Confession time...again!

When one is going to write something that she suspects may offend or agitate someone, is it better to warn them ahead of time or let the chips fall where they may? 

I have a confession.  I struggle with the Bible.  Don't get me wrong; I appreciate and value this word of God immensely, but I also wrestle with it. A lot. I struggle with knowing that it appears Lot offered his daughters up for gang rape.  I struggle with hearing that David is a man after God's own heart knowing that he was a rapist (though many  describe David and Bathsheba as committing adultery, what transpires is abuse of power, lust, and rape by King David)  and a murderer. Did bears really maul children because the kids teased Elisha for his baldness?  The list goes on and on.  

But even more than some of those old stories, I struggle with our use, abuse, and understanding of God's word today. I struggle with how we have elevated these God inspired words written by men to be equal with God, our Creator; to be equal with Jesus, the Christ; to be equal with the Holy Spirit, our Advocate. I struggle with the way we pick and choose what we think is important. I struggle with the way we use the Bible to promote our own viewpoints and agendas. (guilty)  I struggle with the way we have turned God's word into a book of do's and don'ts. I struggle with the way we want to knock people upside the head with God's book instead of inviting them to enter this Kingdom of Love and Grace which Jesus revealed to us. 

 A phrase I hear quoted frequently when a difficult situation or issue arises is, "Well, what does the Bible say?" or "The Bible says...."  This is a great starting place.
Yet additionally, when issues and moral questions come up, is it unreasonable, inappropriate, and unChrist-like to ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit as well as look at the scriptures? Shouldn't we be asking how the greatest command of 'loving God and loving neighbor' fits into situations? Isn't "what would Jesus do?" trite though it sounds, the ultimate question? Shouldn't we be engaging with our brothers and sisters in conversation about what the Holy Spirit is saying? Aren't we to leave judgment to the Divine? 

We like things spelled out and clear. Messiness creates a desire to break out the Lysol and scrub brush. Here's a messy chart that is incomplete but since we like charts and graphs, I thought I would include one. 

Perhaps issues aren't black and white; they may not even be grey. If we have to choose a color, perhaps its just white because isn't the book ultimately about the good news of GRACE? Isn't that what Jesus was about?

I will keep wrestling and probably finding more questions than answers. Let's keep talking. Yep, messy.

On the church calendar, this Sunday is deemed, "Christ the King Sunday," and Brother Mick's message from Colossians 1:11-20 is entitled, "The Linchpin."   Mick says in his pre-sermon notes, "Rejoicing in the primacy of Christ will be the overarching theme of my comments for this week."  AMEN!

Grandma M with my niece

This week I finally got over to meet Adelyn Shay. :)  She's so beautiful!  Having the opportunity to burp her, I recalled how Grandma Moser instructed the holding up of the left arm for more effective eructation. :) Young parents, take note!  ha!

Blessings to Rachel and Marcus as they get married this weekend! Whoo Hoo!

So many people around the world are suffering from natural disasters, war, and disease.Please join me in continuing to pray for the hurting and for those who are offering assistance. Nate's marine unit is involved with bringing relief to the Philippines. I suspect many of my friends and relatives in Central Illinois are involved in efforts to bring relief to those whose lives have been seriously affected by tornadoes.  Praying for strength, courage, and hope whether you're in Illinois, Sardinia, Syria, the Philippines, Egypt, or Pennsylvania.

Be sure to check out the bulletin for the many goings on and announcements! http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

Next week there will be no communique. Happy Thanksgiving!

Prayer for today: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea. Be still, and know that I am God.
Thank you, Gentle God, for your love that is ever present. Thank you, Gracious God, that you care more about us than "issues."  Some of us are grieving loss; some of us are in pain; some of us are caught up in our studies; some of us are struggling to survive--whatever our life situation is, Lord, reveal yourself to us that we may not lose hope.  Grant us strength and courage for the facing of this day. Fill us with joy that is from you in spite of challenging circumstances.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. AMEN. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

Love and Light,
Carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd

It's time for a confession.

  As our summer schedules take us to the mountains, and the beach, and Yellowstone, and Phoenix; to England, Italy, and Japan,  I have a pet peeve that really bugs me, and I realize I have to let it go.  Really, is it a big deal?  Only in my mind. Right? Is it? Help! Perhaps blogging about it will help me to release it and generate some conversation.  I will also confess right up front, that I really, really want you to agree with my perspective! Oh dear! : / Am I writing to release or convince? Hmmmmm.....Let's talk! So what is my big snag?

   For those of you have been to Ridgeview, you know we have a largish sanctuary (comparative term, I know;  maybe capacity around 500) that is only filled to overflowing during special events like the Mennonite Children's Choir http://www.mennonitechildrenschoir.org/ and ACC Bible quizzing http://accquizzing.org/.  We have our little "neighborhoods in the pews" scattered throughout the large room. Persons sometimes sit alone on a bench with no one directly in front, behind, or beside her.  A grandpa may not have anyone to whom he can pass smarties. The junior high girl may not be close enough to hear the alto part she's trying to learn.  (I'm not talking about the occasional sitting in the back because you have to leave early to catch a train or have a fussy baby.) 

  To me this is like those images of 2 persons sitting in an elegant dining room at each end of a looooooong table with the basket of bread in the middle.  To me this is like going to a family reunion with each person sitting at his own picnic table.  To me this is like the couple watching the same program on TV in different rooms.

  Does this matter?  Apparently it does to me! :) Here are a few reasons I value sitting shoulder to shoulder in the front even if the back half of the sanctuary remains empty.

-Creates a meaningful sense of community/family
-Generates hospitality to guests and guest speakers
-Inspires better singing with a fuller sound.  
-Provides a positive example to our children and youth
-Benefits attention
-Bolsters relationships
-Encourages the preacher, worship leader, and musicians
-Shakes us our of our lethargy and habits
-Find candy in the front benches ;)
-Reminds us we are each an important part of One body; together; collectively; en masse = ONE! 

Well, writing about this has NOT helped to release me but rather has further fixed the concept that I'd like us to be shoulder to shoulder. If you have a different perspective, would you attempt to convince me?  :) Perhaps this can be one of our topics for discussion in the Upper Room this summer.

Adults of all ages are welcome to join the young adult class in the Upper Room for discussion each week this summer for discussion on various topics or articles. This week we'll be setting our discussion guidelines and then discussing current church trends. Bring in articles, questions, and ideas that are relevant. From 9-9:15am we will be singing with the children and youth in the rec room and then finding our way to the Upper Room. Suggestions or questions may be directed to me. 

Brother Mick is back in town and will be sharing from Romans 5:1-5 with a message, "What are you standing in?"  "Through a variety of reasons there are times when it feels as if we have evolved into believers who spend more time dancing around on tip toes about our faith and what it means to us, than those who would be so bold as Paul is in his proclamation. I want to explore this theme and encourage us, like Paul, to persevere in boldness and get our feet more firmly planted on the ground." 

It seems like every time we have a work task with the youth, I come away feeling like a proud mama hen.  Having Dylan, Stephen, Brandon, and Nate join with the senior high youth on the "rock project" at Merv and Jan's was a tremendous way to not only bring strong muscle and "know how" but also provide positive example.  Thanks, Guys! 

I've heard from a little birdie that congratulations and best wishes are in order for Rachel Martin! :) I'm looking forward to hearing more details.  

A prayer for today: O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into God's presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to God with songs of praise! Thank you, Gentle God, for loving us in spite of ourselves.  Grant us courage to be more like Jesus as we interact with others. Help us to trust that you won't leave nor forsake us when we mess up or are struggling with life.  Remind us that we are a body, a community to share our gifts for the furthering of your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. AMEN. 

Without question or doubt, you are LOVED by GOD, and I love you too! 

Need to talk?  Contact me! 

Love and Light, 

Carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd