I will piece this blog together as I have chances. Here's what I have so far!
Welcome to our second day in Korea. I continue to be amazed at the things I'm seeing. We started the day by hopping back on the bus for our gratuitous two hour bus ride. This time we went north to the Demilitarized Zone along the 38th Parallel. At first the experience was very much like I expected it to be. We traveled from a major population base into more and more farm land, we began to see some barracade kinds of equipment in certain places, and then we came to the military check point. We stopped. We waited. The soldiers (machine guns strapped to their backs) came on board and checked our passports and then sent us on our way. We made a hard left next to a sign warning people that this area was filled with landmines, and then we continued on toward the 3rd Tunnel. The 3rd Tunnel is simply one of the tunnels discovered by the South Koreans in the 1970s. They were being dug--well, blasted--by the North Koreans as a way to bring troops in for battle. 70 meters below the surface, the North Koreans blasted into the granite until they were discovered.
Now the tunnels are a bit of a tourist attraction--and a facinating one at that. The tour began with THE most amazing propaganda film I have ever seen. It was over-the-top in its use of music and imagery, and desire to make things seem fine. I wish I had a copy, but all I can give you is a sample. The sample I've included is in Korean, but we saw it in English:
It started out with "frightening" images and ended with images of that same little girl smiling as a computer-generated butterfly touched areas of the computer-generated DMZ landscape and turned it into parks and beautiful green space. By the end of the movie they made it sound like there was absolutely wrong in the DMZ. I presume they just don't want a tourist's video adding to the tension between the North and the South.
More later...
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Korea: Day Two
I will piece this blog together as I have chances. Here's what I have so far!
Welcome to our second day in Korea. I continue to be amazed at the things I'm seeing. We started the day by hopping back on the bus for our gratuitous two hour bus ride. This time we went north to the Demilitarized Zone along the 38th Parallel. At first the experience was very much like I expected it to be. We traveled from a major population base into more and more farm land, we began to see some barracade kinds of equipment in certain places, and then we came to the military check point. We stopped. We waited. The soldiers (machine guns strapped to their backs) came on board and checked our passports and then sent us on our way. We made a hard left next to a sign warning people that this area was filled with landmines, and then we continued on toward the 3rd Tunnel. The 3rd Tunnel is simply one of the tunnels discovered by the South Koreans in the 1970s. They were being dug--well, blasted--by the North Koreans as a way to bring troops in for battle. 70 meters below the surface, the North Koreans blasted into the granite until they were discovered.
Now the tunnels are a bit of a tourist attraction--and a facinating one at that. The tour began with THE most amazing propaganda film I have ever seen.
Welcome to our second day in Korea. I continue to be amazed at the things I'm seeing. We started the day by hopping back on the bus for our gratuitous two hour bus ride. This time we went north to the Demilitarized Zone along the 38th Parallel. At first the experience was very much like I expected it to be. We traveled from a major population base into more and more farm land, we began to see some barracade kinds of equipment in certain places, and then we came to the military check point. We stopped. We waited. The soldiers (machine guns strapped to their backs) came on board and checked our passports and then sent us on our way. We made a hard left next to a sign warning people that this area was filled with landmines, and then we continued on toward the 3rd Tunnel. The 3rd Tunnel is simply one of the tunnels discovered by the South Koreans in the 1970s. They were being dug--well, blasted--by the North Koreans as a way to bring troops in for battle. 70 meters below the surface, the North Koreans blasted into the granite until they were discovered.
Now the tunnels are a bit of a tourist attraction--and a facinating one at that. The tour began with THE most amazing propaganda film I have ever seen.
Korea: Day Two
I will piece this blog together as I have chances. Here's what I have so far!
Welcome to our second day in Korea. I continue to be amazed at the things I'm seeing. We started the day by hopping back on the bus for our gratuitous two hour bus ride. This time we went north to the Demilitarized Zone along the 38th Parallel. At first the experience was very much like I expected it to be. We traveled from a major population base into more and more farm land, we began to see some barracade kinds of equipment in certain places, and then we came to the military check point. We stopped. We waited. The soldiers (machine guns strapped to their backs) came on board and checked our passports and then sent us on our way. We made a hard left next to a sign warning people that this area was filled with landmines, and then we continued on toward the 3rd Tunnel.
Welcome to our second day in Korea. I continue to be amazed at the things I'm seeing. We started the day by hopping back on the bus for our gratuitous two hour bus ride. This time we went north to the Demilitarized Zone along the 38th Parallel. At first the experience was very much like I expected it to be. We traveled from a major population base into more and more farm land, we began to see some barracade kinds of equipment in certain places, and then we came to the military check point. We stopped. We waited. The soldiers (machine guns strapped to their backs) came on board and checked our passports and then sent us on our way. We made a hard left next to a sign warning people that this area was filled with landmines, and then we continued on toward the 3rd Tunnel.
Korea: Day Two
Welcome to our second day in Korea. I continue to be amazed at the things I'm seeing. We started the day by hopping back on the bus for our gratuitous two hour bus ride. This time we went north to the Demilitarized Zone along the 38th Parallel. At first the experience was very much like I expected it to be. We traveled from a major population base into more and more farm land, we began to see some barracade kinds of equipment in certain places, and then we came to the military check point. We stopped. We waited. The soldiers (machine guns strapped to their backs) came on board and checked our passports and then sent us on our way. We made a hard left next to a sign warning people that this area was filled with landmines, and then we continued on toward the 3rd Tunnel.
A Short Digital From Our Korean Trip
Hey, this video doesn't move fast, but I made it in our SPARE time today while riding the bus, while sitting at Starbuck's (instead of shopping), and after we got home. I hope you enjoy the video, because we sure enjoyed getting to do all of this stuff. Thanks, R.W. Beeson!
Friday, March 30, 2007
I'm a Seoul Man!
The Beeson Pastors had a fascinating day in a fascinating place. I am enjoying watching The plane trip was fine, though I discovered that a flight to
We flew over the polar ice caps; at least I think we did, it was frozen ocean all the way. I have never seen anything like it. I found myself marveling at the fact that we could see such things so quickly and in so much comfort. We were well fed and highly entertained. Each seat has its own screen and the passenger selects whatever movie, television show, music, or video game he or she is interested in absorbing. It’s a bit much, really, but its also nicer than having to sit through Uncle Buck as the only viewing option.
It was raining when we arrived and we went straight to
After breakfast we all went to Seoul Girl’s
It was a charming place. We were first whisked into their new technology lab, where we met the faculty and checked our email.
After that the students treated us to a display of Korean dress and customs, especially the custom of the deep bow. Some of our people put on local Korean clothing and became a part of the show.
The young women of the school then tried to teach us to do some Korean calligraphy. I am afraid my penmanship is not what it should be.
Then the choir treated us to some beautiful music in the chapel. They performed along with a creative movement/dance team that really seemed to enjoy being a part of the event. They all seemed very sweet.
Then we had lunch. It was, and I a bit embarrassed to say this, KFC. Not that I don’t appreciate the food, but it is a bit tragic to travel the globe to eat stuff you don’t want to eat at home.
Next the bus driver whisked us away to
They gave us a caffeine pick-me-up and then sent us on home visitation with their associate pastors. These guys are amazing. Bryan and I were sent with Cho, who does about 10 of these visits, four days a week. Basically, every member gets a visit every year. They come to the house, receive a list of prayer concerns and an envelope with the offering in it. Then they chat a bit, sings two hymns together, and the pastor preaches a personal sermon for the person he is visiting. Once that is over there is a time of prayer for that person and her family. The member then gets up, brings in a tray of various kinds of rice cakes, fruit, and tea. After everyone has had their fill, they exchange gifts.
He does this about 40 times a week, every week. Amazing.
Our families were gracious and it was quite an honor to be allowed in to such a time, and then even asked to pray and to read scripture.
On the way back to the church we met Cho’s wife and daughter and Cho asked us to pray for their child who is due to arrive in a few months.
Once back at Kwanglim Methodist, Kim walked us through his vision for the church.
After that we were off to supper at … you guessed it … Bennigan’s. The food portion of our trip just could not be more tragic at this point. I haven’t had any Korean food yet. That will change tomorrow, I’m sure of it.
I’m just beginning to process what we’ve seen, though I have a few observations. The first is that I am amazed at the hours these ministers keep. Cho arrives at the church building before 5 am most days, to lead the prayer service. He usually does not get home until after 7 or 8 pm. And, yet, these are not haggard looking pastors. If they are not joyful, it is not obvious to the outsider.
Making any judgments, by the way, as a short time visitor would be foolish, but I can say a few things. The church in
Well, that’s enough for tonight. It’s late here and my internal clock is totally out of wack.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Track and Field and Sermons
Okay, not much time. It's late and I still have some packing to do, but I want to share a wonderful day. My daughter, Meghan, had her first track meet today in Versailles, Kentucky. The whole family went to cheer her on. I'm proud of her for being willing to challenge herself. She did great.
Here she is getting ready for the starting gun in the 100 meters.
Here she is getting ready for the starting gun in the 100 meters.
And now she's bursting out of the starting blocks.
The weather was beautiful and the whole family had a good time.
Cora did some rock hunting for a school project, the rock she's holding is a cool sedimentary rock.
Also, we had three excellent sermons today. Look at those handsome men of the cloth!
Sorry so short. More after Korea. Peace!
Korea Bound
I'm hoping to have time for one more post this evening, but just in case I don't, I thought I'd update the blog. We leave for Seoul, Korea bright and early on Wednesday morning. I was hoping to see Dirk DiSantis in Korea, but I talked to him yesterday and he's home (actually, we already knew we would just miss each other).
I'm particularly looking forward to "Prayer Mountain." This is a retreat center where past classes have been given the opportunity to spend the night in prayer. I've tried to listen closely when previous Beeson students have talked to us and one thing I've picked up is that Prayer Mountain winds up being an important night. The Korean Church is well known for their emphasis on prayer--they have prayer services every morning at 5am.
I got to know one of the Korean students who attended Emmanuel. He told me that you can't be a pastor in Korea if you can't get up at 4:30am. I asked him what time he goes to bed. He said midnight. Amazing. Don't look for me to be interviewing for any positions while I'm over there.
I've never traveled to this area of the world, so I'm anxious to experience it. If you think of it, pray for our time there. This trip represents, in many ways, the end of the Beeson experience. Classmates will begin scattering to Houston, Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Lexington pretty soon after we return.
Don't expect any posts over the coming week. We don't have internet access where we're staying. I will try to get to a computer at some point (need to find out how the Gators do!), but I'll try to take enough pictures to bore you out of your skulls.
Besides Seoul, we'll be going to the DMZ where we will get to experience the physical expression of the North-South tensions in Korea.
After we return to Kentucky Scott and I will travel to East Tennessee together to meet up with our families. I get to be at Grandview on Easter morning!
Have a great week.
I'm particularly looking forward to "Prayer Mountain." This is a retreat center where past classes have been given the opportunity to spend the night in prayer. I've tried to listen closely when previous Beeson students have talked to us and one thing I've picked up is that Prayer Mountain winds up being an important night. The Korean Church is well known for their emphasis on prayer--they have prayer services every morning at 5am.I got to know one of the Korean students who attended Emmanuel. He told me that you can't be a pastor in Korea if you can't get up at 4:30am. I asked him what time he goes to bed. He said midnight. Amazing. Don't look for me to be interviewing for any positions while I'm over there.
I've never traveled to this area of the world, so I'm anxious to experience it. If you think of it, pray for our time there. This trip represents, in many ways, the end of the Beeson experience. Classmates will begin scattering to Houston, Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Lexington pretty soon after we return.Don't expect any posts over the coming week. We don't have internet access where we're staying. I will try to get to a computer at some point (need to find out how the Gators do!), but I'll try to take enough pictures to bore you out of your skulls.Besides Seoul, we'll be going to the DMZ where we will get to experience the physical expression of the North-South tensions in Korea.
After we return to Kentucky Scott and I will travel to East Tennessee together to meet up with our families. I get to be at Grandview on Easter morning!
Have a great week.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Four Final Four Thoughts
3. The early game on Saturday is Ohio State vs. Georgetown. That means that if both Florida and Ohio State make it to the Championship Game, Ohio State will have had an extra 3 or 4 hour lay-off. I know it bothers OSU when they get more time than the Gators to prepare for a Championship Game. I'm hoping it doesn't warp the outcome of the game.
2. The two Gator starting guards accounted for 44 of the Gators' 85 points on Sunday. My friend Bryan says they are average (at best!). The Gators have beaten the Kentucky Wildcats six straight times, the last time was in Rupp Arena when they were all geeked up to beat the Gators. My friend Bryan says we "barely" beat them. The Gators lost three SEC games this year. My friend Bryan says we lost to "numerous" SEC teams. That Gators have a 16 game tournament winning streak (including SEC and NCAA tournaments). My friend Bryan says we can't beat two good teams in three days. Also, Bryan's pretty sure that Donovan will leave the Gators to coach UK. You can see his post for yourself: My Wacky Friend Bryan.
1. All that said, I am nervous. The only football game the Gators lost last season happened when I was out of the country, in London. Sadly, I leave on Wednesday for Korea where--in what could turn out to be a cruel twist of fate--I will be rooming with my friend Bryan. I'm not superstitious or anything. But I might become so if we lose!
Congratulations to the Buckeyes, Hoyas, Bruins and Gators. Go Gators!
Highbridge Park on a nice day
Spring is arriving in Lexington now in full force. On Saturday, while Cindy was in her day-long class, the girls and I went out to Highbridge Park. It's about 5 miles from campus and is a nice little place to take a gander at the Kentucky River . Ron Pyron always says, "Pictures, man, pictures." So, here ya' go, Ron.
You don't get a good sense of the drop-off here, but the viewing platform hangs above the river valley. Those aren't weeds to Meghan's right, they are tree tops. We enjoyed our time together while mom was off getting some book-learnin'.
The park exists next to a train bridge that spans the river valley. Built in 1877, it was (in its day) the highest train trestle bridge in the world. It's still in use today.
Cora rides a train about like she's in a rodeo.
Youngest to Oldest.
Youngest to Oldest.
You don't get a good sense of the drop-off here, but the viewing platform hangs above the river valley. Those aren't weeds to Meghan's right, they are tree tops. We enjoyed our time together while mom was off getting some book-learnin'.
The park exists next to a train bridge that spans the river valley. Built in 1877, it was (in its day) the highest train trestle bridge in the world. It's still in use today.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Phil of the Future
We had a good morning. The Wymer family visited Hill-N-Dale Christian Church to hear one of the hottest young preachers alive--none other than Phil Roberts, son of Grandview's own David and Donna Roberts. Phil was preaching his trial sermon and was well received. By the end of the morning the church voted to hire Phil with a convincing 99.3% favorable rating.
His sermon was excellent. Phil has great presence in the pulpit and just did a fine, fine job. I took a little bit of video and I'll upload it when I get a chance--mostly so his momma can watch. Welcome to Lexington Phil and Lisa!
Okay, here is the video. The production quality is miserable, sorry Donna! It's the best I could do with a camera the size of a deck of cards...
Congratulations to Hill-N-Dale. Excellent choice in ministers!
His sermon was excellent. Phil has great presence in the pulpit and just did a fine, fine job. I took a little bit of video and I'll upload it when I get a chance--mostly so his momma can watch. Welcome to Lexington Phil and Lisa!
Okay, here is the video. The production quality is miserable, sorry Donna! It's the best I could do with a camera the size of a deck of cards...Congratulations to Hill-N-Dale. Excellent choice in ministers!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Will He Walk the Walk?
You know my friend Bryan. Bryan loves the Buckeyes so much that he made a friendly wager with me before the Florida vs. Ohio State game for the national championship in January. I checked his blog, just to make sure I read it correctly. Maybe you can tell me if I've misinterpreted it. Here's the link: Bryan's Blog.
So, it's almost time for the possibility of Ohio State playing Florida yet again for a national championship (okay, I'm assuming A LOT here--neither Florida nor Ohio State look like they're going to waltz into the big game--but we'll be in Korea next week, so I this post can wait no longer).
Believe it or not, Bryan has yet to slip into the maize and blue to make good on the agreement. Oh sure, he's had time to buy a house, but not a SHIRT. So, I'm looking for something that might remind him. Can any of you help me?
So, it's almost time for the possibility of Ohio State playing Florida yet again for a national championship (okay, I'm assuming A LOT here--neither Florida nor Ohio State look like they're going to waltz into the big game--but we'll be in Korea next week, so I this post can wait no longer).
Believe it or not, Bryan has yet to slip into the maize and blue to make good on the agreement. Oh sure, he's had time to buy a house, but not a SHIRT. So, I'm looking for something that might remind him. Can any of you help me?
Friday, March 23, 2007
A Few Things
I should address some odds and ends from recent posts:
1. My post on "Relevant" worship elicited more responses than most of my blog ramblings (some of the response came to my private email). I should probably clarify a couple of things.
2. In my Sweet Sixteen post I listed CJ Watson as the Tennessee player who can hit three-pointers from anywhere. Sorry about that, a temporary relapse to last season! This year's sharpshooter at Tennessee is Lofton, who nearly knocked The Ohio State University from the tournament yesterday.
3. Tubby Smith's resignation as Kentucky's basketball coach didn't surprise me much. Living in Lexington you can feel the futility of his sticking this out. The UK fans are simmering in a big vat of angst. Word around here is that the fans want Florida coach Billy Donovan to give up the Gators and take charge of the Cats. I suppose anything could happen, especially since we Gator fans don't support basketball like we should (I would if I had time and money!). But I don't see Billy leaving. Donovan has all of the institutional and financial backing he needs for basketball at Florida--without the unrealistic fan pressure of a Kentucky program. Florida reserves unrealistic fan pressure for football.
1. My post on "Relevant" worship elicited more responses than most of my blog ramblings (some of the response came to my private email). I should probably clarify a couple of things.
- Christian worship needs to be marked by joy. Ultimately, we serve the God who has secured the victory of good over evil. That victory, though, is not fully claimed. The seminary language is that the kingdom of God is both "now and not yet." The reason the issue is complicated is because we believe that the resurrection of Jesus was the final defeat of evil, and yet (2000 years later), evil and suffering are still with us. There's no use in pretending otherwise.
- In worship we celebrate the victory of God even while remembering what Jesus said about those who mourn. We celebrate while remembering that if we give up our agendas for the sake of God we will receive great blessings--with persecution. If we ignore these things in worship then we wind up whistling past the graveyard.
- To create grieving/mourning space in worship we need some silence (I try to use the prayer time for that). The Lord's Supper is another helpful practice. While this is a time of thanksgiving and joy, the foot path to God's joy snakes through Jerusalem, up the hill of the Skull, to the cross, to the tomb, and then to resurrection. When we celebrate the Lord's Supper we proclaim Jesus' death and resurrection. The fullness of this proclamation of the gospel is a reason communion has been an enduring practice in the worshipping church ever since Jesus said, "Do this...". Ultimately, though, if our grieving doesn't lead to joy then we've failed to worship as God has called us to worship.
- Yesterday's post was triggered by the horrifying events in Iraq and by watching a TLC special on feral children. Feral children are kids who have been forced to exist without the aid and love of other humans. One girl in Russia, whose parents were alcoholics, left her outside as a small child. Their dogs took pity on her, kept her warm, and fed her. Now she barks, walks, and pants like a dog. I am struck by the unspeakable evil that continues to exist. Sometimes I feel like Ivan Karamazov in The Brothers Karamazov who says to his brother (don't quote me here, I'm working from memory), "I accept God, it's his world I refuse to accept." Ivan goes on to recount awful tales of childhood suffering. I believe that God grieves over such things. I believe the church should grieve, too. Of course, simply wringing our hands in good liberal fashion isn't helpful either. Worship that stops at hand wringing is just as incomplete as happy, slappy worship.
2. In my Sweet Sixteen post I listed CJ Watson as the Tennessee player who can hit three-pointers from anywhere. Sorry about that, a temporary relapse to last season! This year's sharpshooter at Tennessee is Lofton, who nearly knocked The Ohio State University from the tournament yesterday.
3. Tubby Smith's resignation as Kentucky's basketball coach didn't surprise me much. Living in Lexington you can feel the futility of his sticking this out. The UK fans are simmering in a big vat of angst. Word around here is that the fans want Florida coach Billy Donovan to give up the Gators and take charge of the Cats. I suppose anything could happen, especially since we Gator fans don't support basketball like we should (I would if I had time and money!). But I don't see Billy leaving. Donovan has all of the institutional and financial backing he needs for basketball at Florida--without the unrealistic fan pressure of a Kentucky program. Florida reserves unrealistic fan pressure for football.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Another Day of Preaching
Today it was my turn to preach again. Prayer was my topic. Things went fine.
While I was preaching Matt was on deck. Matt's big news, by the way, is that he's been assigned to the West Ohio Conference of the UMC and will be leading a church in the Dayton area.
His sermon opened with an excellent illustration about growing up in Indianapolis between a Boy Scout Camp and Fort Benjamin.
While I was preaching Matt was on deck. Matt's big news, by the way, is that he's been assigned to the West Ohio Conference of the UMC and will be leading a church in the Dayton area.His sermon opened with an excellent illustration about growing up in Indianapolis between a Boy Scout Camp and Fort Benjamin.
Scott, who is officially heading to Morristown, Tennessee when we leave Wilmore, preached on the need to live simply, to avoid being drawn into a life of Affluenza (the title of a book/documentary on living simply). He had good illustrations and, as you can see, he offered us living water.
The sermons were good today, but we can all tell that our time here is growing short. The energy in the room was way down. Some of Beeson friends are out of town and the rest of us are just hammering away, hoping to get yet another assignment finished.Wednesday, March 21, 2007
"Relevant" Worship
You can't be around discussions of the nature of Christian worship for long without hearing the word relevant batted around. Relevant is a word with baggage, however. Relevant is shorthand for "cool music that the highest percentage of people like"--which means it is a code word for style.
There is a place for discussion of style, but I'm fairly ambivalent about style. Styles of music change constantly and each has advantages and disadvantages in its own way. Bach's style accomplishes things that Chris Tomlin's style cannot, and vice verse. You won't find any scriptural commands about style, nor will you find any discussion of the style of music used in the early church.
The music of the early church would, I'm sure, be so foreign to us as to be distracting in worship. When I was in the Middle East in 1994 every song I heard sounded exactly the same to my ears. I thought there was just one song endlessly droning throughout the region. I could almost hear the radio announcer saying, "And the number one song for the one billionth week in a row..."
I guess that means that the Spirit of God is absent in their music. After all, if I don't feel the Spirit then the Spirit must be absent. Right? Can I get a witness? Somebody? (insert cricket noises here)
When the church battles over style and calls it a battle over relevance, then we've fallen into a very shallow trap. There is a relevance we should be more diligent to insure, the relevance substance. The reason we're less likely to do battle here is that relevant substance can be a real downer (a definite no-no if we're going to reach masses of people who want to pretend everything is wonderful).
I was reminded of that yesterday morning when I heard the news out of Baghdad that the insurgents used two children to get past a military checkpoint, then (with the two children still in the back seat) the two adults scrambled away from the car just before it blew up--two innocent children gone.
That's just one story. How many other tragic, senseless, stories of suffering are a part of the news today? And, yet, on Sunday morning many churches will only sing songs of celebration. Shiny happy people singing songs.
John Wesley wrote (and, yes, I'm at a Methodist school right now, reading Wesley's works) that people who never grieve don’t understand reality and are not distraught over the evils in the world. But it wasn't just Wesley who made it clear that mourning should be a part of the religious life. Jesus made it clear to the masses that the ones who mourn will be blessed, be comforted.
But for many churches, grieving is a downer. Mourning is irrelevant . Someone sitting near you may have lost a job, may have just realized that his or her marriage is on the rocks, may have a child struggling with addictions, may have a daughter in Iraq, may have always wanted a family but never found the right person to marry--may be rearing children on her own after losing her husband. But the worship leader will say "GooooooooodMooooorrning!" and if the congregation doesn't respond with enough vigor then the worship leader will accuse the people of being poor worshipers of God. Disappointed in the response, the worship leader will then play a song that is relevant because it has a kickin' bass line.
I'm not saying we should start letting Tim Burton design our worship services or that we should hire My Chemical Romance to be the worship band--the church does need to make celebration of God's ultimate victory the center of the service--but if we're going to be authentic (relevant) we also need space for people to grieve.
There is a place for discussion of style, but I'm fairly ambivalent about style. Styles of music change constantly and each has advantages and disadvantages in its own way. Bach's style accomplishes things that Chris Tomlin's style cannot, and vice verse. You won't find any scriptural commands about style, nor will you find any discussion of the style of music used in the early church.
The music of the early church would, I'm sure, be so foreign to us as to be distracting in worship. When I was in the Middle East in 1994 every song I heard sounded exactly the same to my ears. I thought there was just one song endlessly droning throughout the region. I could almost hear the radio announcer saying, "And the number one song for the one billionth week in a row..."
I guess that means that the Spirit of God is absent in their music. After all, if I don't feel the Spirit then the Spirit must be absent. Right? Can I get a witness? Somebody? (insert cricket noises here)
When the church battles over style and calls it a battle over relevance, then we've fallen into a very shallow trap. There is a relevance we should be more diligent to insure, the relevance substance. The reason we're less likely to do battle here is that relevant substance can be a real downer (a definite no-no if we're going to reach masses of people who want to pretend everything is wonderful).
I was reminded of that yesterday morning when I heard the news out of Baghdad that the insurgents used two children to get past a military checkpoint, then (with the two children still in the back seat) the two adults scrambled away from the car just before it blew up--two innocent children gone.
That's just one story. How many other tragic, senseless, stories of suffering are a part of the news today? And, yet, on Sunday morning many churches will only sing songs of celebration. Shiny happy people singing songs.
John Wesley wrote (and, yes, I'm at a Methodist school right now, reading Wesley's works) that people who never grieve don’t understand reality and are not distraught over the evils in the world. But it wasn't just Wesley who made it clear that mourning should be a part of the religious life. Jesus made it clear to the masses that the ones who mourn will be blessed, be comforted.
But for many churches, grieving is a downer. Mourning is irrelevant . Someone sitting near you may have lost a job, may have just realized that his or her marriage is on the rocks, may have a child struggling with addictions, may have a daughter in Iraq, may have always wanted a family but never found the right person to marry--may be rearing children on her own after losing her husband. But the worship leader will say "GooooooooodMooooorrning!" and if the congregation doesn't respond with enough vigor then the worship leader will accuse the people of being poor worshipers of God. Disappointed in the response, the worship leader will then play a song that is relevant because it has a kickin' bass line.
I'm not saying we should start letting Tim Burton design our worship services or that we should hire My Chemical Romance to be the worship band--the church does need to make celebration of God's ultimate victory the center of the service--but if we're going to be authentic (relevant) we also need space for people to grieve.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
8:07 Spring Party!
Spring arrived tonight at 8:07 pm. Anna, Cora, and I had an "8:07 Spring Party" which consisted of eating crackers that looked like zeros and cheese cut in the shape of sevens (get it? we "ate 0-7". 
We also tried to stand an egg on end to see if the old "solstice" trick would work. Anna was the one who succeeded. As you can see, all were amazed! 
We also tried to stand an egg on end to see if the old "solstice" trick would work. Anna was the one who succeeded. As you can see, all were amazed! 
Preaching in Class
This morning we had another round of preaching. Dr. Baucum was stuck in Washington, D.C. and couldn't make it to class, so incoming instructor Kent Reynolds was asked to step into that slot for today.
Kent is a natural. He'll do fine job as a preaching instructor next year.
Jim preached from the opening verses of Matthew 6. It was an excellent sermon on the need to empty ourselves so that God's Spirit can fill us and use us in such a way that we are not mindful of ourselves or how we're perceived.
Kent is a natural. He'll do fine job as a preaching instructor next year.
Jim preached from the opening verses of Matthew 6. It was an excellent sermon on the need to empty ourselves so that God's Spirit can fill us and use us in such a way that we are not mindful of ourselves or how we're perceived.
I was supposed to preach today, but Gordon won't be here on his assigned day (Thursday) so he asked if I wouldn't mind having an extra two days to prepare. I, of course, obliged.Gordon gave his best sermon yet. He was more relaxed than ever and he preached on the obligation to forgive. One great line, "Jesus took the forgiveness of the temple to the streets."
Another good day of preaching.
Sixteen Sweet Sixteen Thoughts
16. The Gators didn't look especially sharp against Purdue last weekend. The guy getting mugged in the above picture got hit with two fouls early in the game. I suspect that caused him to play "soft." When Joakim Noah isn't playing aggressively, the team misses his fire. He needs to keep his head in the game, even when he disagrees with the officials (believe it or not, the referees didn't think he was being fouled when this picture was taken). Noah is the heart and soul of this team. Calls don't all do your way. You just have to be ready for that (which is easy for me to SAY, but if I got hit like that and the ref didn't call a foul, I would start fuming).
15. Bruce Pearl has done an amazing job at Tennessee. I don't like this one bit. Oh sure, I like that Tennessee is helping make the SEC look good, but overall I don't like it when Tennessee gets a good and likable coach. Ohio State will have its hands full with Tennessee, especially if C. J. Watson gets uncorked. If he's hot then guarding him only makes him more accurate. He's amazing.
14. While I'm in the mood to be nice to the Gators' rivals I should add that Dennis Felton at Georgia hasn't begun to get the credit due him. He took a downward spiralling team and stopped the bleeding. His record wasn't great this year, but the tournament has shown that the SEC East was a pretty tough place to play. So, props to Felton--now go coach at Michigan or something.
13. What do the ACC and the Big 10 have in common with the Horizon, C-USA, Missourri Valley, and Mountain West conferences? They each have only one team that made it to the Sweet Sixteen.
12. This is not your father's UNLV. I don't think there are any two coaches more different from each other than Tark the Shark and Lon Kruger. Kruger was a fine coach when he was at Florida. He bailed on the Gators, saying that it was impossible to recruit basketball players to there. I like Kruger because he cares more about the players than the job. He is a classy guy.
11. That said, I'm pulling for Oregon against UNLV. Oregon is my adopted west coast team in honor of my old friend, Nathan. Go Ducks (unless you're playing the Gators).
10. Much of life is about timing. For example, Florida Coach Billy Donovan has never received the SEC Coach of the Year award (he's won three SEC tournaments in a row and supplanted Kentucky as the premier program). His failure to win the award isn't because people think he can't coach, it's because every year there seems to be one team with a more dramatic story than the Gators. That said, timing worked in his favor in last year's NCAA tourney. The right bracket, the right time.
10. I'm not sure I have a whole sixteen thoughts on the Sweet Sixteen.
9. If I were a Kentucky fan I would secretly want Tubby Smith to move on, but I wouldn't want to fire him. He's a good enough coach that he's not very easy to fire. That is the real dilemma for Wildcat fans and it means that the rest of the SEC has Kentucky right where we want them--paralyzed in "good but not great" land. I wonder if Phil Fulmer ever hangs out with Smith?
8. This will be an easier post to write during the week of the Final Four.
7. I'm glad Florida is not in Ohio State's bracket. With Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Memphis left, that's the toughest regional by a long shot. I'm guessing that whoever emerges from the bracket has the metal to win the whole thing.
6. Billy Donovan took the Gators on a tour of the 9th Ward in New Orleans last week so the players could see how awful things still are down there--and to help give them a better perspective on life. Basketball is, after all is said and done, just a game (absolute heresy for a Hoosier to say).
5. Opposing fans really despise Joakim Noah. What did he do to upset them? He passed up millions of dollars in the NBA for the love of the college game and the college life. He is known for staying after games and signing as many autographs as he can. He even went to a birthday party for a 10-year-old boy who handed him an invitation after a basketball game. After the loss at Vandy this year (when Vandy stormed the court), he stayed around and signed autographs for Vandy kids. The janitor told reporters that when he told Noah that he appreciated his willingness to stay around for the kids, Noah replied, "Thank you, sir." Neither Noah nor his teammates have had any legal trouble during their time at Florida.
Oh, yeah, he thumps his heart and fires up his team. Evil.
Yes, I'm the Joakim Noah apologist.
4. The NCAA basketball tournament remains the best sporting event of the year. The number of close, hard-fought, games is amazing (okay, I know that's a cliche', but it's true).
3. Only three of my Final Four teams are still alive. I mistakenly bought into the Texas/Durant hype and they're gone. Shame on me.
2. I miss the blue uniforms. This year the Gators are the high seed and they will only get the chance to wear their home uniforms. This is a good thing, but I like the blue uniforms better than the white.
1. I really love watching this Gator team play. I'm trying just to enjoy it for as long as it lasts.
Monday, March 19, 2007
My Friend, Tom
The year was 1992 and I had never held a ministry position. Cindy and I were preparing to move to Johnson City, Tennessee in order to become students at Emmanuel. Meghan was about six months old and we had no idea how we were going to handle finances, child care, or the rigors of seminary.
I was not an attractive candidate for the available youth ministries in the area. I had no experience. Th recruiter for Emmanuel School of Religion told me to call Tom, the minister at Central Christian Church in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
I called. Tom answered. I told him why I was calling. He said, "I'm changing my daughter's diaper right now. Can I get you to call me back in about five minutes?"
Tom and Central Christian took a chance on me and I became their youth minister for the next three years. The times were good and bad at Central. One of the good things was that Tom and I became friends.
The early 90s seem like a long time ago, now. Tom has moved on to become a hospice chaplain in Asheville. In the meantime I've lived in Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Why am I telling you this? Because as I type (Tuesday night at 7pm), there is a healing service in Asheville, N.C. for Tom. He has been diagnosed with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He has two daughters, one in high school and one in middle school. If you think of it, please pray for him.
Carol Norris (who is becoming a regular contributor to this blog!) sent me this link today. It is an article Tom wrote for the Citizen-Times paper in Asheville, N.C.
May God heal Tom.
I was not an attractive candidate for the available youth ministries in the area. I had no experience. Th recruiter for Emmanuel School of Religion told me to call Tom, the minister at Central Christian Church in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
I called. Tom answered. I told him why I was calling. He said, "I'm changing my daughter's diaper right now. Can I get you to call me back in about five minutes?"
Tom and Central Christian took a chance on me and I became their youth minister for the next three years. The times were good and bad at Central. One of the good things was that Tom and I became friends.
The early 90s seem like a long time ago, now. Tom has moved on to become a hospice chaplain in Asheville. In the meantime I've lived in Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Why am I telling you this? Because as I type (Tuesday night at 7pm), there is a healing service in Asheville, N.C. for Tom. He has been diagnosed with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He has two daughters, one in high school and one in middle school. If you think of it, please pray for him.
Carol Norris (who is becoming a regular contributor to this blog!) sent me this link today. It is an article Tom wrote for the Citizen-Times paper in Asheville, N.C.
May God heal Tom.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Mega-Shift?
I need to give you just a little background on this post.
For a few years now I've contended that after the smaller stores disappear (are driven?) from the landscape, Wal-Mart will begin a chain of smaller, more convenient stores. I've always assumed they would advertise that they can use their big store purchasing power to make these smaller stores more affordable--always.
I've held this theory for so long that I had forgotten it. It just didn't happen. A couple of weeks ago, however, my friend, Jeff Miller, reminded me of it.
Being very kind to my theory, Jeff told me it had come true, but not in the way I imagined. He said that the corner CVS/Walgreens proliferation (not Wal-mart) was filling the gap that was created by smaller stores going out of business. He's right. These stores seem to want to be within walking distance of anybody who needs a double fix of sinus medicine and Oreo cookies.
Jeff's insight settled the issue for me. I was right in theory, but wrong in how things would actually look.
Then--last week--I saw this sign in Lexington at the corner of Man-O-War and Harrodsburg Roads.
That's right. . . "Future Home of Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market." The neighborhood market is going to be bigger than I pictured. Apparently they are going to try some mid-sized (not small) stores. So, in some ways I was right and wrong again.
I think there are lessons--or warnings--for the church here, but I've only begun to think about what they might be. The Super Wal-Marts aren't going away and neither are the Mega-Churches, that's clear enough. I presume, however, that the Wal-Mart research has identified a need for something more intimate than a super store, a desire among the populace to avoid parking so far away and then walking so extensively once they're in the store. Or, maybe, the cost of building even larger facilities is just outlandish.
We're beginning to see the same thing with the biggest churches. Willow Creek Community Church has built its building as large as it can be on their site. Buying even more land in Chicago and building an even larger building would be cost prohibitive, so they've begun trying to duplicate their church at other sites around Chicago. Also, I've been hearing church leaders say, "We have to get smaller to get bigger."
It will be interesting to observe, over the next ten years or so, what happens to church sizes. My suspicion is that Wal-Mart has identified something that will spread to the church (as all business things seem to). Maybe the future of the big church will look like a coalition of medium sized churches branded according to the image of a nearby super-church.
Maybe we at Grandview should change our name to "First Christian Church--University Campus." Or, maybe First Christian could change their name to Grandview Chrisitan Church--Mall Campus".
Just kidding...and just thinking out loud about the social changes that will have an impact on the church over the next decade. File this under "For What It's Worth."
For a few years now I've contended that after the smaller stores disappear (are driven?) from the landscape, Wal-Mart will begin a chain of smaller, more convenient stores. I've always assumed they would advertise that they can use their big store purchasing power to make these smaller stores more affordable--always.
I've held this theory for so long that I had forgotten it. It just didn't happen. A couple of weeks ago, however, my friend, Jeff Miller, reminded me of it.
Being very kind to my theory, Jeff told me it had come true, but not in the way I imagined. He said that the corner CVS/Walgreens proliferation (not Wal-mart) was filling the gap that was created by smaller stores going out of business. He's right. These stores seem to want to be within walking distance of anybody who needs a double fix of sinus medicine and Oreo cookies.Jeff's insight settled the issue for me. I was right in theory, but wrong in how things would actually look.
Then--last week--I saw this sign in Lexington at the corner of Man-O-War and Harrodsburg Roads.
That's right. . . "Future Home of Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market." The neighborhood market is going to be bigger than I pictured. Apparently they are going to try some mid-sized (not small) stores. So, in some ways I was right and wrong again.I think there are lessons--or warnings--for the church here, but I've only begun to think about what they might be. The Super Wal-Marts aren't going away and neither are the Mega-Churches, that's clear enough. I presume, however, that the Wal-Mart research has identified a need for something more intimate than a super store, a desire among the populace to avoid parking so far away and then walking so extensively once they're in the store. Or, maybe, the cost of building even larger facilities is just outlandish.
We're beginning to see the same thing with the biggest churches. Willow Creek Community Church has built its building as large as it can be on their site. Buying even more land in Chicago and building an even larger building would be cost prohibitive, so they've begun trying to duplicate their church at other sites around Chicago. Also, I've been hearing church leaders say, "We have to get smaller to get bigger."
It will be interesting to observe, over the next ten years or so, what happens to church sizes. My suspicion is that Wal-Mart has identified something that will spread to the church (as all business things seem to). Maybe the future of the big church will look like a coalition of medium sized churches branded according to the image of a nearby super-church.
Maybe we at Grandview should change our name to "First Christian Church--University Campus." Or, maybe First Christian could change their name to Grandview Chrisitan Church--Mall Campus".
Just kidding...and just thinking out loud about the social changes that will have an impact on the church over the next decade. File this under "For What It's Worth."
Lunch with Chip
Grandview's own, Chip Dennison, treated me to a nice lunch today at Panera. He's on break and, because he's from Lexington originally, he's visiting the area. It was great to spend time with him. I stayed longer than I should have, but it was worth it. One thing I like about Chip is that he strikes me as being theologically astute and field savvy when it comes to ministry. Thanks, Chip. You made my day.
It's Comin' Up . . . it's D.A.R.E.
Wilmore Elementary had their D.A.R.E. graduation party last night. D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Awareness Resistance Education. It's a pretty big deal up here in Kentucky and we were proud to attend the ceremony for Anna.
We got seats up front.
We did our best to embarrass Anna.
We got seats up front.
We did our best to embarrass Anna.
The Jessamine County prosecutor spoke and ... she was ... interesting. She took the kids through the case of one young man who "got in the system" and wound up getting in worse and worse trouble. At one point she sounded like she was giving the kids some really bad advice. She said, "This young man began getting arrested for marijuana and then he started dealing it and, well, when you start dealing drugs you need a gun of course."So, at least the kids know what they need to get into the business.
Cindy found this sign in the Wilmore gymnasium. Few things are more important than teaching kids how to be manipulative! At least I learned something. I never thought of manipulating people by dribbling.
Here's a nice picture of Cora. It was a fun event, full of interesting cultural experiences like an opening prayer in the name of Jesus--not something you hear much of at public schools.
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