel to each other every single moment of your life.

                That’s why, when you’re in the midst of an amazing experience, you have a nagging realization that it’s not perfect. And while you’re experiencing something painful, there’s the glorious realization that there is still beauty and loveliness to be found. They’re inseparable.

                If you look down train tracks into the brightness of the horizon, the tracks become one. You can’t distinguish them as two separate tracks. That’s how it will be for us, too. One day, our parallel tracks of joy and sorrow will merge into one. The day we meet Jesus Christ in person and see the brightness of who he is, it will all come together for us. Then it will all make complete sense.”

                When Paul writes “rejoice in the Lord, again I say Rejoice!” he is not just writing about an esoteric, hypothetical exercise about showing excitement.  Instead he is saying be glad in God even if things are not perfect or even terrible.  Paul has been given and has learned about the fruit of the spirit that is joy.  In his journeys he has experienced much hurt and pain, and yet it is the joy, the knowledge that God is in control that enables him to keep going and spreading the Good News of Jesus.  The joy of the Lord is Paul’s strength.

                In the world today many of us have confused happiness and joy.  If we are not happy, then there is the perception in our minds and the minds of others that we are not joyful people.  We get down on ourselves and feel guilty that we are hurting.  We come up with excuses or sayings that denigrate our own pain thinking it will help us to feel better.  How often have you heard or even used the phrase “well my problems are not as bad as someone else’s.”  What that does is to stuff down our feelings, and we become more jaded and hurt.  It becomes harder and harder for us to find the gladness in anything.  It blinds us.

                The Israelites are told to rely on God’s joy, gladness.  This is after all the trouble they have had, the exile, the trouble rebuilding the wall, and then hearing the Book of the Law being read and realizing how far they had gotten away from God.  I believe that one of the lessons God wanted the Israelites to learn was that even in the midst of the knowledge of being sinful, of facing obstacles, of being hurt emotionally, physically, spiritually the Lord wants to take pride in his people and will give them assurance and comfort, strength and gladness to get through the pain and wounds of life.  Those who trust in God bring him joy, and in return God gives hope and assurance.

                This morning examine yourself.  See if you confuse happiness and joy.  Ask yourself if you are working to allow the fruit of joy to blossom and grow within you, or if you are lacking in happiness, confusing the happiness with joy, and effectively freezing the joy out of your heart and soul.  If you can say you have joy do you a) let people see it in you during the good times?  Do you share it with others?  B) lean on it during the tough and painful times that you experience?  If you do not trust God to give you strength/rely on the joy of the Lord can you begin to take baby steps and begin to explore how God has helped you in times past or helped others?

                Paul reminds us to rejoice.  While I could not find it to be exactly like this, we can remember that “re” means again.  Paul is, I believe, reminding us that we can re-joy again, find the joy we have had before.  For a church this could mean finding that state, not necessarily the actions, but the state of trusting God again, finding the gladness of God and knowing God in all things.  For us as individuals it can be the same thing-to find the joy of the Lord again.  Sometimes we need to go through the motions until we begin to feel it, other times it will come naturally.  But rest assured the Joy of God will help you.  Amen and Amen.


As an addendum that I mentioned on Sunday, one of the places where you can see where people are not happy, but could be joy filled is a funeral.  Remember during a funeral service one of the first things the presider often says is "friends we have come together to celebrate the life of ____, and to acknowledge our human loss."  And, then stories are often told, and especially after the service at the lunch or wake you begin to hear laughter as stories are told.  I as a pastor often hear words before and after the service to the effect, "I remember So&So did this one time," I hear a great story, and then these words or something similar "You probably can't tell that one from the pulpit."  There is often joy found even in the most unhappy of times.

Whose Hopes and Dreams Do We Have

                A few years ago I read the book “Pathway to Renewal” by Dan Smith.  As I read it one of the things that jumped out at me was the assertion that for renewal to take place the congregation had to be willing to give everything up including those things that they held dear.  This included hopes, dreams, buildings, location, memorials, etc.  The reason for this, if I remember correctly, was that often what we want is not necessarily what God wants for the congregation.  We need to be willing to put down our hopes and dreams and pick up God’s hopes and dreams.  For some congregations this is difficult, for many more congregations this is impossible.

            I had the opportunity to ask Dan on whether or not this could apply to annual conferences as well.  As I recall I got a vague answer that leaned toward yes.  I bring this up because often the different conferences espouse one thing for the local church, but do not apply the same principals to the conference structure or activity.  The activity going on about schism in the United Methodist Church is a prime example where the denomination in the United States is acting like a local church congregation.

            There is a lot of talk about unity, schism, and discord in the denomination.  There are those who are advocating a split while others are pushing for the denomination to stay together.  What I see and hear are a lot of knee jerk reactions to protect the fiefdoms.  For those calling for separation the reaction is not to wait until the next General Conference to see what they will do about the willful disobedience by pastors and congregations, but to pull out now before it is too late.  For the side that is calling for unity in the face of disagreement there is the knee jerk reaction of multiple resolutions being presented at annual conferences condemning disunity and celebrating and wanting to keep the unity of the denomination.  The bishops seem to fall into this last category, but that might be because of their position where they are tasked with keeping the denomination together. 

            What I do not hear from the bishops, from leaders on both sides, from the rank and file is “let’s come to the table and be willing to put down what we hold dear and pick up what God wants us to do even if it is not where we want to go.”  Now, I understand there are some things, values, beliefs, whatever you want to call them that are non-negotiable.  Most of these are the theological type.  That is another discussion all together.  Just as a church is called to discern on whether or not to move; change ministry focus; to close; to move the piano 6”; the denomination should be willing to discern if the Spirit is moving us forward to stay together or to split.  What I have seen and heard is the knees coming up, the shields being deployed, and everyone in defensive mode whenever split or closing the denomination is brought up.  It is just like many a local church who the pastor or DS has said “we think it is in the best interest for the church to close.”

            I do not particularly want the United Methodist Church to split.  I was born in 1966 and been in the UMC or its predecessor my whole life.  I like the emphasis on forgiveness and atonement, prevenient, justification, and sanctifying grace.  I have been called to be a United Methodist minister.  I am also worried about how a split would affect my family and I as I have three school age children and my wife is an elder.  At the same time I have to be willing to set aside what I want to be able to see and hear what God wants us to do.  However, to do that takes time and effort with as little bias as possible in presentations.  It requires work and patience on both sides.

            Are we called to split?  I do not know.  Are we called to stay together?  Again I do not know.  Should we be examining all options involving both?  Yes, to be able to see if God is leading us in a way we may not like or expect.  In this debate whose dreams do we have in our hearts?

Some of the Work Required to Turn Around Churches

Below are the newsletter articles for February and March.  In them there is discussion on what we can do to turn churches around.  Just as a reminder these items are not totally inclusive.  There are probably others as well.

                I am often asked by individuals and in meetings what we can do to turn the church around/how do we get people to come back to church.  I have some answers, and will share some of them this month and some next month.  There will be some commentary with them to help explain them.  One thing to remember is that just like a fully loaded oil tanker at sea trying to turn around, it is going to take time, work, and space.

1.  There is no group that is going to be the savior of the church.  We often think “if only the youth/the ones who have stopped coming/ the families/etc would come they will save the church.”  As Kenda Creasy Dean reminded the Annual Conference a few years ago these groups are not our savior(s), our Savior is Jesus Christ-living, died, raised, and coming again. 

2.  We have to tell among ourselves and to others our stories on why God is important to us, what Jesus has done for us, and how the Holy Spirit helps us.  If we do not talk about our faith then other people are not going to know that God is alive and active in the world today.  Our faith is not supposed to be kept to ourselves, but rather it is to be shared with the world.  Remember Jesus tells us in Matthew to go into all the world teaching and baptizing, making disciples.  He does not tell us to stay quiet.

3.  Along with talking about our faith we also have to issue invitations for people to come to church, and invitations for people to enter into a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ as their Savior.  Over the last 20 years I have had many people say “I don’t know how to share my faith” or “I don’t want to push religion on anyone” or “it makes me uncomfortable,” and a host of other reasons or excuses.  We live today in a culture more like the Apostles’ and early Christians than we do in one like the 1960s/70s.  In the 60s and 70s there was still somewhat of the expectation one would go to church on Sunday and be involved in its ministries.  That is not the case anymore.  Instead, like the Apostles and early Christians, we live in a society where we need to be like Andrew when he went and told people about Jesus, and then asked him to go to see him.

4.  We need more small groups.  These groups can be grouped around interests, missions, sports, learning, study, etc, but they should always include prayer and support when they meet.  The early Methodists met weekly in classes where they were encouraged to confess their sins and to build each other up.  The classes also grew organically, and when they began to get too big they split and formed new ones.

5.  We need to rethink what the Church is.  Too often we have forgotten The Church, which we are members of, is the Body of Christ, and not a building.  We are the hands and feet of Jesus.  It has been said the Church is the only entity that is in business not for itself.  We need to be reaching out locally, nationally, and internationally.  This reaching out is not just by giving money or supplies, but also going to where the need is, taking the time and inviting people to come to receive physical and spiritual help. 

                Next month we will look at a few more items that we can do to strengthen the congregations.

                Blessings,


                Pastor Dave

                Last month I listed five items we need to know or do to turn the church around/to get more people in church.  This month we will conclude the list.  Now please understand these are not all that we have to do, but it is a start and they are some of the bigger items we need to address.  Also, please know that most of the items are facing many, if not most, of the churches in America today.  Just as a recap here are the five that were talked about last month.  If you want to know more about each point refer to your newsletter or contact the church office and Norma should be able to e-mail you one.

1.  The only Savior for the church is Jesus Christ.  There is no one person or group who is going to save the church other than him. 

2.  We have to tell other people, including those who do not come to church, what God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit has done for us.

3.  We have to extend invitations to people to come to church and to enter into a relationship with Jesus.

4.  We need more small groups.

5.  We need to rethink what church is.

                 Here are the rest of the actions we can do to help the church become who God wants us to be.

6.  We have to be willing to take risks and to be willing to set aside personal preferences.  Congregations are some of the most risk adverse groups there are.  Change does not come easily, nor new things.  Even some of the things that we try that seem new are old things just repackaged in new wrapping.  Sometimes what we try or should be doing goes against what we would do personally or what we like to do.  Risk taking is scary, it can be uncomfortable, and there is no guarantee of success, and yet we are called to do it in the name of Jesus Christ.  If we stumble then we will just get up, wipe ourselves off, and continue to do what God is calling us to do.  Sometimes we get too comfortable in our preferences that we cannot, or more accurately, will not be willing to change or try new things.  Peter took a risk when he got out of the boat to go to Jesus, and when he stumbled Jesus was there to help him up.

7.  Everyone has dreams including God.  God has a dream of who we can become as individuals and as a congregation.  We have to be willing to set aside our dreams for the congregation and church, and then pick up God’s dream for us.  This takes a lot of work, discernment, and will power.  It involves a lot of letting go.

8.  We need to move the Lord and church up on our priority list.  Some may say “you’re getting too personal Dave.”  I would ask, “did this strike too close to home?”  Remember the first commandment, “you shall not have any other God before me.”  God should be number one in our lives.  We are told not to forget the assembly of the saints as some are known to do.  In today’s world there are many other things calling for our priority.  As we hear these voices we have to make choices on what is going to be the most important.  We will also have to carve time out of the schedule for both worship and personal devotion time.  There will be those times we also need to make time for special activities at the church.

9.  We need to remember what God gives us may be something entirely different than what we want.  This could be ministry, building, location, who we work with, and the list goes on and on.  This may mean giving up what we hold dear, and not just dreams and memories.

10.  We need to show mercy, grace, offer forgiveness, and put aside grudges.  I have heard of and been in churches that are still dealing with unresolved conflict or grudges from 5, 10, 20, even 50 years ago.  It needs to be practiced in the Christian’s home as well because you will bring your attitude from home to the church.  From moving a piano across the chancel area or even just a few inches to putting cushions on the pews; from somebody who might not have smiled at you at a family reunion to your spouse not putting the seat down; if we do not forgive and show mercy and grace, the affront gets into us and festers.  It infects us, our relationships, and eventually our actions.  It will infect the rest of the body of Christ.  Sometimes the infection will be a slow gradual erosion of health that is not noticeable until it is too late.  Other times it will become like an infected boil that when any pressure, intentional or unintentional, is applied it busts spurting its pus and goo all over the group.  As it explodes, much like the potatoes in John Belushi’s lunchroom scene in “Animal House”, it opens a way for more infection to invade us, and as the infection lands on other people it can ooze its way into the tiniest of openings and begin to grow there.  The medicine for this is to communicate, to show grace and mercy, and to forgive.

11.  The last one should actually be the first one.  We should literally or figuratively be on our knees praying.  Praying for the Body of Christ to be made strong; seeking the Lord’s guidance on where we should go and who we should and could become as we follow him completely.  We need to be interceding for those who are hurting even if they are our enemies or we do not like them.  To be willing to God to put people in front of us whom we can share the Good News of Jesus Christ with.  We need to come before the Almighty with the knowledge and a confession of our sinfulness, but also to be willing to ask for pardon and forgiveness.  We should be praying for courage to go where we are called.  To tell God everything that is bothering us no matter how big, how small, how silly we perceive it to be, or how insignificant we think it is.  God wants us to bring ALL to him. 

Blessings,

Pastor Dave