A Ministry of Service

Our new Pastoral Resident Patricia Greene began working with us on Wed. Aug 1st.  Just like doctors have a time of rresidency to complete their preparation to "practice" medicine, pastors can benefit greatly from such a time as well. 

Last night was the meeting of the Deacons.  In preparation for the meeting Patricia and I talked about the role of the deacons in the Presbyterian tradition.  I referenced a study that the PC(USA) conducted in the early 1990's.  The original study was entitled "A Proposal for Considering the Theology and Practice of Ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1992).  In 1996 an abridged version suitable for study in congregations was released:  "A Ministry of Service:  A Guide to the Meaning of Ordination and Church Office in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A)."  Thanks to my friend Tom Green for telling me about it. 

One of the most exciting (yes, I get excited about theology and studies) aspects of the paper is that it is very empowering for the deacons.  It acknowledges that the role of the deacon has often been relegated to making coffee without any appreciation for the role of service in Christian faith.  This study goes a long way to challenge that view.  In fact it insists that if we do not understand the role of deacon, then we cannot understand the role of elder or minister.  And of course it is based on the notion that Jesus ministry was essentially a ministry of service:

"Calling people to a particular office does not imply that the church elevates these offices over the ministry to which the whole people of God are called.  To be called to leadership as a minister, elder or deacon is to be called to a ministry of service after the model of Jesus."

"Thus a spirit of diakonia permeates the church's understanding of leadership in ministry, transcending the traditional ways of thinking about power and authority.  The office of deacon, with its stress on service to and for God, is a paradigm for all offices.  It is not the "least" of the offices, but vividly represents the meaning of all ministry."  (Chapter 3, page 21)

This study has been influential to me and I hope empowering to the people in the church.  We are blessed in our congregation to have an outstanding board of deacons.  They know what they are called to do and to be.  They have fun with it--meetings are often filled with laughter.  It is a challenge and it is hard work.  They for me exhibit an ideal diaconate.  They are the hands and feet of Christ. 

Church Weddings

Lillian Daniel, a UCC pastor, has a way of crystallizing our thinking on lots of topics.  Here she tackles the common pastoral dilemma of conducting weddings for couples that like the idea of a church wedding, but perhaps for the wrong reasons.  Read her article entitled 10 Signs You Should Not Be Getting Married in a Church. 

Supreme Court Ruling on Affordable Care Act

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has long held that access to basic healthcare, regardless of your status, is a basic human right not a privilege.  There is lots of information on the PC(USA) website.  For now, here is Stated Clerk Gradye Parson's letter regarding the recent Supreme Court ruling that upholds ACA: 

Parsons letter on healthcare ruling

Sunday Morning Thoughts

I have followed Rachel for a while on Twitter and have consistently been inspired by her writing.  In this blog she writes about her struggles on Sunday morning, the thoughts she has on why and why not attend church.  She is struggling with this very faithfully. 

I normally don't read comments, but Tuesday night, when I read this blog, I read every one.  We have a lot to learn from what people are saying about their church experiences.  Only to our peril would we dismiss people who are not coming to church anymore. 

I recommend reading:  Sunday Morning by Rachel Held Evans

Courage Needed

I'm usually not inclined to do a sermon series on a single book of the Bible, but these last few weeks I preached a series on the topic of courage in relation to the book of 1 John. 1 John is written in very ambiguous Greek and is highly repetitious. That's probably why I liked preaching on it so much!




What I found was a surprising similarity between the situation of the church back then and the church today. 1 John addresses a community that has been hurt by division. What was a unified group of believers devolved into a split over the humanity of Jesus, the reality of sin, and the command to live a life of love. The separitist group left, presumably to form another church or no church at all. Out of this crisis, the letter (or sermon) of 1 John was written.

Today we face similar circumstances. What once was a culture that unified around church (as well as government, schools, et al.) is now a culture that no longer finds meaning in these institutions. People are splitting off, finding other things to do. Churches are left behind wondering what happened and what it all means. Even in our current crisis, the letter of 1 John still has wisdom.

God is love, and out of this never-ending source of love, God sent us Jesus. Jesus showed us how to love each other. Those who have Jesus have life because Jesus has power over death, darkness, and despair. Avoid these idols, recognizing that sin is real. Instead walk in the light as God is light. As we do that, we will have fellowship. And as we have fellowship, we find the joy of God is in us. And as we stick to it, we find that our joy is becoming more and more complete. And more than anything, little children, love one another. Repeat as necessary.

It takes courage to live a life of faith. But even courage is a gift. -- David

Reverend Alex Kindred

Alex Kindred, Ordained to Christian Ministry at Faith United Church of Christ (UCC).  May 12, 2012

His first official act as "Reverend Kindred" - leading us at the Lord's Table.

Farewell to Alex

On March 11th, we said a proper farewell to Pastoral Resident Alex Kindred. Thank you to all who sent Alex your cards of support and who greeted him so warmly. I also want to let you know that with the generous gifts you sent to the church office, we were able to provide Alex with some meaningful tokens of our love. We presented him with an entire commentary series: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, a 43-volume set covering every book of the Bible. We also gifted him with The Library of Christian Classics on CD-ROM, which means he can read it on his computer. Additionally, we gave him his own copy of John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion (2 volumes). This is one of the most important and influential theological works ever written. And now Alex can quote Calvin and always think of us! Finally, we gave Alex a gift of cash, which he can use in whatever way he needs. And isn’t it wonderful that Alex is only moving across town? I am so pleased that he will continue to be my colleague—and one whom I plan to see on a regular basis at Taco Johns!

Alex begins his ministry at First Christian Church on Palm Sunday, April 1. His ordination service at Faith UCC on Mulberry will be Saturday, May 12. I encourage us to pray for Alex and his new congregation as they begin their work together. Please join me in the prayer we prayed for Alex on that Sunday, from the book of Ephesians: “I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Amen!

From Alex:

“Thank you for your warmth in receiving a stranger into your midst and making me feel at home right away. Thank you for your patience as I have continued to find my voice as a pastor. Thank you for your prayers, support, and care. It has been a blessed time of growth for me - thank you for making it possible.”