FootprintsofFaith

Great American SHAKE-OUT - November 13

I want to encourage you to be a part of the Great American Shake Out, sponsored by the US Geologic Society (and others).   Since we live in a part of the country that has earthquakes, it is important that we are prepared. 

At 10 a.m. on November 13, join millions of people throughout Southern California in the ShakeOut Drill, the largest earthquake preparedness activity in U.S. history!

The main site for the ShakeOut is http://www.shakeout.org/

You can also find very helpful information about emergency preparedness at:

http://www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/seven_steps.html

Letter from the ELCA Conference of Bishops

ELCA Conference of Bishops Letter

On the Current Financial Crisis

The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, October 7, 2008

Almighty God, ...teach us how to govern the ways of business to the harm of none and for the sake of the common good; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 78

Grace and peace to you.

As bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are deeply concerned about the current financial crisis, which is affecting not only our nation but the entire global economy. This crisis is causing fear and loss in our country as thousands of families face unemployment, foreclosure, and uncertainty about savings and pensions. Meanwhile, they struggle to put food on the table and gas into their cars. The future is uncertain for all of us, but it is especially frightening for those who are already vulnerable and struggling to survive. We offer our prayers for those whose lives are being affected and for our national leaders as they seek to address this complex matter.

We call on all people in our own communities of faith and those from every segment of our society who seek the health of our nation to join in conversation and prayer about our collective economic life, our financial behaviors, and the interconnectedness of all life and creation that cries out to be reclaimed.

This church has addressed the issues surrounding economic life in its social statement, “Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All", and we encourage the use of this statement as a way to understand more fully how the following theological and biblical principles are central as we respond to this situation.

Concern for People in Poverty
The constitution of the ELCA calls this church to serve by “standing with the poor and powerless and committing itself to their needs.” (ELCA 4.02.c.). We are grateful for the pastors and leaders in our congregations who already have stepped forward to care for those who are suffering, and we encourage them to continue this response and to provide leadership in the task of turning our attention to the causes and effects of this crisis. We are called to work toward an economic system that truly serves the common good and especially the needs of the poor. We look for partnership with all those who seek to address this financial crisis in a way that also recognizes the humanitarian issues involved.

Personal and Corporate Responsibility
The ELCA social statement on economic life calls for individuals to live responsibly and within their means and to beware of the dangers of over-consumption and unnecessary accumulation, which draw us beyond authentic need into excess and destructive indebtedness. We call on businesses and corporations of all sizes to consider the social implications of company policies and to practice good stewardship of creation (Genesis 1:26).

The Need for Good Government
We hold and teach that government has an instrumental and constructive role to play in our shared life. This role includes “limiting or countering narrow economic interests and promoting the common good” (“Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All,” p. 11). We call on government to hold corporations and other powerful economic actors accountable for the effects of their practices on workers, communities, and the environment.

The Benefits and Limits of Free Markets
For many people, the current market-based economy has proven to be effective as a system to meet material need, generate wealth, and create opportunity. However, we hold and teach that any economic system should be measured by the degree to which it serves God’s purposes for humankind and creation. Those who have been blessed by the fruits of our economy are called to be generous in giving to those who have lost much and to advocate for accountability and appropriate regulation in this system.

As people of the God who calls us out of fear into hope and community, we welcome all people into widespread and respectful discussion about this current crisis. In this way we can create partnerships that will help those whose lives are being shattered and encourage responsibility and integrity in our national economic life.

As people of faith we pray:

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ dignified our labor by sharing our toil. Guide us with your justice in the workplace, so that we may never value things above people, or surrender honor to love of gain or lust for power. Prosper all efforts to put an end to work that brings no joy, and teach us how to govern the ways of business to the harm of none and for the sake of the common good; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Conference of Bishops
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
October 7, 2008

Week Two: June 23 - 30

Week Two:  June 23-20

Week two started with a bang.  In the early evening on Sunday I went for a trail bike ride.  Coming down a small hill I hit some gravel, had a short skid and…well, the next thing I remember is getting up off the ground with a cracked helmet, scuffs, scraps,  and terribly bent front tire.  Thankfully Kristine was nearby and we were able to transport the broken bicycle home.  After a lot of ice on my neck and shoulders I think everything is okay…and I am grateful to God for all those folks who make bike helmets, pads, slick jackets (that kept the thistles from being all over me).  I just wish I had remembered to put on my bike gloves (my hands are pretty banged up as well).  To all you kids reading:  wear your helmet!

READING COMPLETED THIS WEEK:

Kurt Senske, Executive Values:  A Christian Approach to Organizational Leadership,  MN: Augsburg Books, 2003. (Pgs. 158) See http://www.senskevalues.com/  (This is a management book from a church perspective, Senske is a Lutheran Social Services executive.  He uses as his frame the idea that successful business leaders can lead by the Golden Rule).

Beth Ann Gaede, editor, Size Transitions in Congregations, The Alban Institute, 2001. (Pgs. 169) (This is a wonderful resource for size transitions.  I wish I had read this one prior to reading Alice Mann's Raising the Roof.  I'll be using some of the articles for information sharing with the congregation.)

Robert Benson, A Good Life:  Benedict’s Guide to Everyday Joy.  Brewster, MA:  Paraclete Press, © 2004. (Pgs. 85)  (This book is an excellent brief work on fixed-hour prayer)

READING STARTED THIS WEEK:

Alice Mann, The In-Between Church : Navigating Size Transitions in Congregations, The Alban Institute, 1989.

Norma Cook Everist and Craig L. Nessan, Transforming Leadership: New Vision for a Church in Mission. MN: Augburg Fortress Publisher, 2008

RETREAT:

Thanks to the generosity of the Rob and Ann Church I had a wonderful part of this week in Cambria by the Sea.  Pastor Greg Kintzi joined me for a few days of reading, reflection, and prayer. 

DEVOTIONAL TIMES:

Pastor Greg got me into fixed hour prayer by introducing me to the writing of Phyllis Tickle.  I am using for daily prayer the Hours (prayer four times per day before nine in the morning, Noon, six in the afternoon, and before retiring for the evening).  Pastor Greg and I used the Hours during the retreat week around times for reading, reflection, walks on the beach, and pie at Linn’s Bakery. The Wednesday Morning Bible Study has experienced this form of fixed-hour prayer on a variety of occasions.  Phyllis Tickle’s work The Divine Hours has been my guide.   

This week one of the books Pastor Greg brought with him was on fixed-hour prayer by Robert Benson (The Good Life) in which he wrote the following.

[“To love God, “ wrote Frederick Buechner, “is to do about the same thing you would do for anyone else, and that is to see each other.”

To pray the office is to frame the day with praise and thanksgiving.  It serves to make the worship of God the center of our life.  It changes the focus of our prayers from the created to the Creator.  “The Lord in habits the praises of his people” go the ancient words.  And the people who do the praising as well, I believe.

One of the lessons of the Rule is that prayer is not meant to be an attachment to the life that you live; it is meant to be the center of the life that you live.  And another lesson is that such deep and transforming prayer takes time and discipline and structure – all of which can be found only if one is willing to take specific and ordered steps to organize some of one’s time and energy, one’s hours and days around answering the call to pray.

It seems to me that all too often we all too easily make our prayer about ourselves, and ourselves alone. 

Praying the office connects us to the whole community of Christ for all time past and for all time to come.  It anchors us in the ongoing history of the church itself, requiring us to maintain the cascade of the prayer of the faithful, the Work of God itself. 

“The Divine Hours,” writes Phyllis Tickle, are prayers of praise offered as a sacrifice of thanksgiving and faith to God.  “To offer them,” she writes, “…is to assume the ‘office’ of attendant upon the Divine.”]

You can read an introduction to fixed hour prayer by Phyllis Tickle at http://www.explorefaith.org/prayer_meditation/prayer/fixed/introduction.php

You can read more about Phyllis Tickle at http://www.phyllistickle.com/     Phyllis was a speaker at the 2008 National Pastor’s Convention and at our Synod’s Bishop Colloquy. 

I invite you to join me in the daily hours.

CHURCH WORSHIP

We attended Discovery Church in Simi Valley today.  We ran into our office administrator, Laurie Scott who was preparing for a week with the youth from the church at Lake Hume (Godspeed and blessing Laurie).  Discovery is a new church (birthed in 2003) and is a corporation to mega size church, nearly $1 million dollar budget to date.  There was a guest speaker (so we didn’t get to hear the primary preacher).  The building is located in an industrial area of Simi Valley.  The foyer is open, with multiple entry points, with several family room style seating areas (complete with large murals or television screens).  The sanctuary is dark, concert style, with multiple screens.  There was a large band with a couple of percussion instruments (drum set, conga, etc), guitars, lead singer and multiple accompanying singers. The music as an outstanding feature of the worship (similar to Living Oaks).  The band led the opening music for 25 minutes.  The preacher spoke for 45 minutes on Genesis 19 (Sodom and Gomorrah – what a text!).  Holy Communion, Offering, announcements, and closing prayer all took place within 10 mintues at the end of the service. Holy communion was passed down the aisle with little comment on its meaning or symbol. There was no closing music (a minimal band played background music for the exit).   The boys were impressed with the selection of donuts available after the worship service (they also like the music and the sermon).

The Movie "Bella" Is Gentle and Respectful Call for Adoption over Abortion

I had heard about the Toronto Film Festival's People's Choice Award winning film--Bella! I had listened to the star and one of the producers, Eduardo Verastegui. His passion and love for this story and film comes through as he talks and as he acts. 

The story meanders through time breaks, but the essence of the story is simple. Nina, a young, unmarried waitress at a Mexican restaurant, finds herself pregnant and without work after coming in late several days because of morning sickness. Jose, the restaurant's chef, is taken by Nina's plight and becomes her sole confidant. Jose helps her walk through her decision on what to do with her pregnancy. In the process, he bears secrets from his own mysterious past, which reveal his tenderness and passion for her and the child she is carrying. The ending does not tie things up into a perfect or tragic ending. It leaves you wondering, talking...and filling in the blanks with experiences from your own life.

This film is not overtly Christian or overtly anti-abortion. It is pro life and adoption; it is about faith in action. It touches the heart with the implications of this important decision. In 1 Peter 3:15, we read: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Eduardo has done just that in this touching film.

He has also accomplished one of his other goals--providing a very positive portrayal of a Spanish speaking family on film. The loving joy coming out of this family warms the screen. It's a movie about caring families--families who have made adoption work for all involved.

These aren't perfect people--just real people struggling with redemption and love in a less than perfect world. Don't hesitate to go to this wonderful film. See a trailer and find a theater near you at their official site, http://www.bellathemovie.com/.

Faith and Political Obsessions: Don't Fret about the Left or Right, Worry about God

This column received so many comments from Christians, I thought it important to include on our blog:

Recently, Senator John McCain inspired an explosion of campaign controversy when he said: "The Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation. But I say that in the broadest sense. The lady that lifts her lamp beside the golden door doesn't say, 'I only welcome Christians... But when they come here they know that they are in a nation founded on Christian principals.'"

That is an accurate answer filled with a critical tension. The founding fathers resisted establishing a national religion but knew the value of maintaining a society whose citizens remained religious. George Washington, in his Farewell Address, reminded Americans: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."

Bob Briner's Seven Deadly Detours, is now out of print, but his deadly detours are as relevant today for Christians struggling with how to keep their faith relevant and remain an active and engaged citizen. To Briner, Jesus wasn't a "right winger." He called on Christians to pray instead of demanding prayer in public schools. They should be sharing the Gospel with nonbelievers instead of shutting down abortion clinics or mandating family values. Christians should be serving and loving instead of leading the fight against the "homosexual agenda."

The same could be said about deadly distractions from the left. Jesus wasn't a liberal either. Christians should be sharing the Good News of salvation rather than promoting sanctuary for illegal immigrants or leading the fight against global warming. Christians should be serving and loving rather leading the fight for the "homosexual agenda." They should be taking a stand for faith in Jesus Christ instead of promoting multiculturalism. 

The Christian author, C. S. Lewis said: "He who converts his neighbor has performed the most practical Christian-political act of all." Billy Graham agreed: "Evangelism is when the Gospel, which is good news, is preached or presented to all people. If I took sides in all these different divisive areas, I would cut off a great part of the people who I really want to reach. So I've felt that the Lord would have me just present the Gospel and stay out of politics." 

The Great Commission, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, has been central to Christian outreach. Jesus said to his disciples: "…Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus wasn't talking about making nations "Christian;" Jesus was challenging believers to make disciples in every nation! Jesus didn't come to overthrow or change Rome. As he told the Roman Governor Pontius Pilot, "My kingdom is not of this world." He came to live and die on the cross so that he might bring believers into a relationship with God that would change their lives. That changes a nation one life at a time. Jesus would want nothing to do with a Christian version of Sharia Law to impose on nonbelievers.

Political obsessions can keep Christians arguing instead of witnessing to their unity in Christ. Recently, Focus on the Family President James Dobson wrote in a New York Times op-ed that he and 50 other pro-family leaders had unanimously voted on a resolution that read: "If neither of the two major political parties nominates an individual who pledges himself or herself to the sanctity of human life, we will join others in voting for a minor-party candidate."

Perfect candidates don't exist; neither do perfect churches! How would our churches and Christian leaders stand up if we scrutinized them the way we do candidates? Do we warmly welcome and serve all people? Do we sling mud at those who oppose us or our views? Are we known as an anti- or pro- (you add the issue) church or a church of Christ? Ken Satterfield wrote on a Baptist site, "My fear is to one day find myself before the throne of God, having fought for and against political issues, and have Him ask, 'But, what did you do for Me?'"

A new Fox News Poll found that Republicans are twice as likely as Democrats to have prayed for the President: That isn't surprising, but what is gratifying is that 37 percent of Democrats include the president in their prayers even when only 11% approved of his performance. Anyone can pray for people you support; the true Christian challenge is to pray for one's "enemies."

Christians need not be concerned about the judgment of liberals or conservatives. It's God's judgment that counts. Let our faith inform our political choices, but we should do so with a little more humility and realize that heaven isn't a red or blue state!

Byline: Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the PoliticalTalk Blog. Contact him at www.politicalassessment.com or at terry@terrypaulson.com. This first appeared in Ventura County Star, October 29, 2007, B6.

Religion Has a Positive Impact on Youths

A new study reveals what we already sensed was true--Children from religious homes are better behaved than kids who grow up in homes without religious influence. Sociologists from Mississippi State University asked parents and teachers of more than 16,000 children to rate how much self-control the young people had and how often they exhibited poor behavior. Those scores were corolated to how frequently the children's parents said they attended workshop services, talked with their children's parents or argued about religion. Kids whose families attended worship regularly or talked about religion at home were found to have better self-contorl and social skills than children from non-religious parents.

MSU Sociologist John Bartkowski said, "What we found is that religion matters. Not only does parental church attendance or religious worship service attendance positively affect child development outcomes, but eh frequency at which parents and children discuss religion has a beneficial effect on children's development.... If indeed it takes a village to raise a child, then we can say that religious communities are an important part of the village we live in, and parents would be wise to utilize this resource should they wish to do so."

The study also found that children were more likely to have behavior problems when parents argued about religion. The study will soon be published in Social Science Research.

Source: OneNewsNow.com, 5-2-07.

The ELCA Synod Assembly Puts Emphasis on Social Action Resolutions

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2007

There was time to start more morning with the Westlake Lutheran men's group. The group is growing in numbers and impact; I will miss attending. I shared some of my frustration with the Assembly experience and received some needed encouragement from those there.

I arrived at the assembly in time to find out that the Resolution calling for restraint in disciplining homosexual clergy passed. It will be forwarded to the national assembly where it is likely that the churchwide assembly will not interfere with the plan to wait until 2009 to deal with the issue.

I remember when I was introduced at IBM with the warning that I was from California--"The nation is tilted that way and all the nuts roll down to that end of the country." There may be some truth to that statement. Thank goodness middle America and the South have a way of putting brakes on such extreme resolutions.

There was a resolution on dealing calling for more support for prisoners. We were reminded that the Bible calls us to write and to visit those in prison. As usual, the statement made global condemnation of our justice system and called for the end to discrimination in hiring for those who had paid the price for their crimes.

Many brought up the concern for violent offenders, rapists and pedophiles. I shared our rescind council action on a child abuse policy that required criminal background checks and would not allow hiring anyone that did not pass. This resolution would have been in direct conflict with such caution. It was wisely tabled, inviting a more balanced law to be constructed. It was voted that the theme for the next assembly would be--"I was in prison and you visited me!" As usual, the focus of future assemblies will obviously be on social issues and not the Gospel. This is not to say that some action is needed. Nonviolent offenders, once out of prison need support in finding jobs to turn their lives around. One need only remember the "yellow" card in Les Miserables that so stifled the lives of criminals eager to work.

For want of a two-third vote, two resolutions on volatile social issues failed to be considered--"On Making Peace" and "A Memorial to Advocate Justice for Immigrants." The one-sided resolutions were so extreme that they were sure to please many of the voters in the assembly. I was not one of them.

A resolution, "Memorial to Admonish Governments," required but a simple majority and did pass. The broad, liberal statement called for support for the poor (a valid cause) and to admonish the governments of the world for "not seeking a sufficient, sustainable livelihood for people."

To the support of many in attendance, I shared my concern that the resolution attacked the very economic model that has done the most for the poor. I reminded the assembly that the Frasier Institute in Canada annually studies the impact of free markets on poverty and average income. The greater the free market economy in a country the less poverty and the more the average income. I asserted that Jesus did not come to change Rome but to save people. He did not expect Rome to serve and feed the poor, but for Christians to do so. Arguing against the resolution, I stated that a positive resolution commenting on the importance of free markets and freedom would be more fitting. I mentioned Jesus' Parable of the Good Samaritan. The priest passed on the side, no doubt too busy because he had to get to an assembly to pass a resolution. The successful Samaritan stopped, helped the man and paid for his care. God calls for good stewardship not social activism where the government is expected to do our job. I cautioned that many business people and entrepreneurs, who serve and give generously, have to hear over and over again in the Lutheran church that they are the enemy. They are not!

The resolution passed, but many thanked me for my comments. Because the synod asked for our feedback, I shared it. Having attended many synod assemblies, I confessed that it usually took me hours to recover my joy after attending. The social issues dominate the entire assembly every time. They talk about the importance of the Gospel and Grace, but their calendar truly expressed their creed. There creed is social activism. They care about their causes and feel that they are doing God's will.

I expressed my confidence that God, as always, will find His will done and the church would survive, but I cautioned them that increasingly they are spending less time on the Word of God and more time telling Lutherans what God really wants for today in spite of His word. I fear we need another Luther. Luther said to the established church, "Here I stand!" He stood firmly on the Holy Scriptures and challenged the religious of his day to prove him wrong in the Word. Today's ELCA leadership cannot do that, so they talk about relevance to a new age. Some things may need to change, but God's Word is not one of them.

If God's Holy Spirit is behind these changes, the ELCA church will grow instead of depending upon the sale of church properties from dying Lutheran churches to keep their budget afloat. Some churches are growing; the Lutheran Church is not. Could that be a clue?

I know there are some in our own congregation who would be supportive of some of the changes proposed. I welcome dissent and dialogue, but I chafe at the lack of opportunity to do this within our Synod. The newsletters are slanted. The prayers prior to voting are slanted. They seem convinced that they speak for God's will. They might say that I am guilty of the same thing. There is a problem. I have the Bible on my side. They have a very non-Christian view of "love" to affirm their resolutions. I will stand on God's Word and let God be the ultimate judge.

I am thankful there is an Evangelical Network of laymen and pastors committed to taking a stand for the Word and evangelism over social action. I am thankful that we have a pastor and a church that is less interested in church politics and more interesting in being a vehicle for God's Gospel and grace in our community. That is something I can get excited about. I am much more interested in attending the next men's group than in sitting through another assembly. Thank goodness God won't let THE CHURCH get in the way of His will.

I welcome your thoughts--supportive and critical of my comments. After seeing how extreme some activists are in our church, I refuse to remain silent. I feel called to speak out on these issues.

ELCA Synod Assembly Looks at Luther's View on Reading the Bible and Revisits the Discipline of Gay Clergy

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2007

The second say of the ELCA Southwest California Synod Assembly started with a prayer service and a Bible Study by CLU's Dr. R. Guy Erwin titled, "Reading the Bible with Martin Luther." Dr. Erwin provided a fresh window to experience the Bible by sharing his deep knowledge of Martin Luther. Luther believed there was one gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He asserted that whenever we read Holy Scripture that we should read looking for the Gospel, for there are four books but one Gospel. The Gospel is the story of God, the Son of God became human to save us that God might be Lord of all. There is one Gospel and flour evangelists writing about that one Gospel for four perspectives.

Even the Apostle Paul skips the miracles but includes the Gospel as his primary focus. Paul confesses that he was "set apart for the Gospel." He was proclaiming the story of God's son to the known world. We must not make Christ into a Moses. Too many see what they want to see when they read the Bible. They see Jesus as an example to follow and imitate. We read how Jesus prays, fasts, loves and helps and try to do as He did. To Luther, this was "the smallest part of the Gospel." In fact, it was not worth being part of the Gospel, because if you stop there, you are more likely to become a hypocrite than a Christian. We can fall into the trap of thinking, "What would Jesus do if He were me!" We aren't Christians by what we do, but by accepting the gift of God's grace. The chief message of the Gospel is that before you do what I do or use me as an example, you must accept and receive God's gift. What Jesus does, he does for you!

The Gospel is the great fire of the love of God for us! This is driving His call to faith. It is by receiving grace that we can truly be unafraid, happy and content. Only then can we look at Jesus and be an example. For then, we give ourselves in service in response to God's love and the work of his Spirit in our lives. For our works never belong to us. They come from Christ. They belong to our neighbor. For as Christians, God's love passes through us to others.

So, to Luther, how do we read the Bible? First, always look for THE GOSPEL in all you read letting the Gospel inform our reading. Only the Old Testament was truly "Holy Scripture." The Gospel of Jesus was a spoken Word. It was no accident that Jesus did not write. If Jesus had written His Word, in our sinfulness, we would have made it law. He spoke his Word. Just as he spoke through relationship, we are to spread the Word through word of mouth. 

Dr. Erwin shared Luther's insights regarding Ephesians 4:1-6, emphasizing three lines of the text.

"Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called." Luther reminds us that we do not live for ourselves alone. God has called us at this time and in this place to live a life of faith so that Christ may be praised through our lives. We are to let our lives shine out so that all will see and give praise to God.

"Bearing one another in love." Living in a conflicted time, he challenged Christians to live together. Start first with self-examination. Humility, gentleness and patience are the standards. Our lives are how the image of God is shown to the world.

"One hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all." We differ in so many ways but we are called to the same life of humility, faith and love. But living in the world, it is hard for us to see that. We struggle to keep our unity in the face of our differences.

We must focus on Christ with the Spirit's help. May we be reminded that the formally religious do not always live out the Gospel.

The work of the Synod continued with Bishop Dean Nelson being elected on the second ballot to a second six-year term. There was unanimous support for the growing Youth Ministry Network and the need to serve and grow our churchwide ministry to our youth. We are an aging church. Our new commitment to a full-time youth minister fits that emphasis. We will work with the ELCA to invest in Sam's development and skills to better serve the youth in our midst.

The assembly also took a resolution that responded to the decision of the Discipline Hearing Committee regarding the discipline of gay ministers who are in same-sex committed relationships. In spite of the fact that the 2005 national assembly had decided to sustain the earlier statement on sexuality with a promise to revisit the issue for a new statement in 2009, many felt compelled to push for a measure to halt discipline on gay ministers. Instead of taking time to deliberate this issue according to the timetable laid out, they are calling to move forward action on this matter.

I found the discussion frustrating. I fear as the Lutheran church finds itself embroiled in more and more endless resolutions on social issues in a fiercely divided church that we are losing a focus on the prime unity of the Gospel. I fear that Luther would be pulling his hair out in frustration as the church is forced to seek funding from selling the land and buildings of churches that are closing just to sustain their budgets. If the Holy Spirit were behind this move, we would be growing, not decreasing in size.

I trust that over time God will right the church, but I feel now that we are now defining God's love the way we wanted Jesus to respond. They talked about Jesus refusing to condemn the woman caught in adultery. He challenged those without sin to cast the first stone. The stones were dropped and the men left. But God did not give a blank check of grace. He told her that she was forgiven and added go and sin no more.

We as Christians are not to judge; that is God's job. My job is to witness to the Gospel. We are convicted of sin, we repent, and the gift of salvation is bestowed.  But God does not take sin lightly or Jesus would not have had to die to pay the price. No gay minister or believer needs to be approved by me, but he does need to stand before God. I feel that it is the job of the church to witness to the Gospel and use the Word as our sole source.

As Luther said boldly to Rome--"Here I stand!" He was not standing on his opinion but the Word of God. He asked Rome to show him where he was wrong in the Word. Thank God Luther took a stand for the Gospel and translated the Bible so that common believers could read God's Word for themselves.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky, in The Brothers Karamazov, wrote, "If God does not exist, everything is permissible." Thank God we have the Word of God, not to hold over others, but to inform them. If you feel that the Holy Spirit is telling you to do something that the Bible says is wrong, it's probably not the Holy Spirit. I fear the Lutheran church needs another Luther.

On Saturday, we will find out how the assembly voted. If the resolution failed, there are two more resolutions that must be looked at in support of the same cause. Those dealing with this issue are not patient people. They do not care if there is no consensus; they want action now.

Report from the Southwest California Synod Assembly--Being Open to the Emerging Churches

MAY 31, 2007 REPORT

The Southwest California Synod Assembly is meeting this week at CLU to do the business of the church in our area. As usual, there were great cookies and coffee; you have to mention this at a Lutheran Church assembly. Just don't tell me wife!

Of interest to our members, former Pastor John Cooper was honored for 50 years of service to the church. Pastor Cooper served as our pastor at Westlake Lutheran for one year.

The keynote was a combined presentation and discussion lead by Dr. Nathan Frambach from Wartburg Theological Seminary and Pastor Karen Ward from Church of the Apostles in Seattle, WA. The program focused on the emerging church movement that is serving young adults not currently being reached by traditional churches. They are struggling by what it means to be the church today. They ask important questions: Who are we and where are we to be?

Karen described an emerging church that has grown organically in the Fremont, WA area started by an ad focused on Gen Xers in the area. From an initial response of six people sending e-mails and calling her cell phone, Karen has mentored an exciting church that fits the community. The church focuses on these questions:

Who is God? Does God Matter?
Who am I? Do I matter?
What is community? Does community matter?

Many are Prodigals; they miss the church but can't stand it. They are young adults who grew up in the church but found that the church as experienced in traditional churches were not meeting their needs. They valued a spiritual connection with God, but needed a community of believers that matched them. When called to serve and shine in their church, they were coming alive.

Karen said, "We must get out there in the community. God is hard to keep up with. You have to have running shoes on just to catch up with where His Spirit is moving in the lives of these young people. God is touching people the church has a hard time keeping. We must support and empower these new emerging communities." Instead of drawing them into our midst and expecting them to adjust to us. We need champions who wish to minister out there to let organic communities grow as they serve and then find a way to shine.

Karen's emerging church started as a Internet Cafe six days a week with a day for services. They eventually found a vacant church and have moved to purchase this former Lutheran church as their new home. They are providing experiences--a U2Charist services and a Marvin Gay inspired Moving On service.  They do baptisms in a tub bought at Home Depot. These people are absent in our churches but certainly not absent in the community.

Most churches are 20 years older on the average than the average ages of the communities they serve. At Karen's church, the average age is 28 in a community whose average age is 32. These people are not brought into the church, they are launched by the church and allowed to grow. We shouldn't be pulling them in; we should be deploying them to where they can grow.

We have struggled getting senior high youth, what if we sent our youth group out to serve in the community and invite other youths to join them. They don't have to meet at our church; they meet where they serve. There would be prayer and faith in action. Is that how God might call us to serve the community? We must prayerfully consider such initiatives.

Instead of being bogged down with bureaucracy, Karen's emerging church is focusing each council meeting by taking one part of their mission and discussing how they are doing and what they need to do to improve. Why have bureaucracy when you choose the passion for service?

Myrna Sheie, Executive for Governance & Institutional Relations for the ELCA, gave a churchwide Report stressing the top ten things to be excited about and pray for in the ELCA:

A generous church that is making a difference here and around the world
Our youth ministries, youth convocation and Lutheran universities
Calling forth of great Pastors and Church leaders
Thankful for being a diverse and open church
The church is less shy about talking about their faith in outreach
The church provides a safe-place to talk about tough issues
God's Word and the new program to renew commitment to read the Bible
A Lutheran Focus on a Social Statement on Education
Our Global Connectedness is growing

Myrna asked for your prayerful support and active involvement. I hope to include a report after tomorrow's full day at the Assembly. Pray for our church and for teh Spirit to work in our midst to do His will, not ours!

Try Going to GodTube.com

Lisa Zylstra sent me this link to an article on a new Christian site that is trying to compete with YouTube! The Internet is increasingly "the source" for staying current on what's happening in the world. The same may soon be true for our faith. Read more about the new service--www.GodTube.com:

http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2188871/christians-launch-godtube-com

Even better, try out some of the content and let us know what speaks to you and your faith needs!