A Sense of Joy - Al Airola

The following was a minute for stewardship in church on Sunday November 13, 2011 by Al Airola:


There are 2 words at least which make any of us nervous. One is the “e” word, for evangelism, and I think we are getting better at that. And the other is the “m” word, money, which Alex so carefully presented to us as something that is uncomfortable. I know it is for many of you, and it is for me. I can remember as a young man my father telling his children that we did not talk about money. It wasn’t a thing you raised with your friends. And it was a private matter. And I can remember when I was teaching school when a young man or a young woman in their own curious way would say, “And how much do you make?” And my inside would just wanted to say something, but I would say, “You can read it in the paper, it is published every year.”

So anyway, in the stewardship season I cannot presume to tell you what you should do or how you should come to that decision, but I can share with you what Carolyn and I have done over a period of time.

Many years ago when we first joined this church, we became acquainted with stewardship through various needs and for some reason we took it seriously. We had never really been that involved in a church and had never actually made a commitment to provide money, so we thought about it. And, of course, we thought about tithing. Tithing is the giving of 10% of your income and I looked at that figure and I said, “Whoa, I don’t think so, not this year, not next year.” But then we thought about it a little bit, and we decided we would do something very straightforward. I would look at my income tax returns and I at that line and every year, we would try to increase our giving by .5% or 1%. And just do it automatically. It was easy. We didn’t have to think about it. We could start where we were and we would just move along. And we did that for a number of years.

And then I began to tithe to the University of Iowa. I had two children. Two children who were students, through careful planning, two children who were students at the same time and I remember tithing was not going to happen that year, or the next year, or the next year, or the next year. And we were trying to do the best we could. But then when the kids got through their educations, Carolyn and I went back to looking at our income tax returns. And, of course the eternal question for serious people is “Do I tithe on my net or do I tithe on my gross ?” Well, at the beginning we tithed on our net, and then it began to occur to me…the government doesn’t take its stuff off the bottom. Nobody else takes their stuff off the middle, so we decided that we would tithe off our gross. And, it took a number of years, and we finally reached that particular place at which I began to hear the words of Ray Lasell. And Ray Lasell said, “Tithing is a great place to start.”

Now, we are still wrestling with that, but I would encourage you to think seriously about tithing, and the way that we chose to achieve that took many years, and there was some backsliding, and some turning around, and some soul-searching about what we could or could not do, but it seems to me that having reached this particular point, it’s as if we have been doubly blessed. The money is there, it’s not a concern. We have a lot to share. And it seems to ease the burden of the thing about what to give to the church. So I would suggest you think seriously about it.

The only other thing I would mention to you is that Carolyn and I try to write that check at the very, very beginning of the month. It sort of makes me feel that I’m giving to the Lord first fruits. I know if I wait until the end of the month, there is nothing ever left over and God then gets the leftovers and I’m not very happy with that.

So, I would suggest to you to think seriously about whatever you do. Whatever you do is certainly a matter between you and the Lord. There are also many other ways to tithe, than financial. I believe that too, there are things that you can do with your talents and with your gifts. But, think seriously about it. And know that it can be achieved. And once it is achieved, there is a sense of joy. Thank you.



Al Airola
11.13.2011

the Lord of fear

Our stated clerk has written a nice blog based on the Taize song "In the Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful."  It is in the blue Sing the Faith supplement.  I don't think we've sung this in our church, but I'm thinking it would be easy to learn. 

Gradye reminds us that Jesus is the Lord of fear and concludes with this:

It may be tough to pray thankfully at your house this year. So pray the prayer that is honest and allows God in Jesus Christ to hear your fears. And may the peace that passes all understanding enter your heart and the hearts of those you love.

Happy Thanksgiving!  David

Friday & Sunday

Friday is known as "Black Friday" and is often considered the busiest shopping day of the year. Some have begun referring to it as "Debt Friday," because so many of us go shopping for Christmas on credit, living beyond our means.


But wait: tomorrow is Christ the King Sunday. It is the Sunday that believers recognize that Christ is the Lord of all creation. We remember that to Christ alone belongs the supreme allegiance in our lives. The day exposes all the idols around us that claim our allegiance of time, money, energy and focus.

The message of Black Friday is that you are valued because you are a consumer. Your job is to go spend your money so that someone else can make money. The message of Christ the King Sunday is that you are valued because you belong to Christ who reigns with grace and beauty. Your joy is to respond with gratitude because of the gift of Life you have been given. What a contrast!

As you find yourself living between Sunday and Friday, I'd ask you to try to find the proper balance. Try to spend as much time praying over your financial commitment to a tithe (giving away 10% of your income or wealth) as you do planning your Christmas shopping. Whether you give to church, charities like United Way or Red Cross, I hope you will discover what so many others have: tithing is more life-giving than buying.

There is nothing wrong with Christmas shopping. This is a wonderful time of the year. Yet Laura and I have found that our giving to church has helped put the rest of our finances in the proper balance and perspective. Read the scripture above. It says that they gave themselves first to the Lord. It also says that it brought them joy. I hope the same for you. 
 
Peace, David

A Book of Grace

The word Halloween is derived from the Old English "All Hallow's Eve." Which is to say it is the evening before All Saints Day, which occurs on the Christian calendar every November 1st. All Saints Day is important, for it is the time that we recall the saints of the church who have held us, loved us, taught us, inspired us and, by God's grace, changed us. Spiritual writers consider All Saints Day a "thin time," when the barrier that separates the known and the unknown worlds is less firm than usual.

We will observe All Saints Day on Sunday November 6th. We need this observance so that we may name our griefs, which are many. We carry grief and loss from years past. I will remember Bill Shaw, a leader in my childhood church. I will also remember my mother who died in 2002. We also mourn more recent losses. As difficult as it is we will remember Charlie Negus, whose death has not only affected his family but also our congregation and community. It is important that we acknowledge that impact on All Saints. It helps us with the long, ongoing healing process.

I am touched and inspired by Carl & Elizabeth's list of "Charlie-isms," one for each month of his life (see page 6 of the newsletter). This pretty much defines faith--to look for and find grace in the midst of pain. This is what saints inspire us to do, to create a book of grace that gives significance to our loss. I encourage you to write down your own "isms," perhaps a handful of ways that you have found grace in your own life. Create your own book of grace. In doing so, you will be living out Jesus' words when he said, "blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). You will be joining your voices with the saints of all time and places who together worship and sing: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen" (Rev 7:12).

David

To Be Changed

I took this photo of the inside of our church over a year ago. If I took the photo again today, it would look essentially the same. The only difference perhaps would be the light from the windows would be different--today is overcast and rainy. And the table is set differently.

The only thing that changes much inside the sanctuary is the people inside. And that is what church is about--changing lives.

We come to worship to be changed through an encounter with the living God who created us, redeems us and sustains us from the cradle to the grave.

The space is important, to be sure. But it is what happens when you are there that makes all the difference. Rather than making sure nothing changes, come to worship expecting to be changed.

Back online

Due to some error on our blog template, we were unable to make any new posts recently.  I apologize for this delay.  Today I was able to change the blog template, so we have a new look.  This change also cleared up whatever it was that was preventing new posts to be created.  So we're back online now! 

I recently listened to a Presbyterian Outlook webinar from church consultant Tom Ehrich entitled "Overcoming Invisibility."  This is part of the series he is doing over the next few weeks--"Turnaround Strategies for Your Church." 

It's interesting to me that he didn't say anything at all about the physical location of churches.  All he talked about was the virtual presence that we have online.  He said every pastor should be a blogger and should blog daily.  Every pastor should have a Facebook and a Twitter presence. 

The key is not to reach out to existing church members, but to have an online presence that reaches new audiences.  This is nothing new to millions of people who already use social media.  The trick is can the church recognize this as the way to connect with people?  Will the church support ministries that don't get people here on Sunday mornings, but still help to change lives? 

I'm going to do my part. 

You can follow me on Twitter:  @davidivie1 

Peace,
David

In Our Work & In Our Play

The Spirit of God is working in our midst.


We have an Organist Task Force that is searching for an organist/pianist to enhance our worship experience. This person will fill the same role as our previous organists and will work with David Coleman. We have carpet in our Parlor/Fellowship Hall that is rippling, so we have a Parlor Task Force that is exploring options to remedy that tripping hazard. We have a noon bible study on Mondays led by one of our session elders, Mike Eversmeyer. We, especially Deacons, continue to reach out with love and support to those in our community who are bereaved and suffering. We have an opportunity to send a new generation to the Walk to Emmaus. We have raised money for Camp Wyoming in support of their needed property updates. This weekend many of us will walk to help in hunger with CROP Walk. The Presbyterian Women are hosting their Fall Gathering here in two weeks. Children will be baptized on Sunday, October 16th. Confirmation class resumes soon. And stewardship will become more of an emphasis over the next weeks. This summer our Book of Order changed (a completely new Form of Government and Foundations of Presbyterian Polity) which gives us the opportunity to reshape priorities around our mission goals. Our session continues to emphasize a priority for our church regarding welcoming, greeting and acclimating new attendees into our midst (Radical Hospitality).

Radical doesn’t mean that we get all wild and crazy and torch the place. Radical means that we follow Jesus’ lead to get back to the “radix”—back to the heart of the matter. God has placed us together at this particular time and place so that we may celebrate and share the grace, love, forgiveness and hope that is Jesus. We are here so that God may changes lives through our ministries. In our work and in our play may this be true today.

~ David

That Kind of Love

This past Saturday August 20, our sanctuary was full of the Spirit's love and care as we held a funeral for baby Charles Negus.  Your outpouring of support in this time of loss has been absolutely critical to Carl, Elizabeth, Al & Carolyn and their families.  Just as our hearts have broken open, we have also heard again the Good News of the Gospel.  Death is not the end.  God is present with us in our suffering.  The family will need our support for a good while.  Our job is not to fix the pain, but to embrace this situation with love and care. 


I have also met with the caregiver Ryan.  I stood with him at his house as he poured out loads of grief in words and in tears.  The guilt of what "might have been" and "if only" is eating him alive.  He is also scared for his own future, with an investigation looming.  His wife and children are also deeply affected.  This horrible situation for our own is also a nightmare for him.

The papers have reported his unfortunate history.  But by no means did he want or desire this to happen.  It is my imagination that he will replay these events over and over, wishing he could do things differently.  

Accidents happen. Things go wrong. Blaming Ryan doesn’t help anyone, not even Carl or Elizabeth.  This is a tragedy for everyone and our role is to ease the suffering, not to perpetuate or spread it.

Let us follow the lead of Charlie's parents who are showing tremendous faith. Elizabeth: “I’m still Charlie’s mom, and I don’t want negativity, resentment and anger to be the way to carry on his memory. That’s not what I want to teach him. That’s not the way I want him to see us.” Another family member said this after the funeral: “Ryan needs our prayers. He didn’t want this to happen. He will have the guilt of this for the rest of his life.”

That is why we put Ryan and his family on our prayer list. We will send cards to him saying that we are praying for him.  And by doing so we will be honoring Charlie and his family. Let our love for Charlie be that kind of love.

David

Christians Can Disagree

In June we gathered for “Pre-Worship Discussions,” 3 weeks to discuss what is known as “Amendment 10-A.” This important change to our Book of Order was approved by a majority of presbyteries and will take effect July 10.


Each week over 20 people came and learned more about Amendment 10-A (look at last month’s newsletter for details). It deals with who may be ordained as a minister, elder or deacon. This Amendment changes the wording of the paragraph G-6.0106b, replacing “fidelity and chastity” with “obedience to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.” What this means is that a person who is partnered within a same-gendered relationship may now be considered for ordination. It removes the prohibition against it, but it does not mandate it. All persons must still exhibit faithful obedience to Jesus Christ, regardless of their sexual orientation. The sessions (who ordain elders and deacons), and the presbyteries (who ordain ministers) are to consider each case individually. For example, a session may or may not decide to ordain/install an openly gay deacon. 10-A does not bind your conscience either way.

This church has faithful people on both sides of this issue, with no clear majority. So these discussions in our church library provided something powerful: they allowed people on both sides to face each other, hear each other’s deeply-held convictions, and still agree to be church together. This is a sign of a healthy church. We resisted the urge to not talk about a divisive issue. Furthermore, we handled the discussions in a loving manner.

We have permission to disagree. That is because church is not about making sure we all vote alike, think alike, or stamp out conflict. God gave us each other so that, through the gift of the Spirit, we can grow in love. Our church is a model for our community—showing that Christians can disagree over important issues but still agree over what is Ultimate. Because we are, as we sing on Sundays, “One In the Spirit.”

Blessed, David

An Open Letter to Graduates

A Graduation Blessing: An Open Letter to Graduates
Wednesday May 25, 2011, Muscatine, Iowa
I offer these thoughts as a blessing of wisdom to graduates, because they have reached an important milestone in life. I write from a perspective of faith, specifically as a Christian minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA):
• What to do with your life? The word vocation is from the Latin word vocare, which translates “calling.” Your vocation is more important than your “job.” You will find your “calling” when you use your unique talents and skills to meet the needs of others.
• Ultimately, faith teaches us that the most important thing in life is loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves. You may not be able to write that on a job application, but God has written that in your heart.
• Jesus showed us that life is about loving and serving others. Life is too big to be just about “me.” The way of Jesus is the way of self-giving, not self-service.
• If you grew up in church, I suspect your church tried to teach you, as faithfully as it could, about Christianity, faith and stuff like that. But we are imperfect people and probably messed up along the way. Please know there is a lot about Christianity that we either didn’t convey to you in the best way, or that we simply didn’t know enough ourselves. Please forgive us.
• Forgiveness, compassion, mercy, justice, humility. These are the things that Christians do—how we live out our faith. It is much more important to do these things than it is to have memorized facts about religious-type stuff.
• If you have doubts about God, Jesus, faith, etc. that is okay.
• If you learn or see stuff that challenges your faith, that is okay too. God can handle it. It is usually our own ideas about God that need to be adjusted.
• Most people who say they don’t believe in God have a negative notion of who God is, and they spend a great deal of energy fighting against the God they say doesn’t exist. Go figure.
• Don’t listen to the religious people who don’t believe in science; and don’t listen to the science people who trash religion. God is much bigger than our minds can conceive, and God works in both science and religion, mostly in mysterious, hidden ways.
• Church and religious stuff is not that popular right now. Part of the reason for this is that people see Christians as old-fashioned, boring, confusing, judgmental hypocrites. We are often portrayed as people who are out of touch, insensitive and intolerant. Remember the church is a hospital for sinners not a country club for saints. Just because other Christians fail doesn’t give you a pass. One of my favorite quotes is from a guy named G.K. Chesterton who said: “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and not tried.”
• As Bob Dylan sang, “You gotta serve somebody.” Which is to say if you choose not to worship God in church, you will end up worshipping someone or something else (an idol). So worshiping God in church helps you to not worship other little gods like your job, your self, etc. One thing I learned as a restaurant manager for Chili’s is that you can love your job all you want, but it will never love you back.
• Your soul is precious and needs attention. Find a community of believers in which you can find nurture for your soul. You need a reverent, holy place you can go so that God can continue to shape you into the person God wants you to become. It may be possible to do on your own, but it is certainly a lot harder that way. We need help doing what Jesus taught: loving and praying for our enemies, etc.
• Rather than focusing on getting to heaven someday when we die, Christianity is actually more about living in freedom and joy right now.
• Christianity is actually pretty hard, but the payoff is pretty cool. Rather than being trapped by what we think of ourselves, or what others think of us, following Jesus allows us to see ourselves as God sees us. That takes a lot of pressure off, so you don’t have to choose the perfect life. This means the choices you make do not define you—you exist because God chose you.
• So many Hallmark graduation cards will tell you that you can accomplish whatever you want as long as you believe in yourself and follow your dreams. As with most things, this is only half true. It must also be tempered with the Christian belief that all of life is a gift. And by definition, a gift is not something you have to work for; you do not have to believe in yourself to receive a gift. The gift of life is just to be received.
• The best way to respond to the gift of life is to:
o live with humility (don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought),
o Live with gratitude (be content with what God has provided rather than focusing on what you don’t have) and
o Live free from fear (stop asking yourself over and over again: “Am I good enough?” “Am I worthy?” “Does anyone really love me?” “Do I belong?”).
• I hope you always remember who you are and whose you are. Faith teaches us that we are beloved children of God, no matter what grades you make, what job you do, or if you are “successful” or not. God’s love is unconditional, and the word we have for that is grace. You don’t belong to yourself, you belong to God who loves you.
• You have so many pressures, stressors, and expectations placed on you and/or that you have for yourself. Remember the Kingdom of God is all around you. Devote yourself first to God, and let God take care of you.
• If you ever need anyone to talk to or just to listen, just let me know.

Now May God Bless You and Keep You, and Lead Your Lives with Love,

David Ivie, Pastor

Facebook: facebook.com/DavidIvie1
Twitter: @DavidIvie1 (https://twitter.com/#!/DavidIvie1)

Thoughts on the Failed Rapture

Last Saturday morning I looked out the window and noticed all the varied greens in our backyard. There was the wise, aged dark green of the evergreen, the lighter green of the new leaves on the ash tree, the green whispering off the willow tree and the glowing green of the fresh-cut bluegrass lawn.

I noticed how beautiful the setting was and remembered how God had looked at the world in all of its newness and called it “good.” Then I remembered that this day was Saturday May 21, the day that someone had predicted either the world to end or a rapture to occur. This type of thinking was promoted by John Nelson Darby in the 19th century and is called “dispensationalism.” It is often related to “premillenialism” and promotes a pretribulation rapture. More recent interpreters have been Scofield and Ryrie.

Though this type of thinking may be popular, and it may have sold a lot of books (i.e. the Left Behind series), it is not what most Christians (especially Presbyterians) believe about God, the world, or about humans. In fact, rapture theology is in direct opposition to covenant theology found in the Bible and in most of Christian thinking.

Solid biblical teaching reminds us that the world is a good world and that God loves it and us. The Bible tells us so, from Genesis to Revelation. John 3:16 begins: “For God so loved the world.” And the Gloria Patri (praise to the Father) that many churches sing weekly ends with the strong claim: “world without end, amen, amen.”

So God would not lead us to escape from this world. God would not draw some out of the world so that the rest could be left behind, miserable for a 1000 year period of tribulation. This would mean God would break covenant with us--something God, we trust, God will never do. (It is we who break covenant while God remains faithful, patient and gracious to us).

Several points from our Reformed Presbyterian heritage are helpful. God is too large for us to comprehend, so we frankly have no business speaking on God’s behalf. We just don’t know and don’t need to know.

Our task? Tend our gardens, care for the earth, participate with God to bring healing and wholeness to this world and to others.

We trust in God who is working in the world to redeem the world and us. Now that is news—good news.

Staying behind, David

Introducing the Paschal Candle

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

On Easter morning we introduced a new large candle to our sanctuary. Beth, one of our newly baptized members and recent confirmation student, processed down the aisle as we sang our opening hymn. This is the Paschal candle, a visible reminder that Jesus is the light of life who scatters our darkness. On Good Friday, the scriptures tell us that darkness covered Jerusalem as Jesus was crucified. The light that the Paschal candle shines forth is the same light that dawned on Easter morning, bringing new hope to our world.

Paschal is from the Greek word pascha (“Passover”) and was used by the early church to describe the events of Easter. This candle will be lit during our worship throughout the season of Easter, the season that celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord. After Pentecost, the candle will no longer be lit on Sundays, as the liturgical season shifts to focus on the presence of the light of Christ in our lives and world through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Paschal candle will always be lit for baptisms and funerals, however, a permanent reminder of the centrality of the death and resurrection of our Lord. A small candle, lit from the Paschal candle will be given to the newly baptized: “You have been enlightened by Christ.” At our funerals, the candle reminds us of the hope that comes with God’s promise of new life in Christ.

May the candle remind you that Christ is risen indeed. And may its flame guide your path and enlighten your world!

Be Easter People

April 25, 2011 Easter Season

Did you know that Easter is a season, more than one day? If you think about it, this makes sense. We need time to integrate the life of the Risen Lord into our lives. We need time to celebrate this newness. It calls for our attention. It deserves our devotion.

The church calendar is helpful in this regard. This calendar designates 50 days for the Easter season. Easter season begins on Easter Sunday and continues through Pentecost. 50 days of Easter is 10 days longer than the 40 days of Lent. Which is to say we should spend more time celebrating Easter than we are to spend preparing for it.

The 50 days of the Easter season is known as The Great Fifty Days. 50 days is 1/7 of the entire year, just like Sunday is 1/7 of the entire week. So the Easter season is to the church calendar in the same way Sunday is to the week. The Easter season gives us the framework for living the rest of the year.

In church we will be celebrating Easter all the way until June 12. We will hear scriptures such as these: “Peace be with you.” “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?” “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” “Because I live, you also will live.” “And they were continually in the temple blessing God.”

I encourage you to give as much devotion to Easter as you do to Lent. Make church a priority. I know many are pulled away during May for obligations. So if you can’t be “continually in the temple blessing God,” I encourage you to take the Easter story with you.

Look for signs of life around you. Be a presence of peace and comfort. Listen generously. Do something for someone else. Overcome guilt with grace. Practice resurrection.

Reverently, David

Praying For Me

I am grateful to be vertical again. February started with a cough at the Saturday February 5th Presbytery meeting in Williamsburg and went downhill from there. On Monday, February 7th, as we were travelling to Fort Worth for a conference, “downhill” meant I passed out as Laura drove into Oklahoma City. I was diagnosed with influenza A, the family of more severe flu viruses that you don’t want to get. The virus made my heart tests look strange, so bad in fact that the doctors at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital thought I might have severe cardiac disease including heart blockage. After a battery of tests, they concluded my heart was in fact okay, but enlarged (myocarditis) due to this severe flu. We returned home and I returned to church, only to start feeling worse again the following week. On Thursday, February 17th, I was diagnosed with pneumonia and placed in the hospital so that I could receive antibiotics via IV. An Ivie on IV! I didn’t really start feeling like my old self again until Saturday March 12, well over a month since onset. Just in time to start caring for Laura, who got sick with a cold which turned into a sinus infection. I am back at work full time now, but I want to ask for your continued prayers for me. I want you to know that I have tried to learn from this experience and have heard so many of you who have said: “Slow down.” “You take on too much.” “Please take better care of yourself.” Thank you for this gift. I am working on readjusting my schedule. First, I will be setting aside Tuesday afternoons to be out of the office, writing my sermon. I am not used to setting aside time “for myself” like this, thinking that I “should” always be available in the church office. If I am able to stick to this new system (as well as other adjustments I am in the process of making) I hope that I will be able to preach better. But more importantly, I will be following your advice to take better care. I know better now what you already knew about me: I am human. And I also know more clearly that I have some “shoulds” that need to die. As Lent teaches us, something has to die so that we can live in the joy of the Lord. Vertically, David

Praying For You

I just returned from Camp Wyoming, our church’s camp up in Jones County. This trip was for an overnight retreat with other pastors and elders in our presbytery. Our group is called RTA4. RTA stands for Reversing the Arrow. 4 means that this is the 4th such group that has formed in the last 5 years under the guidance of our General Presbyter Harry Olthoff. So the goal of the group is to support leaders within the presbytery in our efforts to reverse the trends of decline that so many churches have experienced over the last several decades. But reversing the arrow is not just about getting more people on the church rolls. It is about something far more important. It is about helping churches be faithful in the way that we go deeper in our experience of Christ AND in the way we reach out in new ways. It’s about helping all of us be more faithful individuals who live out our faith each and every day—outside the church walls. RTA is important to me because it is a place to share ideas and learn from others and receive support so that I can be a better leader and more faithful pastor. It also helps me to grow as an individual, a husband, and a father. We are all a work in progress. Like an old singer from Texas puts it: “I’m just an old lump of coal, but I’ll be a diamond someday.” There are people around who pray for me and for you. Please know that you are loved and supported in many ways—even by people you may never meet. Getting Reversed, David