For the past 8 or 9 years, I’ve served on the Homeless Task Force for the city of Chico representing the Chico Area Interfaith Council (CAIC).  This group is made up of reps from various organizations that attempt to help the homeless in Chico: the Torres Shelter, Jesus Center, Catalyst, Esplanade House, Independent Living Services, Butte Behavioral Health, Catholic Ladies Relief, and members of our city staff who have responsibilities for housing in Chico.  We even have a few homeless who attend the meetings.

Most of those who attend the meetings have direct contact with those who are in need.  My role is different.  I’m a conduit for information.  I let CAIC members know how they can help meet needs in Chico, and I offer “helping hands” for those in the Homeless Task Force needing volunteers.

Most of the meetings are uneventful.  We hear reports about what each organization is doing, what they’re working on, what grants are being applied for or are in the works.  We try and make sure we focus on the broad range of housing needs: emergency, transitional, and permanent.  While the discussions change with changing needs, most of our work is routine.

Except Tuesday’s meeting.  After our reports and business was just about over and we were ready to adjourn, one of our members who has struggled with various issues shared that his brother, who’d lost his house and accumulated high debt because of the economic down turn, committed suicide last week.  He hadn’t been able to find help.

This was devastating news to me and to those who try and help avoid this very problem.  The gentleman’s concern was that we as the Homeless Task Force rethink how we spread the news about resources that are available.  There is a lot of help in Chico, but people don’t always connect with those who can help.  We’ll work on that.

But as I listened to the gentleman, and as I thought again about Lillian Wendorf and her most recent surgery, I gave thanks again for Christmas.  Not the nicely decorated trees and all the presents and carols and Santa Claus, but for the gift of Jesus Christ.  As hard as we all work to meet the needs of those who’ve lost jobs, or homes, or families, we won’t reach everyone.  Even worse, bad things like leukemia strike young children like Lillian through no fault of anyone.  Bad things happen in the world. 

Because of this, we need the help of God.  We need real help each and everyday of the year, not just December 25^th.  And we have this need met in Christ Jesus – not the baby, but the one who willingly walked to the cross.  This is what makes Christmas the joy it is.  May we rejoice in the coming of Jesus into our world.

I write this on Veterans Day, a day set aside to remember those who have served our nation in the military.  With the tragic shooting at Fort Hood last week, and with the continued fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, we all are very much aware of the sacrifice that our nation asks of those serving in the military.  It’s only right and proper that we recognize and honor those who have served and currently are serving our country.

President Obama, in a brief speech following the traditional wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery said, “We gather here mindful that the generation serving today already deserves a place alongside previous generations for the courage they have shown and the sacrifices that they have made.” 

The president spoke one day after honoring the victims of a shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas. He said he was struck by the determination of the soldiers there, a quality that unites generations of American servicemen.  “To all of them – to our veterans, to the fallen and to their families –  there is no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and your sacrifice,” he said.  While we may not always agree with what our military is called upon to do, we can and do honor those who defend our nations and the rights we enjoy.

It is with great sadness, then, that I read that the Congregation Beth Shalom in Carmichael was vandalized Tuesday morning.  The synagogue had racist symbols and messages, including a swastika, spray-painted on the sanctuary.  Also sprayed on the building were “SS” lightning bolts – the symbol of a Nazi security force – and the message “Kristallnacht still lives.  “Kristallnacht,” meaning “Crystal night” or “the Night of Broken glass,” refers to an event 71 years ago this week in which Nazis in Germany attacked Jewish people, synagogues and businesses

I find it so sad that we can honor our Veterans, while at the same time there are those in our nation who direct hate at fellow citizens.  I wonder if the individual responsible, a man wearing dark clothing was caught on surveillance video, realizes that in spreading his racist message, he defames the memories of all who gave their lives defending religious freedom, and the right of all people to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

It’s sometimes difficult to know how to best support our military.  People have put yellow ribbons on their vehicles and now there are those promoting “Red Fridays,” wearing red on Friday.  I purpose we as Americans honor our military by putting an end to intolerance and racism whenever and where ever we find it.  That way, we too defend the ideals our military seeks to defend.

I saw him ride up on his bicycle as I was waiting for the choir to be seated before I began reading the sermon text.  Usually when someone arrives that late, more than half way through the service, it means they’re in need of financial help and have come to worship so they can make their request to me after the service is over.  That’s what I thought was going to happen.

I saw the center aisle doors open and watched the tall, slightly worn-looking, African-American man enter the sanctuary and start down the center aisle, even as I was reading the text.  He continued down the aisle, to my surprise.  Most of the time, visitors sit towards the rear of the sanctuary.  But not this time.  He continued down the aisle, and I thought to myself, “He’s going to sit in the very front pew.  Nothing like being conspicuous.” 

However, he didn’t stop at the front pew, but continued his walk right up the stairs in front of the pulpit, and held out his hand to me.  I can’t really remember what he said – something like “God bless you.”  I shook his hand and invited him to have a seat with us.  He didn’t say anything, but instead turned around, walked back down the aisle and out the exit door.  Shortly thereafter, I saw him ride off on his bicycle. 

I always find it amazing how many thoughts can fly through my mind in the blink of an eye.  As the gentleman had walked down the aisle, I’d continued reading the Scripture.  Obviously, I stopped reading when he came up to the pulpit.  It was natural to shake his hand and invite him to sit and worship with us.

As he walked out, I wondered, “Did I handle that right?  Could I have done or said something further” But even more, what do I do next.  Do I say something about what had just happened?  But what would, or could, I say?  I could comment on loving the least, but he    hadn’t asked for anything, and I would be making an assumption to think he was one of the least based only on his appearance.  Do I go directly to the sermon?  But I hadn’t finished the text.  Eventually, within a couple of seconds, I simply picked up the reading a sentence from where I’d first stopped reading, finished the text and then preached my sermon, without referring to the interruption.

I didn’t really think about the safety issue until after the service.  It was then I remembered the minister who was shot awhile back by a man who also came up to the pulpit during the middle of the service.  Still, even had I remembered that incident, I hope I’d focus on how to help, rather than my own safety.  The gentleman made no threatening actions.  It was the strangeness of his behavior that was threatening.  But that was my problem, not his.  My task was to be inviting.  I hope I was, and will be, in the future.

I attended the Evergreen Association Annual meeting October 9-10 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington.  That’s a part of greater Seattle.  The weather was beautiful, the trip went smoothly, and the meeting was good.

It’s beneficial to attend these meetings because I meet new people, catch-up on what’s going on, and participate in the governing process.  I share some great news with you.

Under the heading of meeting new people and finding out what’s going on, I met Dr. Paul Roby.  He’s the new Companis Mission Worker, coordinating Evergreen’s services to refugees from Burma.  As you know, Burma (also known as Myanmar) is a very unsettled country, a country ruled by an oppressive military government.  Under the current regime, political dissent isn’t tolerated, minority religions, especially Christianity and Islam, are repressed, and minority ethnic areas are being assimilated through immigration by the dominant Burman ethnic group.

As a result, hundreds of thousands of people have fled Burma, often in harrowing journeys.  The fortunate ones make it to refugee camps in surrounding countries, mainly Thailand and Malaysia.  Some continue their flight from Burma by coming to America, and many of these have arrived in the Seattle area, because of Seattle’s ethnic diversity, and because of the number of Asian refugees who have made the Seattle area their home already.

Dr. Roby is working with many of these refugees, especially the ones who have formed Christian faith groups.  He works with the Karen Community Church that worships in the S’gaw Karen language, the Washington Burmese Christian Fellowship that worships in the Burmese language, and the Chin-Burmese Community Church that worships in dialects of the Hakha Chin language.  The Karen Community Church choir sang for our meeting.

One of the highest needs for these refugees is community.  As Paul says, “Community is a place where the refugees find people who speak their language, where they feel loved and welcome.  It’s a place where they get the wherewithal to carry on, and build their own piece of our hyphenated American culture.”  Through Dr. Roby, we in the Evergreen Association are able to help these people make the transition to life in America.

I hope you know that our Baptist mission work in Burma began in 1813 with the work of Adoniram and Ann Judson.  What’s taking place in the Seattle area is a continuation of that mission work.  I’m very proud of what Dr. Roby and the Evergreen Association are doing.  I invite you to continue to support our mission work throughout the world by giving to the World Mission Offering.

In the first church I ministered, I preached a sermon with Galatians 3:28 as my text: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”  I used the text to say that we are all equal in God’s eyes and therefore all people are equal in society.  I felt it was the basic Christian message of loving one another.

Following the service, as I greeted people at the door, I can only say that I was accosted by a young Bible college student.  “That’s not what that text means,” he angrily said.  “The text doesn’t refer at all to how things should be on earth.  Paul is talking about how things will be in heaven.”  I told the young man that the door of the sanctuary wasn’t the place for the discussion, but if he wanted to come by the office, I’d be more than happy to talk about the text.  He never came by.

I grew up knowing that Christians differed in how we understand, or interpret, the Bible.  I don’t think I fully understood how great that basic difference in how we read the Bible was until that young student accosted me.  We didn’t just disagree on what the text meant.  That happens frequently with Christians.  No.  We differed in our basic approach to reading the Bible.  We differed in what the Bible is and how Christians should, or may, read it and use it.  I, naturally, felt my approach was correct.  He felt his approach was correct.  Unfortunately, a wide chasm remained between the two of us.  I’m afraid the chasm remains between how many Christians read and interpret the Bible.

In an attempt to narrow the chasm, I’m offering a class I’m going to call, “Reading and Interpreting the Bible.”  It will begin on Wednesday, September 30 and continue through October 21.  We’ll meet at 7:00 pm and go until 8:30 pm.  The CE committee will provide light refreshments because – well because we’re Baptists and where 2 or 3 are gathered, we not only pray.  We eat.

You may feel that this class isn’t needed, because there’s only one way to read the Bible.  If that’s the case, then this class is for you because there are many different ways to read, interpret, and understand the Bible.  Yes. We all believe the Bible is God’s Word, but my guess is we all have different approaches to interpreting the Bible.  And how we approach the Bible can make a great deal of difference in what we believe God teaches us through the Bible.

I hope you’ll attend the classes.  I hope you’ll attend with an open mind and a loving heart.  I believe the class will be interesting, and while not fun per se, valuable to our life as Christians.  Hope you’ll make an effort to attend.

                                                                       

In the current Report from the Capital, a small magazine published by the Baptist Joint Committee, Executive Director, J. Brent Walker reminded we readers of the different options for church-state relations.  “70 years ago, the original partners in the Baptist Joint Committee – Southern Baptists, Northern (now we American) Baptists and National (historically African-American) Baptists – adopted ‘The American Baptist Bill of Rights.’  In it, they outlined four different conceptions of the relationship between church and state.

" Church above the state – a theocracy in which religion controls the government.

" State above the church – a secular government that is hostile to religion.

" Church alongside of the state – where one particular religion is privileged, with toleration for others.

" Church separate from the state – [which the document said has been] ‘championed by Baptists everywhere and held by those governments that have written religious liberty into their fundamental law.’”

For the most part, Baptists continue to “champion” church separate from the state.  There are the occasional groups who want the government to stay out of the church’s business and protect an individual’s free-exercise of religion, but want help to promote their particular religion by posting the Ten Commandments in public spaces or funding religious school programs where their children may be attending.  Fortunately, most Baptists continue to work for the separation of church and state.

Understand, when we talk about separation of church and state we’re not talking about individual Baptists, individual Christians staying out of the political arena.  In fact, we’re not even talking about churches staying out of the political arena.  Churches may not endorse specific candidates for a particular office, but churches have the right (and I would argue, the responsibility) to work for or against specific legislation.  It’s important that Christians participate in the political process, because many times, the best if not only way for Christians to carry out the teachings of Jesus is to effect governmental change.

For example.  Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan coming to the aid of the man beaten and robbed and left on the side of the road.  The Samaritan took him to the inn where the man was cared for.  How does this happen today?  I believe it happens when we work to insure that everyone can receive medical help, even if they have nothing.  We work, then, for health care reform so everyone has coverage, and can be treated.  This will happen only if all of us participate in the health care debate currently taking place.  This is how we Christians can care for those in need.

Posted on the American Baptist Churches/USA web site is the following article from our General Secretary, Roy Medley.  I feel it’s well worth sharing with you.  Dr. Medley writes:

“This week Baptists from across the world gather in the Netherlands, to mark the 400^th anniversary of Baptist life and witness.

Baptists began as a protest movement in 1609. They were underdogs in a religious struggle for freedom of conscience in England.  Drawn from the ranks of ordinary folk of that day, they suffered exile for several years in Holland where the Mennonite community sheltered them.  They returned to an England dominated by the state church and kingly rule that together refused to grant them the freedom to worship as Baptists.  From that small and persecuted band of believers, Baptists have grown to be one of the largest families of faith in the Christian church worldwide.

Throughout these past four hundred years Baptists have made impressive contributions to the faith and to the world.  Spurred on by William Carey of England, Baptists were the leaders in the modern missionary movement. Baptists gave to the world the principle of religious liberty which is enshrined in our Bill of Rights, the UN Declaration on Human Rights, and the constitutions of many of the world’s nations.  Baptists have been “drum majors” for justice and peace with figures as diverse as Walter Rauschenbush, Joanna P. Moore, Martin Luther King, Jr, Edwin Dahlberg, and Jitsuo Morikawa.  And Baptists such as Billy Graham and Nilson Fanini have been in the forefront of world-wide evangelism and the Lausanne Movement.”

It’s good for us to hear occasionally about who we are.  It’s good to be reminded of our roots, because so often today Baptists are viewed negatively.  Too often, people focus on our faults rather than on all the good things we’ve done.  Had he chosen to do so, Dr. Medley could’ve written about the schools we’ve started and the hospitals we’ve founded.  He could’ve mentioned Lauren Bethell and her work against the sex trade in Thailand, or the fact that American Baptists are leaders in refugee resettlement in the United States. 

I am proud to be a Baptist.  There are some Baptist churches who’ve changed their name – taken Baptist out of it.  A part of me understands why they’ve done that.  But a greater part of me very willingly displays the Baptist name.  I’m proud of our Baptist distinctives, and proud of our history.  We have done good things in the past, and I look forward to doing good things in the future as a Baptist.

 

Since I shared with you about the proposed ABC-USA Restructuring vote that was going to take place in Pasadena at the Biennial convention, let me give you a follow-up.  By a vote of 377-for to 217-against; 20-abstentions, (63.4%) the proposed bylaw revision failed.  It needed a 2/3 vote.

The question on the minds of many is “What next?”  In the current Evergreen newsletter, Dr. Patton includes these com­ments from Roy Medley, ABCUSA General Secretary.  He wrote to General Board members on the Monday following the Biennial:

“This means that the current bylaws remain in force and current board members continue in their original classes on the General Board and the program boards. . . . Going in to this meeting we knew that there was the possibility that the bylaws might not pass.  There were still many questions about downsizing and representation, the completion of the bylaws for the program boards, and the matter of how we handle public debate on current issues in the new structure.

“I am considering this much like a first reading at the General Board.  We have received feedback that our efforts need further work, and this gives us the opportunity to work to bring as many people on board as possible as we revisit the bylaws.  And to aid us in our work we have significant written feedback from the delegates that was requested in the second discernment session.

“In the meantime, there are several things in the proposed bylaws that we can already begin to implement.  We can continue to plan the 2011 Biennial as a mission summit, and we can structure our General Board meetings to be more like a mission table, for example.  We have already begun the practice of having a representative from the caucuses meet with us and that can continue.

“You will agree with me, I am sure, that we do not want  structure to consume the next two years.  There is too much important work that God is calling us to do to allow us to be diverted by that.”

 I like Roy Medley’s attitude here.  I sincerely hope that the flaws can be corrected and a bet­ter proposal, with more input from the entire ABC, can be brought forth. 

On the whole, it was a good convention.  Attendance was way down from previous years which I found personally very disappointing though not unexpected.  I also felt the speakers – though good – weren’t at their best for whatever reason. 

All in all, it was good to be in Pasadena.  No matter what the convention may be like, I always find it refreshing to participate.  Thank you for allowing me to attend.

 

I leave for the ABC Biennial Convention tomorrow, Thursday, so I’ve been getting ready to leave for the last few days.  Since I really won’t be away all that long (I’ll be back in the office Tuesday), the prep work hasn’t been too difficult.  It’s made easier by being able to leave the pulpit in Bill Jefferies’ capable hands.

As I’ve been getting ready, I’ve asked myself about the value of attending the convention.  Is it worth my time and the church’s money for me to go to the national convention?  What is accomplished by attending this event held every other year in various locations in the United States and Puerto Rico?  I’m convinced it is of value.  Here’s why.

It’s good for me to be with the wider ABC family: to worship together, fellowship together, and simply be with friends and colleagues.  It’s also good for me to see the displays from various groups within the ABC, to browse the new books sold by Judson Press, to hear the news from our ABC colleges and seminaries, and to get the latest updates from National and International Ministries.  This year, I can’t wait to hear the wonderful news from MMBB concerning my retirement account (just a bit of sarcasm there). 

Yes, I can get some of this info on-line, or through various mailings, but somehow it’s not the same.  My Dad used to say that listening to a worship service on the radio is like kissing a girl friend over the phone.  It’s better than nothing, but not the same as experiencing it in person.  Same goes for the convention.  It’s good to be there.

This year, of course, we also vote on the re-structuring as I shared in the last issue of the Focus.  I suspect that the proposal will be accepted, though there isn’t any guarantee of that.  I believe it’s important for me, and the delegates from First Baptist, to be at the convention to participate in the voting.  After all, how can I stress that you all come to our business meetings if I don’t make an effort to attend this national business meeting.

Which leaves me with the prime reason for attending the Biennial.  Being Baptist, we have a real tendency to go it alone.  We believe in soul freedom and the independence of the local church.  Too often, this translates into doing things alone.  This is especially true for us in Chico – where we’ve pretty much had to go it alone for a number of years simply because of our geography.  But it’s true of we in the West as a whole.  We’re much more isolated than our ABC churches in the East where ABC numbers are much larger.  We’re used to going it alone.

But that’s not all that good.  Just as we need to worship together, it’s important that we come together to conduct the business of our denomination.  Even if we didn’t have the vote on the restructuring proposal, it’s important to be together as American Baptists.  It would be nice if we could gather every year, but that’s not financially feasible any longer.  But I’m glad you make it possible for me to be a part of this biennial gathering.  I’ll let you know about the convention when I return.  If I get tied up with things when I return and forget, please ask me.

At our Governing Board meeting Tuesday, I tried to explain the proposed restructuring of the ABC/USA that will be voted on at the Biennial convention at the end of the month.  I didn’t do a very good job.  I know the following will not be very important to many, even most of you.  Still, I’m going to attempt to outline the proposed changes to our national structure.  Understand, this proposal makes little difference in how we as a church function, or how our Evergreen Association functions.  Here goes.

First, gone will be the General Board.  This board has been made up of clergy and lay members from each of the regions and was used to provide board members for International (BIM) and National Ministries (BNM) as well as the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board (MMBB) .  Those 3 boards will now select their own members, based on their own needs.  They will be smaller than they are currently.

Some of the responsibility that now resides with the General Board will go to what is currently the Biennial Convention.  The convention will become know as the Biennial/Mission Summit.  There, “ideas would be generated, shared and networked to encourage us in our life together as we go forward in mission and ministry.” 

Immediately following the Mission Summit, the Mission Table will meet to refine and act upon the Summit info.  The Mission Table will be made up of 104 individuals: a representative from each of our 33 regions, the 33 Regional Executive Ministers, 8 representatives from our ABC Caucus network, plus various other individuals.

Ideas and proposals from the Mission Table will be implemented by the National Leadership Council.  This council is again made up of our Regional Executive Ministers, plus the directors of BNM, BIM, MMBB, ABW Ministries, the Ministers’ Council and others. 

General operational decisions for our denomination will rest with the Board of General Ministries.  This board will be made up of 45 members: 33 Regional members, 3 officers elected at the Mission Summit, 1 from each of the BIM, BNM, and MMBB, the Past President, President of the Inter-Caucus Group and General Secretary, plus 5 elected by the board itself. 

Regional members will be chosen from a national Leadership Pool.  The pool will be made up of 5 clergy and lay people nominated from each of our 33 regions.  A National Nominating Committee will select representatives from the pool to serve so that diversity will continue to be respected.

This is only a thumbnail sketch of the proposed restructuring.  Reading between the lines, it appears that input from local churches will be decreased while input from our Regional Executive Ministers will be increased.  I’m not sure that can be avoided as our denomination seeks to decrease general costs so that missions can remain our priority as they historically have been. 

There is an element of placing our trust in those who have developed this new structure.  I pray that it will help us minister in the years to come.

 

There are times when I wish this newsletter had sound, that it functioned like some of the birthday cards I’ve seen.  It arrives in the mail and when you open it up, suddenly a voice (not mine, by the way.  I wouldn’t want my voice used in this way), suddenly a voice blares out a recorded message.  “Coming next week in worship,” or “You won’t want to miss this Sunday’s worship,” or “Don’t forget our work day this Saturday.”  (The workday is a reality by the way.)  You’d looong for the newsletter to get to your mailbox so that you could hear the special message for that issue.

But since I’m not ready to implement that kind of technology (yes, I know that we could do that kind of thing if the newsletter was delivered electronically by e-mail), you’ll just have to imagine a voice announcing: “The Theatre in the Now proudly presents ‘Ready or Not’ Thursday, May 14 at 6:30 pm in the Social Hall of First Baptist Church.” 

Did you hear the voice?  Is your interest peaked?  Are you ready to attend?  Would it help to know that refreshments & dessert will be served?  (I wonder what the difference will be between refreshments and dessert?)

Maybe it will help you make the decision to come if you know that this is Robyn (Hightower) Robinson’s theater group that will be performing this play.  The Theatre in the Now is made up of Robyn and her friends.  When Cindy made the announcement last Sunday about the group’s performance, I followed up what she said by saying something about Robyn being excited to be able to have her troupe perform for us.  For a moment, I thought Robyn was going to get up right then and there and begin the play.  That’s how excited she is about the performance.

While not a fund-raiser at all, because fund-raisers aren’t permitted for the group, if we’d like to make a donation, that will be accepted.  Cindy is providing the refreshments and dessert, so it’s going to be a very fun evening.  This is the kind of event to which you can invite friends and neighbors and family.  My guess is the play won’t last real long.  The food will be good, and we’ll have a fun time together supporting Robyn and her group.

We in the church frequently talk about being family, and I believe this to be very true.  Many times this involves supporting one another when things are tough.  On the 14^th, we’ll have an opportunity to support Robyn and her friends simply for the fun of it.  And maybe we’ll learn something, or at least, remember what we’ve learned.  I think the play is about safety. 

So, imagine that the voice enticing you to be here on the 14^th.  And invite your neighbors.  We’ll have a good time together.

This past Monday I attended the Holocaust Remembrance Day Service and Commemoration at Congregation Beth Israel.  As its name suggests, it was a service that remembers all the victims of the Holocaust, the Jews certainly, but the non-Jews as well. 

As a part of the service, 11 candles were lit to remember different groups or individuals – from the Jewish victims to those who risked their lives to save others.  I was privileged to light one of the candles as Rabbi Julie Danan explained what the candle symbolized.  As she completed each  statement, we as the congregation responded “We shall not forget.”  It was a very moving portion of the service. 

There were two other parts of the service that were unforgettable for me.  First, Michael Bart, co-author of the book Until Our Last Breath, spoke.  The book is about his parents, Leo and Zenia Bart.  Following his father’s death, and with his mother in failing health, Michael embarked on a ten-year research project to find out more about his parents’ time in the Vilna (Lithuania) ghetto, where they met, fell in love, and married, and about their activities as members of the Jewish resistance.  They became part of the Jewish partisan fighting group known as the Avengers, which carried out sabotage missions against the Nazi army and eventually participated in the liberation of Vilna.

Bart began his talk by saying, “I had long since realized that the single thing that had the most impact on my life happened before I was even born.  The Holocaust had taken from me all my  grandparents, aunts and uncles, and first cousins who were living in Nazi-occupied Europe.”  I was deeply moved when he said this and the words we’d repeated earlier were given even more meaning: “We shall not forget.”

The second very emotional part of the service for me was when Bert Schapelhouman of Magalia was recognized for his part in rescuing Jews and others in Holland who were to be sent to concentration camps.  Bert himself was eventually sent to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp.   Bert said he did what he did because it was right, and he could not do anything else.  As he said that, I said to myself once more, “We shall not forget.”

As backdrop to the Holocaust Remembrance Service, I was given a set of papers by a young man who stopped by the church while we were in our business meeting Sunday.  The pages rail against President Obama and Prince Charles and are extremely polemical.  Many seem to feel this way. 

At some point during the Holocaust Service, it was said that a root cause of the Holocaust was the separation of people based on differences.  It struck me that the young man’s pages were filled with  feelings that could cause another Holocaust.

“We shall not forget” means more than remembering.  It means working to keep attitudes of distrust and hatred out of public discourse.  It means shining a light on the darkness and sin of the human spirit that caused concentration camps, and causes bigotry and prejudice in today’s world. 

History can be repeated.  May we all pledge not to forget.  May we pledge to obey Christ’s command that we love one another.

I’ve always found it somewhat strange that Easter, the glorious celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, is represented most often by bunnies and eggs.  This isn’t so surprising today when much of the country is non-Christian, but it was like this when I was growing up as well.  Eggs and rabbits, symbols of fertility, are attached to Easter just as Santa Claus is attached to Christmas.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “The use of painted and decorated Easter eggs was first recorded in the 13th century.  The church prohibited the eating of eggs during Holy Week, but chickens continued to lay eggs during that week, and the notion of specially identifying those as ‘Holy Week’ eggs brought about their decoration.  The egg itself became a symbol of the Resurrection.  Just as Jesus rose from the tomb, the egg symbolizes new life emerging from the eggshell.  In the United States, Easter egg hunts are popular among children, and in 1878 Lucy Hayes, the wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes, sponsored the first annual Easter egg roll on the White House lawn.

“The custom of associating a rabbit with Easter arose in Protestant areas in Europe in the 17^th century but did not become common until the 19th century.  The Easter rabbit was said to lay the eggs as well as decorate and hide them.  In a way, this was a manifestation of the Protestant rejection of Catholic Easter customs.”

I share this with you, not in an attempt to do away with Easter baskets and chocolate rabbits.  (Our women’s circles put together Easter baskets to give to children in foster care.  I think this is great because it opens doors to explain why Easter is more than about colored eggs and candy bunnies.)  Nor do I believe that bunnies and eggs compete with the meaning of Easter as Santa competes with the birth of Jesus.  There’s no comparison there.

I simply find the juxtaposition between  mythical, egg laying rabbits and the resurrection of Jesus unfathomable, especially since the bunny tradition seems to have been begun by we Christians.  It’s almost as if Easter is too meaningful for us to handle so we invent less-than-serious myths upon which to focus so that we’ll better fit in with the world.  Better to share chocolate bunnies with non-Christian friends than to talk about the resurrection.

Maybe this worked hundreds of years ago, but not today.  I’m afraid many today feel that the resurrection is as much a myth as the Easter bunny.  It’s up to us, therefore, to share our own belief in the risen Christ.  It’s up to us to share the love of God shown to the world in Easter.  I invite you to proclaim the joy of the Easter season with family and friends – maybe as you chew on a chocolate bunny.

It happened just as I walked into the office this afternoon.  The phone rang before I’d even sat down.  I answered with my standard greeting: “Hello.  First Baptist Church.  This is Ted.”  There was a long pause, long enough for me to think it was another sales call.  Just before I hung up, a woman said, “Hello.  May I speak to the pastor?”  “I’m the pastor,” I replied. 

To be honest, what went through my mind in the split second before she continued was that this was another call asking for rent money, or money to pay the PG&E bill.  But no, that’s not what she asked.  Instead she said, “I’d like to talk with you for a few minutes.”  I said, “Of course.  What’s the problem?” as I mentally prepared to hear the woman’s concern.

It was then that she asked for money.  My standard reply to these requests, because it’s the truth, is that we give our money to the various help agencies in town: Catholic Ladies Relief, Salvation Army, the Jesus Center, the Torres Shelter.  Before I was able to get more than, “I’m sorry.  We give our money to. . .” the woman swore and hung up the phone.  But not before saying something like, “Yeah, you give it to all those “@#*%&” agencies that don’t do what they’re supposed to do.”

So I stood there with the phone in my hand wondering what I should have done differently.  Now you may well feel that since you give money to the Communion Fund on the first Sunday of each month that I should’ve given money to the woman.  You may be right.  The problem I’ve discovered through years of doing this, and the problem that most other ministers with whom I’ve discussed this have also found, is that it’s extremely difficult to know who to help and who not to help.  “Help everyone,” you say.  It would be great if we could, but the reality is that there seems to be an underground message service that is faster than my cell phone.  If one person is given money, the next day there’s a dozen wanting to be helped.

I know that people need help, and even more, that it’s more than likely that there are going to be more needs in the next year or two.  And I want to help.  I also know that giving money is dangerous because I have no way of knowing how the money is used.  Too often, money is used to buy inappropriate substances.  (It’s amazing how many people run out of gas driving to funerals.)  Then too, I’m much more apt to help if someone comes to the church, rather than just goes down the list of churches in the phone book. 

The bottom line, however, is that I felt terrible after the woman hung up on me.  I firmly believe that the way to handle this issue is to give to those agencies that do help, and are able to help in much better ways than we can.  But if I was in need of help and the person on the other end of the phone told me to go to some other agency, I’d probably be angry too. 

Ultimately, this is one reason why I’m willing to work on the Homeless Task Force.  This issue can’t be solved by us giving out $20 to a few people.  This is an issue to be dealt with by the Chico community, and the country. 

I wish that made me feel better, however.

As I was riding my bike back to the office following my weekly gathering with clergy friends, I stopped at the light next to the library.  While stopped, I heard the wale of a siren, and seconds later an ambulance rushed down First Ave headed toward Mangrove, and I assume, Enloe Hospital.  Fortunately, traffic pulled to the side of the road and the ambulance was unimpeded on its way to the hospital, at least at the intersection at which I was stopped.

 Two thoughts came to me as I crossed the road after the ambulance passed and the light changed.  First, I wondered who was in the ambulance, and how they were doing.  The ambulance was going fast enough that it must’ve been a critical situation.  I said a short prayer for the one being rushed to the hospital and for the one who was caring for the patient.  Having been an EMT with the volunteer ambulance squad in the small community in which I pastored in North Dakota, I have some feeling for what it’s like to be in the back of an ambulance, rushing to the hospital.  Those individuals can use our prayers when we see an ambulance drive by.  (I also say I short prayer for those in the helicopters that periodically land at the hospital.  Rather than cursing the helicopters for waking me in the middle of the night, I’ve found it better to pray for those who are being air flighted to the hospital because their situations must also be critical.)

The second thought I had as I rode back to the church was how thankful I am for the sirens on the emergency vehicles.  Again, rather than curse the noise, I’m thankful that there are those who are rushing to assist people in need.  Most of the time when I hear the siren, I don’t see the emergency vehicle so I don’t know if it’s a fire truck, ambulance, or police car responding.  (I confess I can’t tell the difference between their sirens.  I’m not even sure there is a difference between them.)  My prayers are therefore rather generic, but still I try to offer up a prayer for the emergency people and the situation to which they’re responding.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there were more sirens to warn us of danger ahead?  I wish there was a siren that would go off to let me know that I was about to say something hurtful, or less than intelligent.  I wish there was a siren that sounded when I head in the wrong direction.  Wouldn’t it be nice if God provided a siren when we strayed from God’s pathway?

But maybe the siren God provides is you and me.  Maybe we’re called to look out for one another and sound an alarm, lovingly rather than shrilly, when we see each other in need.  And maybe we’re called to sound an alarm in a world that increasingly seems to feel no need for God.  Maybe we’re the siren, but too often, we run on silent.  Food for thought in this   Lenten Season.

 

Two things upon which to reflect as we head into the month of March.  First, we begin collecting the America for Christ (AFC) offering this Sunday, and will continue to do so throughout the month.  You’ll be hearing about the offering each Sunday. There’s a letter from the Executive Director of National Ministries, Aidsand Wright-Riggins III, in this FOCUS introducing the offering.  The AFC offering goes to support our ABC ministries in the United States.  It used to be called “Home Missions.

Second, March begins the season of Lent.  According to Wikopedia, “The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer – through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial – for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter...”  As Baptists, we haven’t emphasized Lent all that much, but it does provide us with the opportunity to think about both the crucifixion and the resurrection.  Why did God come to us in the person of Jesus?  Why did Jesus have to die?  Why was he raised from death?

Vast numbers of books have been written to answer those and similar questions, but it would be good for each of us to attempt to answer them for ourselves.  My answer, at the most basic level, centers around God’s love for us.  As I learned as a young boy, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  Lent provides another opportunity to reflect on the cost of God’s love for us.

It’s good, therefore, that we collect the AFC offering during Lent this year.  The offering goes to support the work of our National Ministries in spreading the news about God’s love to people throughout the United States.  We do this by resettling refugees, by working on peace and justice issues, by starting new churches with Hispanics and African-Americans and Asians as well as all kinds of Caucasians.  We spread God’s love with lots of different people in many different ways. 

Which got me thinking about differences.  We talk about sharing God’s love with those who are different, but I’m not sure how well we handle differences within our own congregation.  What does it mean to love someone who’s different, who’s a different color or a different social class, or even more, different from us theologically or politically?  Do we accept them for who they are?  Can we openly discuss our differences with them?  Do we keep our own views quiet and not talk about them because we’re afraid we’ll hurt someone or chase them out of the church?  Will you leave the church if you disagree with me?  Will I leave if I disagree with you?  What do we do with our differences?  How do we handle our differences because there are differences?

As we think about God’s love throughout Lent and beyond, I invite us to think together about who we share God’s love with.  Do we share God’s love only with people like us, or do we share God’s love with “the world” because, after all,  that’s what God did.  Food for thought – in case you’ve given up dessert for Lent.

We had an interesting discussion last night at the Governing Board meeting.  The Christian Education committee presented to the Board a proposal to offer a Lenten class on the issue of homosexuality.  The class was planned for four of the Wednesday evenings in Lent.  The class would have no purpose other than to look at this issue that is so controversial with so many.

A lengthy, and as I began, interesting discussion ensued.  It proceeded on two levels.  The first was a very practical concern.  What about those who don’t like to drive at night?  Maybe Wednesday night isn’t a good time for such a class.  How would we include those who don’t get out at night in such a controversial subject?  How  would they know what we were talking about?  Maybe we should offer the class some other time – maybe on Sunday afternoons, for example. 

On the same level, while the Board agreed that the subject was worth discussing, they felt that perhaps Lent wasn’t an appropriate time for such a discussion.  Lent is a time of reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus, a time to bring us together as Christians.  It’s not a time for division, and a discussion of homosexuality holds at least the potential for division.  The Board felt that the class could be held, but held later in the year.

The second concern was more personal.  There was a certain amount of apprehension about tackling such a touchy subject.  The Board very much felt that we would need to make sure that everyone knew that this was an informational class with no other agenda than education.  There wouldn’t be any ulterior motive to the class.

Ultimately, the Board decided to postpone the class, mainly because they felt that Lent wasn’t an appropriate time to look at the issue.  I well understand this, and agreed with the decision.

I share this with you for a couple of reasons.  First, you can be proud of your Board.  They discussed the proposal for the class openly and compassionately.  They weren’t afraid to share their feelings and disagree with each other and with me.  They didn’t say that we shouldn’t deal with controversial issues, whatever those may be, but they did want to make sure that when we do deal with such an issue, we make sure that everyone can be a part of the discussion, and that we’re up-front with our reasons for dealing with the issue.  This is to say that the Board acted as true Baptists.

Having said this, I do hope that we’ll be able to determine a good way of dealing with controversial topics – not just homosexuality, but other touchy topics as well.  So often, we’re so afraid of offending others that we’ll sweep a subject under the rug.  We end up with a bunch of lumps that all too often cause us to trip and fall when we’re not looking.  Too many times, Christians get mad and leave rather than dealing with a concern because we don’t know how to discuss an issue and then agree to disagree if need be.  My experience is that this happens with both liberals and conservatives alike.

I’m not sure what we’ll do for Lent.  Hopefully it will bring us together so that at some point, we can discuss what has driven others apart.

 

hen I was growing up, things were a bit different than they are now.  The small town in which I went to jr. high and began high school honored Wednesday night as “Church night.”  All activities at the school had to be over by 6 or 6:30 pm each Wednesday night so that all students could go to church.  (Never mind that very few of us ever took advantage of this by going to church.)  There also were no, or very few, school or town activities scheduled for Sunday mornings.  And, of course, the stores were all closed on Sunday, that is except for restaurants.  Seems no good church goers have ever wanted to cook a Sunday meal – though inviting friends over after church for the Sunday meal was a common practice.

Things were different in the church, as well.  We young people didn’t often go to church on Wednesday – that was Bible Study and Prayer meeting night followed by Choir practice at 8 pm. (I did go to choir practice when I was old enough to sing.)  Many of we youth did go to BYF (Baptist Youth Fellowship) which met early Sunday evening and was followed by the Sunday evening service, both of which I regularly attended.

Nor were we Baptists the only church that had these types of services.  Most of the churches in town had a similar church schedule.  As I say, things have changed.

Would I like to go back to the way it used to be?  I was going to say, “Not necessarily,” because the reasons Sunday evening services were stopped, for example, was because attendance was so low.  It’s not worthwhile to have a service if hardly anyone attends.  I would like to see us have a Wednesday Bible study and prayer meeting, but those were also generally not well attended.

The low attendance was, and is, caused by many things.  People are on the go so much today that it’s difficult to come out on a Wednesday or Thursday evening each week.  There are also many, many other activities taking place that compete for our time, very worthwhile activities.  It’s also true that many no longer drive at night so it’s difficult to hold evening meetings.  So I don’t see these “old-time” services coming back.

But in many ways, I wish we still had these services.  I got to thinking about what we’ve lost in not having these kinds of services when I received an e-mail after lasts Sunday’s sermon in which I talked about sharing our faith with others.  That’s one of the things people learned to do in a Prayer service.  The old language was that people often gave their “testimony.”  That was nothing more than sharing what God had done in their life. 

We don’t do this much any more, but maybe it’s time to figure out a way to do it.  It would be good for us to hear how God has worked, and is working in our lives.  It would be good to share with other believers, in a safe environment, what God has done for us so that we, in turn, can be more comfortable sharing our faith with non-believers.  It would be good to even learn to pray in public.

What would your “testimony” be if you were asked to share it with the church?  Something to think about.  Maybe even something to share.

I don’t know about you, but the end of one year and the beginning of the next is a

 busy time.  A part of me says that it shouldn’t be this way, but I’ve come to realize that it always is.  There’s just a bunch of stuff to do.

 

I’m not complaining about this.  Most of my “Done” list and my “To Do” list was, and is good.  My family and I just got back from spending Christmas in Bremerton, WA  with my folks and my brothers and family. The winter for the whole Northwest has been severe so far, but we flew in and out of Sea-Tac with no problems.  While our son Jerry and his family wasn’t able to get to Bremerton the day after Christmas as planned, we were able to go over later in the week.  It was great to be with all our family over Christmas.

 

I also very much enjoyed the whole Advent season, even though it too was busy.  It was great fun to host those of you who were able to attend our Open House.  That’s a highlight of the season for my wife and me.  As always, the sanctuary looked beautiful.  The special music provided by the choir was exceptional.  The Christmas Eve service also was a joy.  Thanks go to the choir for singing and to Paul Sandberg for his solo.  Thanks too go to Laura Sederberg for being the worship leader.  Finally, thanks to all of you who sent cards and letter, and who gave gifts to my family.  They were much appreciated.  A special thanks goes to the church as a whole for the Christmas gift you gave to us.  It’s blessing to serve as your minister.

 

The end of 2008 brings not only a new year but more things to do.  Hopefully, those of you who were in worship Sunday noticed the change in the order of the service.  Worship formally begins at 10:30 with the Prelude and we then move directly into the Call to Worship.  For many years, I’ve put the praise singing before the Call to Worship, but changing the order makes the praise singing a more integral part of our worship, which I feel it is.

 

Speaking of the praise music, we’re in the process of adding 30 or so new songs to the Blue Praise Books.  They should be ready by the 18^th.  I hope you’ll like the additions.

 

The new year also means new committee membership.  The Committee Planning event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17.  If you’re a member of any of the committees, please attend this very important event.  It begins at 8:30 AM.  Then on Sunday, the 18^th, we hold our Annual meeting.  The plan is to pass out the new church directory and the Annual Report then. At this point, it looks like the meeting will mostly be a time to eat and fellowship together.  I always look forward to that.

2008 had its ups and downs, but was, for the most part, good.  I’m looking forward to 2009.  I hope all of us have a great new year.

 

Have you ever listened to the words to some of the secular Christmas songs that are sung this time of year?  As much as I love the songs, they aren’t really all that meaningful.

 

One of my favorites is “The Christmas Song” by Mel Torme and Robert Wells.  I especially like Torme singing the song.  But the words don’t really hit home with me.  I’ve never roasted chestnuts on an open fire – wouldn’t even know where to go to get chestnuts.  With the uproar about burning wood in Chico, it’s probably going to be illegal to have an open fire even if I could find the chestnuts to roast.

 

I road to the office on my bicycle this morning.  Temperature was below 30^N.  I want you to know that Jack Frost more than nipped at my nose.  He tried to knock my nose off my face.  We do sing carols, though I can’t remember when we’ve called them yuletide carols, and though some are dressed for the weather – though not like Eskimos – others still aren’t even wearing coats today.  And personally, this season is bright and it has nothing to do with turkeys and mistletoe. 

 

Finally, while I’m sure more than tiny tots will find it hard to sleep Christmas Eve, we know it’s not because of Santa with his loaded sleigh, nor because they’re up trying to catch reindeer flying.  As much as I’ve watched the Discovery channel, I’ve never seen anything about that phenomenon.

 

Now that I’ve “deconstructed” this wonderful song, I should also say that I appreciate its conclusion: “Although it’s been said many times, many ways, ‘Merry Christmas to you.’”  It’s the “feel” of the song that makes it special for me, not the words.  It invokes a feeling of warmth and goodwill and peace which speaks to the meaning of Christmas, or one of the meanings of Christmas. 

 

Christmas has more than one meaning, or level of meaning which is why it’s  appreciated by so many.  Merchants undoubtedly see Christmas as the financial “make-it-or-break-it” for the year.  Some go no deeper than the warm feelings or historic memories invoked by songs like Torme’s “The Christmas Song.”  For some, Christmas is a time to remember, to remember loved ones no longer living, to remember the joys of childhood Christmases, or even to remember how Christmas never was for them, i.e. chestnuts roasting on an open fire.  Many of us enjoy Christmas as a time of family, a time to share together with those we love.

As I write this, however, I know that Christmas isn’t joyful for all.  I’m afraid that many stores will close following a season not as successful as it needed to be.  Many are out of work, or facing layoffs which destroys the joy of the season.  I also know that Christmas doesn’t evoke pleasant memories for everyone.  Not everyone has family with whom to share the joy of the season.  For some, Christmas is a time of depression, sorrow and pain, bringing with it bad memories. 

 

Yet even for those who suffer, because of the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas can be a time of joy if we focus on His birth.  Christmas means God has come to us.  This is why we rejoice.  This is why we celebrate.  Because of Jesus’s entry into our world, I wish you the merriest of Christmases. 

 

I sat here trying to figure out what to write for this article, as usual, until I finally remembered that this is the Focus before Thanksgiving.  I can write on all for which I’m thankful.  The problem then isn’t what to write, but what to include, because God has greatly blessed me.  (Hopefully, you can say the same.)  Here’s a list, though it’s far from all-inclusive.  I invite you to jot down a list of your own.

 

I’m thankful for my family, for Cheri, Jerry and his family, Paul and Laura.  Cheri is my biggest support and best friend.  My children are my delight – even when they call with car troubles or computer problems or family issues.

 

I’m thankful for my parents and brothers, Gary and his family and Kirby, for aunts and uncles and cousins.  I hear and read of lots of families that are very dysfunctional.  I’ve had friends who hated to go home at Thanksgiving because of the fights their family would have.  While our family certainly doesn’t always agree, it’s always a joy to be together whenever that can happen.

 

I’m thankful for you as my church family.  You are a special group of people, and my regret is that more people in Chico haven’t found out how special you are.  I am glad to serve you as your  minister.

 

I’m thankful for the work we do together.  While I listened to Ron Reed’s presentation last Sunday about the Water Well project in      Tanzania, I was very thankful that we can play a small role in making the project work.  I know I take it for granted that clean water will flow out of the tap whenever I turn it on.  I’m very glad we can help bring clean water to those who have had to drink contaminated water all their lives.

 

I’m thankful for the faithful stewardship of  this congregation.  I say this in faith, as church budgets are always a matter of faith.  I think that many Commitment cards remain to be turned in for 2009.  I trust that will happen in the next days and weeks.  We have always been able to meet expenses thanks to your faithfulness.  We have a ways to go to meet the 2009 budget goal, but I trust we will do that.

I’m thankful for those of you who have served on committees this past year, especially for the committee chairs.  Our committees all work well thanks to your work.  The Nominating Committee has begun its work for 2009, and I trust that many of you will be willing to serve when they “call” you.

I’m thankful for your support of me as pastor.  I know that I don’t always do what you’d like me to do.  Like all of us, I have my weaknesses.  But despite those weaknesses, we minister together in the name of Jesus Christ thanks to God’s Spirit at work with us.

 

There are many things I haven’t had room to include in this brief article.  I’m thankful for health, country, community, friends, colleagues.  I’m  thankful for this beautiful weather – though I’d welcome rain as well.  I am indeed blessed.

 

Most of all, I’m thankful for the gift of Jesus Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.  May we all be thankful to our God for so many blessings, not only this Thanksgiving, but each and every day.

As I write this on Wednesday afternoon, the Stock Market has just fallen another 500 points “as investors worried that the global economy is poised to weaken even as parts of the credit market slowly show signs of recovery” as Yahoo News put it.  “Corporate profit forecasts, a jump in the dollar and falling oil prices signaled investors are fearful that an economic slowdown will sweep the globe even if lending begins to approach more normal  levels.”

We haven’t heard much good financial news for the past couple of months which makes financial campaigns difficult.  I heard of one group that asked an individual with considerable financial resources to support its project the day that the House failed to pass the $700 billion rescue package.  Needless to say, the group didn’t receive its request.  The Torres Homeless Shelter did not receive the Federal grant that it has depended upon for a good share of its budget, and so it’s trying to raise $100,000 before the end of the year.  Not an easy task at any time, but particularly difficult in this economic climate.

Interestingly, as we begin our Stewardship campaign, I’m not terribly worried about our 2009 budget.  This may mean that I’m naive.  It may mean that I don’t understand the economics of the situation all that well – which may be true.  Or it may be true that I should be more worried than I am.

I’m not more worried about the upcoming year given the financial climate for a number of reasons.  First, as you saw on the 19^th at our business meeting, or will see in the Stewardship letter that will soon go out, the Stewardship Committee has presented us with a budget that closely matches our income for 2008.  It’s a very realistic budget reflective of our financial situation.  It uses monies from the interest on our Endowment Fund to give to United Missions.  Those monies won’t need to be withdrawn immediately, and hopefully in 6 or 8 months, the Stock Market will have improved somewhat.  So we have a good budget.

Second, you have always been faithful in your giving, and I trust that this faithfulness will continue.  Even in previous times of difficulty, this church has been able to minister in the name of Jesus Christ, and I see no reason why this will not continue to happen.

Finally, I truly believe that God is faithful.  As we minister together, God will continue to bless us.  No matter what the future holds, God is with us.  In times of distress, it’s even more important to understand that we can’t depend upon ourselves but can only depend upon God.  That’s a good lesson to learn and remember in these difficult economic times.

 

 

 

It seems like there’s been nothing but bad news the last few weeks, at least if you’ve been following the Stock Market.  As I’ve shared with you before, I don’t understand all the in’s and out’s of the economy, but I do know bad news when I hear it, and there’s been a lot gloomy news.  I’m not looking forward to hearing from the M&M representative about my retirement account while I’m at the Evergreen Association convention this weekend.  Housing is down.  The stock market is down.  The job market is down.  It’s easy not to get personally down.

Yet in the midst of the economic gloom, the Apostle Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.”  Even more, he goes on to tell us to “think about” whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable.  We’re to think about what’s excellent and what’s worthy of praise.  That’s quite list to consider in bad economic times, isn’t it?

Yet as I reflected on Paul’s words, I realized that there are excellent reasons to rejoice.  There are many, many good things to think about.  Let me share a few of mine with you.

First, our picnic was a joy.  It was really nice just getting together for a simple meal and talking amongst ourselves.  Marc grilled the hamburgers and hot dogs.  CE and Evangelism-Missions handled the rest of the food.  I’ve heard only good things about the picnic.

Terry Miller-Herringer did a wonderful job preaching on ABW Women’s Sunday.  She reminded me again of how many talented people we have in this congregation.  Along that same line, Stewardship has come up with a creative solution to our 2009 budget.  They’ll share the solution with you, but to my way of thinking, they have a great idea.  And Stewardship isn’t alone in doing good work.  All our committees function very well.

Speaking of doing well, Marta Torres is doing great as Moderator.  So often, being Moderator is a thankless job.  Make sure you thank her for the good work she’s doing in leading our congregation.

Speaking of good work, Bob Hamilton has had to give up teaching the adult class.  I’ve truly appreciated his commitment to the class, and the talented way he has taught it.

There are other good things happening here.  Rose Scott Learning Center continues to teach ADHD boys.  The Kilolo Star Water Well project continues to dig wells in Tanzania.  I had PCBA colleagues travel to Chico this week and take me out to lunch because I haven’t been able to go to the Bay Area for awhile.  What a delight that was!

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Even in the midst of bad news, there are many reasons to rejoice.  This is only part of my list.  I invite you to make your own list, and rejoice with me.

 

 

 

 

I hope by now that you’ve made plans to attend our picnic for our neighbors on October 4 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.  Plans are underway to have a fun event for our neighbors and for us.  (Don’t forget, for those of you who receive this FOCUS before Saturday, that we’ll be passing out fliers to invite our neighbors to the picnic this Saturday morning at 10 AM.  Meet at the church office.)

I don’t know if many of our neighbors will attend our picnic.  I hope they do.  The Christian Ed and the Evangelism/Membership Committees have both put lots of thought into planning this picnic, and have worked hard to make it work.  Thank them for their efforts.  (Evangelism/Membership has planned the food and will be setting up the games Oct 4 beginning at 9 AM.  If you want to help set up, or clean-up, your help is certainly welcome.) 

Doing the prep work and making good plans is always a necessity for success, but they’re never a guarantee of success.  In fact, there are no guarantees of success – which makes our work all the harder.  Even the best of plans, can and do, fail; though conversely, the worst laid plans rarely succeed.  We’ve made good plans, but now the real work for this picnic depends upon you and your participation.

I know that many will have other obligations, or will be out of town, or just aren’t able to come to the church for the picnic.  I invite you to pray for this picnic both in the days leading up to it, and that Saturday morning. 

Hopefully, however, as I began this article, you’re planning on attending the picnic – and not just attending the picnic, but welcoming any of our neighbors who come for the lunch.  The picnic won’t be a success if our visitors aren’t made to feel welcome.  If we stay in groups of people we know rather than greeting and eating with those who visit, then the picnic will not work, no matter how many people attend. 

As I write this, I realize that I’ve been talking about success, but haven’t really defined success.  I would define success as having our neighbors get to know us and come to realize that we’re nice, friendly people, people who are welcoming and aren’t “hellfire and brimstone” Baptists – which too often is the perception outsiders have of us.  It would be great if those looking for a church home would meet us and decide to worship with us.  But even if that doesn’t happen, this picnic will be a success if our neighbors find out that we’re not like their misconception of Baptists and would become open, at some future point, to worshiping with us. 

I hope you’ll be with us Oct 4, or at least praying for us as we seek to share ourselves and Jesus Christ with our neighbors.  If only that happens, the picnic will be a success.

 

Much has been happening here at First Baptist in the past few weeks.  You can read in this FOCUS about some of it.  Ron Reed shares with me some of the e-mails he receives from Tanzania about the progress the 3 well-drilling teams are making there, and I’m more than happy to share them with you.  I can’t imagine the impact those new wells must make on the villagers who now have access to fresh, clean water.  Water is one of those things that I take for granted. 

I’ve also included in the FOCUS e-mails I’ve received from Church World Service about the work that’s being done in the USA and in the rest of the world on our behalf.  Through CROP Walk and through our One Great Hour of Sharing, we are able to help meet needs following natural disasters throughout the world.  That, too, is a great thing we’re able to do in the name of Jesus Christ.

Also, the Rose Scott Learning Community continues it’s teaching of ADHD students.  While this doesn’t involve us directly, it does provide a true ministry with those students in Chico who have this special need.  We can be proud that we’re able to help this school get started.

These ministries are rather passive on our part, of course.  They don’t require much in the way of action from us.  A couple of things that do take “work” on our part are participating in the neighborhood picnic on October 4^th, and volunteering to teach in our Jr. Church program once every 6 or 8 weeks.  (I put work in quotes because while these two things do take effort on our part, I don’t really think of them as work.  They’re ministries.  They’re serving.  They can even be fun and enjoyable.)

First, the picnic.  Two parts to this. The picnic itself, as we’ve been promoting for the last few weeks, will be on October 4^th from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM.  We hope that everyone will meet our neighbors on our front lawn that day for a time a sharing and fun.  It would be disappointing if more neighbors showed up than church members.  And even if neighbors don’t show up, we’ll have a good time by ourselves.

The second part of this is that on Saturday, September 27 at 10 AM you’re invited to meet at the church to pass out fliers to our neighbors, inviting them to the picnic.  We’ll just put a flier in the door.  That’s something that many of us can do.

Finally, it’s important that we have Jr. Church for our children.  In order to have Jr. Church, we need to have teachers.  I hear lots of members talk about needing to attract children.  Being a Jr. Church teacher is a simple way of doing your part to make this ministry succeed.

I invite you to participate in these ministry opportunities.  We are doing good things together, and we can do even more in Christ’s name.

 

This past Monday, the Rose Scott Learn¬ing Center began using our Classrooms 1 and 2 for their school for AD/HD Gifted and Aspergers children.  This has been the dream of Cindy Carlson and Linda Fleishman for a number of years, and we are happy that we are able to help make the dream a reality.

The school is under the auspices of CORE, a charter home-school.  Unfortunately for the Learning Center, state education funds go to the home-school with the Center receiving only activity funds.  This means that teachers are volunteering their time at this point, in order to make this school a reality which shows their dedication to the school.  They have the neces¬sary funds to pay for the use of our classrooms, but they are looking for grants that will put the school on solid financial footing. It seems that there is a need for this type of school, and I suspect that funding will be found, and in the next weeks enrollment will grow, and in the next years, the school will outgrow our space.  We’re happy to be able to help them get started.

As I write this Bob Hamilton is mowing the lawn, as he does every week, or nearly every week.  He’s only one of the many who help around the church on a regular basis, but mow¬ing the lawn in the heat of the summer is very noteworthy.  Thank him for taking care of the lawn when you next see him.

Speaking of lawns, plans are in the works for a Neighborhood picnic Saturday, October 4 on our front lawn.  We’re going to invite our neigh¬bors to this event which we’re calling, “Fun, Families and Free Food.”  It’s our desire to introduce our church to our neighbors.

Originally, we’d hoped to have a carnival for kids as a part of this outreach.  The more we thought about it, however, the more we realized that if we are to introduce ourselves, we need to be ourselves.  At this point in our history, we don’t have many children.  To have a lot of children’s activities wouldn’t truly reflect who we are.  So this picnic will offer, besides the food, horseshoes, croquet, volleyball, folk sing¬ing, and conversation.  All of us can participate in at least one of these activities so I invite you to plan now to attend the picnic and help us introduce ourselves to our neighbors.

This doesn’t mean, of course, that children aren’t welcome.  We truly want to minister to the children that surround us.  But it may be that rather than attracting children and then having them bring their parents, we need to attract parents or grandparents, and then have them bring the children. 

And remember, what attracts men, women and children to our church family is the message of the love of Jesus Christ.  May we share that love with everyone by becoming an inviting people.

 

I’m currently reading the book, Letters from a Skeptic: A Son Wrestles with His Father’s Questions about Christianity.  The book is a compilation of letters between Dr. Gregory A. Boyd, pastor of a Baptist General Conference church in St. Paul, Minnesota and Edward K. Boyd, his agnostic father.  The letters, which cover a period of three years, was begun by the son because he wanted his father, Edward, to become a Christian.  Boyd invited his father to write and ask any questions he had about God, Jesus, Christianity, and anything else having to do with faith. The result of the correspondence was that Edward came to accept Christ as Sav¬ior – something which Gregory had longed for, but had given up hoping for. 

At this point, I’m only a quarter of the way through the book.  So far, Edward has been asking questions about God: why does God allow bad things to happen, whether God is all-powerful, why didGod allowed Greg’s mother to die.  Greg, the son, answers the questions extremely well, though I confess I don’t agree with his answers 100% of the time.  (I should note that Greg answers the questions well in part because he taught apologetics at Bethel College – “apologetics” being the term for the defense or proof of Christianity faith.)

As I said, I haven’t finished the book.  I have, however, read the ending.  (A bad habit, I know.)  Let me quote what Gregory says about his father following his father’s acceptance of Christ.  “While I was overwhelmed with joy by my father’s decision to accept Christ, I wasn’t very optimistic about how much transformation would take place in his post-conversion life.  At seventy-three years old, my father was much older than most people who come to Christ, plus he had always been very set in his ways.

“My pessimism couldn’t have been more mis-placed.  Indeed, it’s difficult to exaggerate the profundity of the Holy Spirit’s transformation of my father during the last eleven years of his life. . .  The most profound change in Dad’s post-conversion life was his general disposi-tion.  The pre-Christian Ed Boyd was usually contentious and ill-tempered.  More often than not he was angry about something and very vocal about it.  Soon after his surrender to Christ, Ed Boyd acquired a profound peace, a pervasive sweetness, and – most remarkably – an amazing sense of gratitude I never saw prior to his conversion.”

As strong as Gregory Boyd’s apologetics are in this book, the “proof” of the truth of Christian faith is in the transformation of Ed’s life.  He was “reborn” at 73.  He was transformed from ill-tempered to peaceful and gracious.

Can people see the truth of Christ in our lives?  Are we living peace-filled, gracious lives?  Do we prove the truth of Christianity in how we live?  It’s worthy thinking about.