So, I was worried for no real reason. Easter came and went, and was a WONDERFUL day! Everything in the service seemed to flow well and I came out of the day energized to get some things done. I've been quite lax on my reading over the last few weeks, so I "read" an audiobook that my dad lent me the other day. I guess I can get more out of that format that I thought. So, now I have to see if there's anything interesting at our local library that I want to let my ears read.
It's only Wednesday and I've had a sermon draft for almost 24 hours already, been to Springfield twice to visit a congregation member in the hospital and I'm headed out (after a bit) to do some more visiting at the local nursing homes. My desk is fairly clear and I might actually be caught up on all the things I need to do.
I guess that means I need to resurrect my book-writing on the side. Maybe I'll have some good news to report on that in the near future.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Sunday's comin'
...and right now it looks like a train. I don't remember being this behind at Easter-time last year. But for some reason I am this go around. Maybe it's because Easter is so early, because we've had so much ice and snow over the past month, because we almost floated away in the rain the past few days, or because I got a late start to the week taking some kids to the state capital for a Rotary event. Whatever the reason, I feel like I'm WAY behind on getting stuff ready.
Of course, all I really have left to do is to get a couple of short meditations written (planned for tomorrow morning) and let everyone know what's going on. It shouldn't be too big of a deal.
Maybe I'm stressed for no good reason...
I feel strangely better, now. I think I'll clean off my desk a bit and get ready for a push in the morning!
Of course, all I really have left to do is to get a couple of short meditations written (planned for tomorrow morning) and let everyone know what's going on. It shouldn't be too big of a deal.
Maybe I'm stressed for no good reason...
I feel strangely better, now. I think I'll clean off my desk a bit and get ready for a push in the morning!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Why do I kid myself?
I have noticed a theme in my blogging. Each time I write one of these here gizmos, I insinuate (or say outright) that I'm going to do so more often. But, I never do. So, I've been musing about that for a few days, weeks, months, whatever... and come to the conclusion that it is the same reason why I start journaling and then never keep it up. I have a hard time writing just for myself anymore.
It wasn't a problem when I was in high school. I would write poetry all the time to express my feelings so I wouldn't implode. So, what changed?
Well, for one, I have more ways of expressing myself now than I did in HS. But, I also think that I don't take the time to do things for myself like I once did. So, that's what I'm going to work on. Doing the things I want and need to do for myself, not worrying if they are important to (or even noticed by) everyone else. They are important for me. And more than that. I'm worth it!
It wasn't a problem when I was in high school. I would write poetry all the time to express my feelings so I wouldn't implode. So, what changed?
Well, for one, I have more ways of expressing myself now than I did in HS. But, I also think that I don't take the time to do things for myself like I once did. So, that's what I'm going to work on. Doing the things I want and need to do for myself, not worrying if they are important to (or even noticed by) everyone else. They are important for me. And more than that. I'm worth it!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Get a life....
Well, if you're the CSI nut I am, and you watched the CSI:NY episode last week, you know all about Second Life. If you're not and you don't, then you may want to check out www.secondlife.com. It's a pretty cool virtual reality world. You can log on, interact with other avatars, and do just about whatever you want. And, I mean whatever you want!
If you're already signed up (it is free, unless you want to pay $$), look me up. My SL avatar is Francis Alter. (Maybe I'll tell y'all why some other time.) Or, if you haven't joined and decide to do so, please tell them I referred you (again it'll be Francis, not Alex...).
Oh, and look up the group Second Life Christian Church (DOC). We'd love to have you join our little virtual, online, faith community. I mean, why not? We'd never know who you really are anyway:-) (Unless you want to share ;-) )
More soon.... I promise....
If you're already signed up (it is free, unless you want to pay $$), look me up. My SL avatar is Francis Alter. (Maybe I'll tell y'all why some other time.) Or, if you haven't joined and decide to do so, please tell them I referred you (again it'll be Francis, not Alex...).
Oh, and look up the group Second Life Christian Church (DOC). We'd love to have you join our little virtual, online, faith community. I mean, why not? We'd never know who you really are anyway:-) (Unless you want to share ;-) )
More soon.... I promise....
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
I'm Back
So, it's been 9 months to the day since I've posted on this blog. I think it's about time that I get back to it. I've been toying with the idea of posting some of my thoughts about upcoming sermons throughout the weeks, but don't know if that's the best thing I can do with the space.
I've also thought about putting up random ramblings that are heading toward my book that I want to be writing, but that defeats the purpose of writing a book. If everyone can get the same stuff for free, why buy the book? So, although some of the ideas might make it to the blog, I doubt that much of the details will.
So, we'll have to wait and see what this blog turns into over time. Your guess is as good as mine... :)
I've also thought about putting up random ramblings that are heading toward my book that I want to be writing, but that defeats the purpose of writing a book. If everyone can get the same stuff for free, why buy the book? So, although some of the ideas might make it to the blog, I doubt that much of the details will.
So, we'll have to wait and see what this blog turns into over time. Your guess is as good as mine... :)
Monday, December 4, 2006
Right and Wrong
OK. I'm about to break one of my own cardinal rules and talk about someone else in ministry. I almost hate to do it, but in reading this person's newsletter article, I have no choice. If I don't blog about it here I'm likely to either call him up and tell him off (wouldn't do any good) or write a nice nasty note (again, probably wouldn't matter - as you will see.) Let the rule-breaking begin.
---
I must start by saying that in many ways I respect the work and wisdom of the man I am about to critique, but something about the way he comes across seems exceedingly arrogant to me and I hope that if I ever start sounding arrogant that someone will let me know!
Roger is the pastor of a fairly large and very socially active church in a nearby town/city. In his most recent church newsletter he says that "The professors who teach homiletics (preaching) tell thier students that the act of prophetic preaching is 'speaking the truth to power.' It sounds simple, but it is not. In the face of power, there are truths which we feel it necessary to avoid saying. Not because they are not true, but because the truth is inconvenient."
He then goes on to cite two examples from the political arena. First, that Saddam Hussein has been tried and convicted of crimes against the Iraqi people, but that similar "crimes" have been committed by the USA and no one is holding our political leaders accountable. His second example is the uproar caused when someone who is not a US citizen tried to contribute to a political campaign in the US. His point is that this is considered treasonous when the US often sends people to campaign in other countries.
Finally he concludes by saying the general public does not think (by quoting Hitler...) and that they may think more if preachers and journalists were not afraid to speak the truth. Then this statement, "Isn't it a shame to be considered a radical pastor for simply setting down on paper what almost everyone knows to be true? If there is any sentence in this column which is not true, please have the courage to show me which sentance or sentances contain inaccuracies."
(The whole text is available here.)
OK. I'll admit that I haven't checked your facts, Roger, but I am not going to dispute the accuracy of your statements. I am, however contesting whether or not you are following the intent of the gospel in this case. The good news, as I read it, is not a truth that is to be shouted from the rooftops, shoved down the throats of others, or perfectly clear cut. While I certainly disagree with the current political policies of my country, I understand that things are not so simple and easy as telling the truth. Because, there are nuances and experiences, beliefs and concepts that guide how each person (regardless of race, color or creed) interprets the truth.
True, as followers of Christ, we have learned that we are to tell the truth. Great. But, come on, do we have to be so darned nasty about it? What happened to telling the truth IN LOVE? If we simply try to stand outside the establishment and throw rocks at the windows, we will never get anything accomlished. The way I see it, the miracle of the Good News of Christ is that we are called to engage in dialog (not onesided rants - and yes, I know this is that as well and will be carefully considering how to voice my opinions to Roger directly now that I've been writing for a while...) and dialog cannot happen when I say, "I have the truth, you are wrong." That position naturally puts the other person on the defensive, not a good position from which to truly have an open conversation.
I take this as a warning that I, too, could fall into the trap of believing that my view is perfectly clear while another's is cloudy. I pray that I will learn from this and be better able to look for the plank in my eye before trying to remove the speck from another's eye. I know that I haven't in this post. May God help me to be better at it in the future.
---
OK, now that's off my chest I feel much better. Maybe I will write Roger a nice note after all.
---
I must start by saying that in many ways I respect the work and wisdom of the man I am about to critique, but something about the way he comes across seems exceedingly arrogant to me and I hope that if I ever start sounding arrogant that someone will let me know!
Roger is the pastor of a fairly large and very socially active church in a nearby town/city. In his most recent church newsletter he says that "The professors who teach homiletics (preaching) tell thier students that the act of prophetic preaching is 'speaking the truth to power.' It sounds simple, but it is not. In the face of power, there are truths which we feel it necessary to avoid saying. Not because they are not true, but because the truth is inconvenient."
He then goes on to cite two examples from the political arena. First, that Saddam Hussein has been tried and convicted of crimes against the Iraqi people, but that similar "crimes" have been committed by the USA and no one is holding our political leaders accountable. His second example is the uproar caused when someone who is not a US citizen tried to contribute to a political campaign in the US. His point is that this is considered treasonous when the US often sends people to campaign in other countries.
Finally he concludes by saying the general public does not think (by quoting Hitler...) and that they may think more if preachers and journalists were not afraid to speak the truth. Then this statement, "Isn't it a shame to be considered a radical pastor for simply setting down on paper what almost everyone knows to be true? If there is any sentence in this column which is not true, please have the courage to show me which sentance or sentances contain inaccuracies."
(The whole text is available here.)
OK. I'll admit that I haven't checked your facts, Roger, but I am not going to dispute the accuracy of your statements. I am, however contesting whether or not you are following the intent of the gospel in this case. The good news, as I read it, is not a truth that is to be shouted from the rooftops, shoved down the throats of others, or perfectly clear cut. While I certainly disagree with the current political policies of my country, I understand that things are not so simple and easy as telling the truth. Because, there are nuances and experiences, beliefs and concepts that guide how each person (regardless of race, color or creed) interprets the truth.
True, as followers of Christ, we have learned that we are to tell the truth. Great. But, come on, do we have to be so darned nasty about it? What happened to telling the truth IN LOVE? If we simply try to stand outside the establishment and throw rocks at the windows, we will never get anything accomlished. The way I see it, the miracle of the Good News of Christ is that we are called to engage in dialog (not onesided rants - and yes, I know this is that as well and will be carefully considering how to voice my opinions to Roger directly now that I've been writing for a while...) and dialog cannot happen when I say, "I have the truth, you are wrong." That position naturally puts the other person on the defensive, not a good position from which to truly have an open conversation.
I take this as a warning that I, too, could fall into the trap of believing that my view is perfectly clear while another's is cloudy. I pray that I will learn from this and be better able to look for the plank in my eye before trying to remove the speck from another's eye. I know that I haven't in this post. May God help me to be better at it in the future.
---
OK, now that's off my chest I feel much better. Maybe I will write Roger a nice note after all.
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Blog 101
I've been posting on MySpace Blogs for a while now, but this blog will be less of a personal nature, and more professional reflection. Since tomorrow will be the 6mo aniversary of my service as the Senior Pastor of a small congregation in Marshfield, Missouri, I've decided to put fingers to keyboard and record some of my experiences (edited to protect the innocent (and not so innocent)) for myself and the rest of civilization. My hope is that at some point in the future these experiences and reflections, along with the comments they generate will be helpful for other young pastors as they begin their own journey in the ministry.
Peace.
Peace.
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