IT'S HERE!! IT'S HERE!! IS THIS WEIRD???

 Hello Church,

Is it weird to be excited about a solemn moment?  I haven't worked through what is going on in my head yet, but I am strangely excited about the Blue Christmas service that is tonight (Monday) at 7:00.  We will also have it online via this Zoom link:  https://zoom.us/j/97495362831

I guess it might be that I've watched so many people struggle through this year.  I have watched people lose loved one; lose their job sometimes more than once; get sick and sometimes badly; be isolated for extended periods of time which caused mental stress and loneliness; and I even had a friend lose a kidney this year.  

And yet we get this moment to close out 2020 to remember that God is with us.  In 2020, 'God with us' carries more weight.  It isn't a comment made in passing or part of a liturgy that we mumble through.  For 2020, 'God with us' means something substantial.  Add 'God with us' to a Christmas season and you have an occasion for that solemn, quite moment when we silently give thanks for the hope God sends us through a baby.  Our tears might pour out, but our heart can be at peace.

Is this weird that I am excited about this?  I don't know, but maybe that is part of the mystery of Christmas.  Come and be at peace with us tonight, even if you are sad about what this year brought to you.  

God is good,

Pastor Joe

P.S. There is also 2 Christmas Eve services, 7:00 (zoom link:  https://zoom.us/j/93638479451)  and 10:00 (zoom link:  https://zoom.us/j/99650941544).  You can sign up to come in-person at this link

Charles Darwin Joined The Church

 Hello Church,

We, the Church, need to continue the message that God does not become irrelevant just because our circumstances change.

As such, one thing is clear as we head into 2021.  The church needs to innovate new ways to connect people.

The virus won't be over anytime soon.  Even with a vaccine being shipped today, it will be many months before we see the end of it.  Our safety measures will continue in place, but this only emphasizes the obvious.  We need to find new ways to connect people.

2020 has emphasized the option of online worship.  It was here before, but necessity has brought it to the forefront.  Not only cutting-edge churches, but now middle-of-the-road churches (like Emmanuel) are wondering about the long-term impact of having or not having online worship.  The life-breath of ministry may hinge on online options.

For example, at Emmanuel, some small groups have evolved into Zoom groups.  Those that haven't evolved have not met at all or very rarely.  Maybe they will start back when in-person meeting becomes safer, but people who become disconnected (especially the newer people), in my experience, have a more difficult time getting connected a second time.

So what do we do?

It seems that new ministry ideas need to be presented with the present context in mind.  Zoom, Skype, Youtube, Facebook Live and other online options are no longer a temporary fix.  They are becoming a standard which will be included in most, if not all, new ministry ideas.  Even when the virus is dead and gone, we have learned that advantages and convenience of online options are too good to let go. 

We, the Church, need to continue the message that God does not become irrelevant just because our circumstances change.  This means evolving with our contexts while maintaining the same message.  If we don't, congregations will start dying at an accelerated rate.  This includes Emmanuel.

I intend to encourage you to think differently.  Be ready to learn.  Be ready to innovate.  Be ready to connect in new ways.  I'm going to start by encouraging myself to learn, innovate and think differently.  A challenging year awaits, for sure.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Bubble Gum Walls and La La La

 Hello Church,

When you miss something bad enough, you'll go to greater lengths to get it.

I grew up in Darke County.  There are a few places to eat that everyone who is a true Darke Countian knows of.  One of them is the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe.  It is known as one of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants.  It's is nationally known for the bubblegum wall..... the wall by the drive-thru where people over the generations have stuck their chewed bubblegum.  However, it is the loose meat sandwiches that are oh so good!!!!

Having lived 2 hours away over that last 11 years, I miss it.  There are times I've seriously considered driving the 4 hours just for the food (and I'd throw in Jim's spanish hotdogs too!).  The thing is, when I lived only 10 minutes away, I didn't stop by nearly enough.  I guess when you know you have it, you don't ever miss it.

This Sunday we will be worshiping outside (unless it is raining).  In any other year this idea would have been shot down by nearly everyone in the church.  But this isn't any other year.  Even if it is 25 degrees, we will be outside in our coats and hats and lawn chairs.  Why?  Because some people want to sing.... some people REALLY want to sing.  Because of our Covid protocols, we haven't had any congregational singing since March.

When you miss something bad enough, you'll go to greater lengths to get it.

Not everyone will miss it bad enough.  Some will choose to come to the 9:00 inside service instead.  However for others, a big part of the worship experience is singing.  It can create a connection from what you feel inside with how you express yourself outside.  If you like to sing, I hope you will consider attending.  We will be cold on the outside, but warm on the inside.  

Whatever you have missed through this Covid disaster, if it is good and right and worthy, I hope you are willing to go to great lengths to get it.  And when it comes to God, He hasn't gone anywhere.  He still wants to hear from you, whether it be through song, spoken word or silent mediation.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Fighting To Be The Church

 Hello Church,

There is a tree in the church building.  It's in the lobby by the window.  It's one of the few decorations that are up now.  It is also a symbol of determination and stubbornness.  It has lights on it.  You can see it when you drive by.  You might not see anyone else, but you'll see the tree.

With uncertainty and always-changing circumstances in 2020 continuing through December, the pandemic has put many congregations in a state of unease.  At the very least, congregations are having conversations about how or if to have in-person worship.  At the very most, in-person worship is being suspended during...... *gasp*.... Advent!

But the tree in the lobby is up.  You can see it when you drive by.

The balance of being safe, but also practicing our religion is becoming a weary discussion.  Personally, it's tiring me out.  Some want in-person worship no matter what and have been there every Sunday.  Others don't and haven't been seen in-person since March.  It's difficult to say either is wrong since we can't agree on what 'wrong' means.

But the tree in the lobby is up.  You can see it when you drive by.

Across the country churches and pastors have taken their local and state governments to court to retain the right to assemble as they desire.  Some have won.  Some have lost.  This is yet more evidence to suggest that we don't know what the heck is going on or what should go on.  

At Emmanuel we put the tree up.  This year it seems to be more than just the normal decoration.  This year it seems to be statement.  Yes, I know, for you who are quick to point out that the Christmas tree has roots in pagan religion, please don't send me emails... that's another tired conversation.  The truth is that, for this year especially, putting the tree up symbolizes Emmanuel's determination to celebrate Advent and Christmas no matter what germs are floating in the air around us.  Whether we are in the building or not, the church still moves forward toward Christ.... and in the season it is in regards to the manger.

So the tree in the lobby is up.  When you drive by and see it, remember that we, the church, are still here.  We are not idly standing by and waiting to be the church again.  We are fighting for ways to assemble safely and we will continue to continue communicating such at our Facebook page.  

Pray for us and all churches as we navigate the most difficult Advent that I've seen in my lifetime and probably yours too.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Gobble, Gobble

 Hello Church,

As Thanksgiving feasts near, many of us we be experiencing them a bit differently than usual.  For us, not as much of the family will be together in on space.  This certainly detracts from tradition for us.  Thanksgiving Day will be perhaps be one of the most significant moments that define how this year's pandemic has really impacted us.

Regardless what this week looks like for you, be encouraged.  Look for the moments that show how God is still among us... and then give thanks.

In the included picture, kids from Holly Hill elementary wrote what they were thankful for on each feather of the turkey.  These feathers were made by the Boones for the pre-schoolers whom they sponsor.  Maybe when it is time for your turkey, you can talk about what you are thankful for (don't write it on the turkey.  Ink doesn't taste good).

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Stay Safe <----> Do Good

 Hello Church,

2020 is the year where the church feels the tension between doing nothing and doing something.  The pandemic encourages us to do nothing... it's the best way to stay safe.  God encourages us to find opportunities to do good to all people even in the midst of tribulations.  Thus the tension.

We at Emmanuel have been living that tension.  We haven't done nothing.  We continue to be very active at Holly Hill Elementary.  We have also done a Yard Sale, made Easter Eggs, and did a food drive. We most recently are involved in the Salvation Army's Angel Tag Tree ministry.  There is also the 8? different ways we have had worship services this year.

But the other side of the truth is that we--and rightfully so--are more hesitant.   Our Faith and theology of doing good is coming up against our science of staying safe.  So how do we continue through this?

Another truth:  the Faith of doing good and the science of staying safe has always been the case.  Throughout the centuries our Christian ancestors had to weigh these two things.  In some cases the risk wasn't getting sick.  The risk was being put in prison or being killed or being alienated by family.  In February perhaps these truths seem to be dramatic stories that we could quietly be thankful we didn't need to live through.  Now?

Another truth:  the mortality rate of Covid is extremely low.  However, that isn't really the point.  The point is that our comfortable, luxurious way of life has been disrupted by all the different ways we are dealing with Covid.  At the very least it is aggravating.  At the very most it is scary and tragic.

Another truth:  we still need to be the church.  Certainly it has and will and should look different.  We will need to be more discerning about how to do ministry in a measured and safe way, but this doesn't negate us from doing ministry at all.

As we get ready for another Christian year (Nov 29th is the 1st Sunday of Advent), we should also be getting ready to take another step in learning how to be the church in a different kind of world.  We have a meeting tonight at 7:30 to start the brainstorming.  Pray for us.

God is Good

Pastor Joe

When Emmanuel Does Things Right!

 Hello Church,

Last week was a little tongue-in-cheek fun.  I hope I didn't offend any of my Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Episcopalian or non-denominational friends.  I do have a habit of not taking myself too seriously.

This week?  Something also fun, but not so tongue-in-cheek.  I received a series of pics from a church member (Connie Wallace).  She is a part of our partnership with Holly Hill Elementary.  She donated little pumpkins to the teachers she sponsors... enough for all the kids to decorate.  It was a hit!

I can't share the pics here because of rules about posting pics of kids on the internet without permission from the parents.  I will share them in our Thursday newsletter.  If you want to receive our newsletter, you can email me at pastorjoe@emmanuel-umc.com or put in the comment section below.

It is good to watch relationships develop between the church and the community.  Small churches can often spend time lamenting how little they can do for the community.  Not Emmanuel.  We do what we can and sometimes find out it is more than we thought.  Our relationship with Holly Hill is blossoming.  It is a real connection that we are making with the school staff.  It is exciting.

Over the last year plus, we have donated food, bought postage, gave Halloween candy, delivered school supplies, made covid masks, provided breakfast and lunch, sent encouraging emails and many other things that I may not even be aware of.  Included here is a pic of what Kim and I gave the staff earlier this year.

It is a lesson to all of us.  Don't complain about what you can't do.  Focus on what you can do.  Let God work through you.  Give healthy relationships a chance to develop.  It is the best place where unconditional love can flow.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

I Am Methodist And I Approve This Message!

 Hello Church,

Warning!  Taking the pastor too seriously could end in hurt feelings.  You could end up offended, put off, and even disgusted.  Now.... on with the show....

Methodists eat better!  Baptists think they do and the Presbys claim the same.  However, Methodists have spent years perfecting the carry-in.  One only needs to harken back to John Wesley's quote:

“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” ― John Wesley

If this doesn't prove our dishes to be better, then what does?  The time, effort, faith and passion put into every casserole; every home-baked muffin; every microwaved hotdog; every water-downed, styrofoam cup of lemonade.... Methodist eat better and eat more!

What do Baptists have?  They spend endless hours filling the tubs in their sanctuaries while we Methodists work our wonder in the kitchen!  Presbyterians?  They are predestined to be who they are, with no room to grow in their baking skills.  

And don't even get me started on Lutherans.  The cost of producing their books which they call bulletins robs them of the funds needed for baking powder, sugar and those 7 layers for the salad that heads up the line of tables filled with nourishing food.  

Methodists!  We are for healthy churches.  We are for fellowship halls stacked with tables and chairs!  Children (and a few senior citizens) gather around slobbering over the dessert table.  We have even been known to eat a cookie before grace.  This proves the endless goodness of our food and the zest we have to eat it.

Catholics?  They settle for only plastic wafers and a swallow of juice.  Episcopalians?  I don't even know if they have carry-ins.  

.....and then you have these non-denominational wanna-bees!  They try to mimic the long, strong tradition of Methodism, but their pasta is soggy; their burgers are dry; and the corn is from a can!  Embarrassing!

Do you want a church that cares about you?  Do you want a church that invests its heart, soul and oven into filling your needs?  Vote for the Methodist.  Join us on Sundays right after worship.  We won't let you down....

....well.. once Covid is over... gotta wait for the end of the pandemic...  It might be a while yet...

...but once Covid is over, you will see!  Methodists are the best!!!

I am Methodist and I approve this message.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

The Picture In God's Office

 Hello Church,

'This is the most important election that we have ever had' .... hmmmmmm.....

The older I get the more I realize that it is the big picture that really matters.  I have been especially reminded of this during this election season.  I have heard many extreme statements regarding this presidential election.....

'We will never survive another 4 years of Trump'

'Biden will turn us into a socialist country'

'We will lose our freedoms', 'Candidate X will ruin our lives', 'He will run our country into the ground'

There are perhaps others that you have heard.  Personally, anytime I hear absolute statements (statements that involve the words 'never', 'always', 'completely', 'destroy', etc) that involve any political candidates, but especially the President, I start tuning it all out.  Why?  A couple of reasons: 

1) I hear these extreme statements every four years.  After experiencing 10+ Presidential elections, I'm learning these extreme statements never come true and make people look foolish; 

2) We overestimate the power of the President mostly because candidates make promises they would have no power to fulfill if elected.  Thus, their potential to ruin your life is much less than you think.

So what is God thinking?

I think God is laughing at us.  He has to laugh or cry.  Laughing is usually preferable.  Think about all the governments He has watched change, live and die.  Now compare that perspective to those of us who think this election will bring us to the brink of our existence.  My cynicism has kicked into high gear.  Personally, I think we need to chill out a little bit... maybe a lot.  

This isn't to say that this election isn't important.  I do have my strong political opinions (no, you won't hear me preach those to you) and we all need to go vote.  It is very important, but let's keep perspective.  Four years from now we will go through all of this again, hopefully without masks.  I will have to navigate the rhetoric and over-aggressive behavior of the political spectrum; listen to the panic in both the extreme liberal and the ultra conservative; hang on to the middle ground for dear life; and try my best to not lose my cool while reading Facebook posts that promise the end of the world as we know it.

Our security is not in our political process.  Thank God!  Our security is in a Faith that says, as governments change, live and die, God is still God and we will carry on until He says otherwise.

So for anyone who might think I am minimizing this election, consider that some of us might be overstating the importance of any one moment in the realm of human existence.  I know.  You think your life may drastically change if candidate X is elected President.  I doubt it.  But if it does, it will be okay.  In 4 years it might drastically change again.....

.... and it will likely have nothing to do with who is President....

Hang on to the big picture.  It's the one God has hanging in His office.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

The Power Of Planning

 Hello Church,

Here is one of my pet peeves about running any organization, including churches.  And maybe it is one of yours too...

The lack of planning....

Over my 25 years of ministry I have painfully learned the value of planning ahead.  It has been painful because in my early years I was a dreadful planner.  Procrastination was my in my wheelhouse.  I learned how to perform under pressure constantly because... well...I was constantly under pressure to get things done now.  I very rarely put effort into getting things done ahead of time.  And God knows I never thought about planning something before it had to get done.  As a result, my ministry suffered.

Once I saw the value of planning ahead on a personal level, I had a spurt of 'aha' moments and ministry, in general, improved and became more effective. So I pushed the church to became better planners. Then I realized that most churches don't plan ahead nearly as far in advanced as they could or should.  More to the point, churches don't always want to plan further ahead.  Once I became more of a planner, the lack of planning began to annoy me, frustrate me, irritate me.  Since then, I have gone back and forth between being a good planner and a poor planner.  

I say all of this because I think we should especially be planning ahead starting now.  It's not like we don't have time.  The pandemic has given us all kinds of time.  The pandemic will also be ending some day, maybe sooner or maybe later.  Why not plan on how to tackle the new world after the pandemic is over?  

This isn't just a church thing.  It is a personal thing.  Some of us have become content to wallow in our pandemic muck; stay at home in our pajama pants; and cope with our 'now' without any thought of our 'tomorrow'.  Truth is, some of us have become too depressed (depressed people make very poor planners).

So what does God want you to do in the future?  What do you want your life, your job, your family, your church to look like when we no longer have to stay away from each other anymore.  Some day will be a brand new day and we should be ready for it.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Two Mice and Some Humble Pie

 Hello Church,

What are you going to do today?

One of my favorite cartoons was about 2 mice.  One was a doltz called Pinky.  The other was an ego maniac called Brain.  It was a classic combination similar to Abbott and Costello, but animated and .... well... with mice....

Every Pinky And The Brain episode started the same way.  Pinky would ask the Brain, 'What are you going to do today?'  The Brain would respond.... 'what we do every day, Pinky.  Try and take over the world.'

Of course mice can't take over the world.  We know that.  They didn't.  It was why it was funny.  At the end of every episode, the Brain's true nature would show.  We would find out again that he was only a mouse.  This leads me to a thought-provoking question:  Does God laugh at us?

We are not mice.  Compared to God, however, we are just as small and maybe smaller.  We may also seem just as naive and over-ambitious.  At our worst, we are hungry for power and control and dominance.

What are you going to do today?  

In this current climate of opinions and criticisms and sought-after power and control, be a little humble.  Stay within yourself.  And give thanks to our sovereign God that we don't have to make the world our place.  We just have to find our place in God's world.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Human Bait And Ethical Dilemmas

 Hello Church,

Who is the customer in the church?  Think hard before you answer.  I have my opinion and I'll give it in just a moment.

First, have you watch 'The Social Dilemma'?  It's on Netflix and is absolutely fascinating!  My daughter Hope was assigned to watch it as part of a class at school.  We all watched it.  We all learned something.  In the mind of Facebook, Google, Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and all the rest..... we are not the customer.... not even close.  But we are used to attract the customer.  We are, in a sense, the bait and there are strong ethical concerns to consider in the midst of it all.  A must watch as there are major implications on how we are treated by social media, psychologically and emotionally.

While watching it, my mind turned to the church.  Who do we think is the customer and who is the customer and should there even be a customer?  The long-time church member?  The visitor?  Jesus?  Who are we serving?  Who do we cater to?  To whom do our goals center around?  The outside community?

These are critical questions and should be based on our theology.  However, sad to say, our theology doesn't always come into play.  The Pastor tries to make it so, but even we pastors get lured away from divine purpose and into human interests.

My opinion?  The customer is two-fold and it depends on where you are in your spiritual journey.  If you don't yet know Jesus, you are the customer.  To put in corporate terms, the Church brings you the product:  Jesus who loves you unconditionally; who dies for you; who calls you to discipleship; who gives you new life and hope and peace and grace.  Best of all, there is no cost.  It's free.

Once you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, the customer changes.  You now become a servant, not a customer.  You listen and learn from God.  You do what God would want you to do.  Your life focus becomes living into your purpose sent from God.  You live to please God.  You want to do the divine thing; the Christ-like thing.  In Paul's words, 'you put on Christ'.  You carry the cross.  Christ lives in you.  The difference is that you are not just receiving it.  You are living it.  So now who is the customer?  This is where I think we mess up.  Jesus is the customer.  Christians (literally 'followers of Christ') serve Jesus.  We do not serve each other.  When we do serve each other (including the one who does not know Jesus), we do so to please Jesus, not each other.  Jesus is the customer.

Where are you in your spiritual journey?  Have you crossed the threshold from being served to serving?  It makes a huge difference on your perspective, attitude and expectations of the church.  Do you go to church?  Or are you part of the church?  Something to think about.  It makes a difference.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe 

There Is A Sinkhole In My Yard

 Hello Church,

Sinkholes are devious creatures!  At first, on the surface, everything seems fine and normal.  What you don't know is that, underneath the surface, treachery is afoot!  Then one day, out of the clear blue... BAM!  The ground opens up and everything on the surface disappears.

So I noticed a few weeks ago that a section of my yard was beginning to sag.  Additionally, it was always muddy and wet and weird mossy stuff was growing in the grass.  In the words of one of my uncles, 'That Ain't Good'.  The vision of being swallowed up while mowing my yard was finally too much.  I made a phone call to get it checked out.

Segway to life's sinkholes.  We can be pretty good at making the surface of our life look good.  Some are incredibly effective at this skill.  However, underneath, treachery can be afoot.  When we don't allow ourselves to deal with the issues underneath the surface, we can get swallowed up when those underlying problems give way.  What follows could be a myriad of issues:  marital problems, mental breakdowns, physical illness, job loss, etc.  

Tis the season for my annual job evaluation.  This year the conference is focusing on clergy wellness.  To be clear, clergy do NOT have a good track record for being healthy.  In fact, we are near the bottom of the list of professionals when it comes to physical and mental well-being.  Ironic, huh?

Do you have any sinkholes in your yard?  Are you taking care of them?  God created you.  Respect God's creation.  Be well.  Stay well.  And deal with any underlying issues so that chaos doesn't surprise you one day.  This is one way to be an example of Christian living.  

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

When Holy Communion Doesn't Taste Yucky

 Hello Church,

Sunday we had Holy Communion.  Because of Covid issues, it was with the sealed little cup with the sealed little 'wafer'.  For those of you who know what I'm talking about, it amounts to 3 drops of juice and a piece of plastic that is supposed to be chewed.  It can be a bit yucky.  I miss the Hawaiian bread.  (enter sad face here).

Certainly the Holy Sacraments have meaning for me.  Holy communion and my baptism have always been an opportunity to express what was and is already in my heart.  I have many memories of taking communion in many different ways.  However, there is a common denominator in each of those memories:  community.

I can remember taking communion beside by grandpa, grandma, Sunday School teachers, and little old ladies that always smiled at me.  I remember standing beside students at United Theological Seminary; ordinands at Annual Conference; and full-time Elders at Clergy Sessions.  And, of course, the rows of people who would approach me over the past 24 years, to take the bread and the cup, one after another, to express what is in their hearts.  

What I don't always remember is what kind of bread or juice was used.  I do remember the best kind of bread (Hawaiian).  And I do remember the juice that didn't quite look grape enough.  Typically, however, it wasn't the bread and juice that gave significance to each event.  It was the community around me that reminded my that my Faith is bigger than just me.  

And, for me, that is God's blessing behind the Sacraments.  That is also why Communion never really is all that yucky.

Junk Or Treasure?

 Hello Church,

If you haven't heard, the church building is full of junk.... or is it treasure?  In any case, we are having our biggest Yard Sale ever!  And there is a lot of stuff.  The top floor is filled with clothes and shoes.  The lobby is filled with furniture.  The basement is filled with... well... .everything else....this Thursday, Friday, Saturday, starting at 9:00.

Are you into yard/garage sales?  I know some people live for it.  Indeed, I know a few that claim they truly have found some treasures that people never knew they had stored in their attic or basement.... antiques furniture, rare jewelry, baseball cards, coins, etc;  However, you have to be willing to commit yourself to looking hard.  You also need to know what you are looking for.

Finding glimpses of God's work in our lives can be similar.  There is a lot of junk in our days, especially these days.  People can be mean.  And when you see it day after day, in-person or in the media, it can get to you after a while.  I know I have moments when I get a little angry at the world.  Why the hate?

You can find God, however.  You may have to be willing to commit yourself to looking hard.  You also need to know what your are looking for.  For instance, you are unlikely to find it on CNN or FOX.  You may not see God in the media at all, though there are those rare feel-good stories that the local channels air.  ESPN also runs a powerful series called E60.  

Usually, however, you need to find God without the media.  Why?  Because sometimes God is too subtle for a good news story.... and hate always gets better ratings.  For example, we aren't hearing anything about all the sacrifice and effort people are putting into Louisiana and the clean-up after hurricane Laura.  

I encourage you to look hard for God.  Find those instances when love is shown or grace is given.  Look for the moments of forgiveness or listen for the words of hope.  They are out there.  I see and hear them every day.  I just have to remember to look for them.

Find the treasures in the midst of the junk.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

The Jekyll and Hyde of Families

 Hello Church,

Family can be confusing.  Sometimes you really like them and other times they annoy the heck out of you.  Sometimes they appreciate you and other times they take you for granted.  Sometimes they are very thoughtful and other times they don't seem to think.  Is it me or do all families practice this sense of inconsistency?

Every family story is unique.  Dysfunctions vary in size and scope.  Blessings come in many different ways.  However, as different as our stories can be, there seems to be at least one consistent dynamic.... we love them anyway.

My granddaughter Maebree turns 4 on Friday.  She is another chapter in our family story and we adore her sassiness.  Of course, that sassiness will be less appreciated in about 8 years or so.  Isn't it interesting that what we adore one day we detest the next?    

Family, of course, plays a big role in the story of Israel.  Indeed, it sort of IS the story.  God picks a family (Abraham) and loves on him.  What begins is a family story of confusion, annoyance, appreciation, thoughtfulness and, yes, sassiness.

I invite you to think about your family story, all the good and bad and the dysfunctions and the blessings.  Then consider that God, who stuck with Abraham's family for numerous generations, also sticks with you and all your generations.  I know it is sometimes difficult to believe, but God really does love you that much.

So be thankful and thank God.  He is our hope as years come and go.  Remember that when your adorable grandchild turns into a grumpy monster.....

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Hitchhiking Jesus

 Hello Church,

I picked up hitchhikers yesterday.  I know, I know, you aren't supposed to do that.  It isn't safe.  I know this as a result of my wife's reaction when I told her that I picked up hitchhikers yesterday.

The hill between Batavia village and UC Clermont has a lot of foot traffic.  A lot of low-income people live in the apartments near the campus.  The result is a lot of walking between there and the village.  If you have seen the hill (and if you have walked it or biked up it like me), then you know the pain that it is, quite literally.  So on my way to the church building yesterday (you know, the place where we learned to be a good neighbor), my heart found a soft spot.... and I gave a couple a lift up the hill.

I don't pick up hitchhikers often.... maybe 4 times in my life?  Though I understand it used to be quite the thing to do and, in some parts of the world, still is.  Then I realized that Jesus could have been quite the hitchhiker.  He traveled everywhere on foot. I wonder if He ever hitched a ride on a wagon.  I bet He did.

I also bet you would feel bad if you knew you passed by Jesus and didn't offer Him a ride.  No, this isn't a guilt trip to motivate you to pick up hitchhikers.  Don't do that.  It isn't safe!  (I know this because of my wife's reaction when I told her I picked up hitchhikers).  What I am suggesting is to be aware of stereotypes we have of certain kinds of people and how false those stereotypes can be.

Bill and his girlfriend just moved into the area.  They were super appreciative of the ride.  Their apartment isn't fully furnished yet.  I invited them to our big yard sale in September at the church building.  They are going to check us out.  They thanked me again.... and then again.

I won't be picking up hitchhikers again anytime soon... unless my heart finds a soft spot again.... as I'm going to the church building.... you know.... that place that tells us to be a good neighbor...

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Ready Or Not... Here Comes School

Hello Church,

School is about to begin.  Anxiety is running high.  I have it in my home and many of you have it in yours.  Whether you are a student or staff member or parent, this is a month for anxiety.  What do we do?  Turn it over to God.  You can't add a single hour to your life by worrying, but some argue that you can take away hours of your life by worrying.  'Chill out' is a phrase that I sometimes use, but it is a phrase that can come across stronger than I intend.

Don't misunderstand.  I have concerns.  But I would say that there is a difference between having concerns and spending energy worrying.  .... I'll stop rambling here... and let the book of Matthew take over.  He communicates it better than I can.....

Do Not Worry

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Sloppy, Messy Blessings

 Hello Church,

On today, my 48th birthday, I have come to realize a rather fascinating fact:  I have spent more of my life with Kim than without her.  I would love to take a bunch of credit for this.  As marriage records go, it is no longer assumed that you'd spend so much time with one person.  Indeed, it is now a rather impressive feat.  I could make a list of all the things I've had to endure over the years, not the least is helping to raise 5 kids and a handful of pets.  However, I've learned not to make such lists.  Why?  Because I have been with Kim over 2 decades now.  I know better.

Truth is, her list would likely be longer.  Yet at the end of the day is a long list of blessings.  My first birthday present was from my granddaughter.  It is a T-shirt that, on the surface, looks messy, sloppy and not something I would wear in public.  But I think it is a perfect gift for spending half of my life in semi-chaotic existence with lots of messes throughout the wonderful years with Kim.  

Appreciate who you have in your life.  Thank God for love.  

I am going to go wear this T-shirt in public.  My granddaughter is going to take me to lunch.  But she says I have to do the driving...... and the paying....

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Time To NOT Turn The Other Cheek

Hello Church,

The saying is familiar.  It is one of passiveness.... going above and beyond to avoid violence.... turn the other cheek.  Jesus taught it.  It was taught to me.  I taught it to my kids.  However, in some cases, it does not apply.

Here is one such case:

Back in February I had things rolling.  I was on the Keto diet and had lost about 18 lbs.  I was on a mission to be more optimistic in 2020 and was well on my way.  Things were pretty good....  then...

Covid has dealt me (and maybe some of you) a serious blow.  Over the months I have wrestled with mental and emotional issues.  Isolation and helplessness are the big ones, trying to lead a church that has a hard time even meeting in the same room.  Add to it the uncertainty and divisiveness of how to live in this pandemic and it can create increased anxiety.  Based on past experience, I know these can lead to bigger issues like depression and feelings of inadequacy.  Because I know this, I started getting frustrated with myself.  But what really ticked me off?  I gained all my weight back and then some.

There comes a time when you just have to punch back.

Today Kim and I start the 'Couch to 5k' program.  God wants us to take care of ourselves even in the midst of pandemics.  I don't have Covid.  So why am I letting it take away my health?  Ridiculous!

I'm also going to talk to someone who can give me an objective perspective and bring me back to some sort of mental/emotional balance.  I've done it before and it always has helped.  So why have I waited?

I invite you to give yourself a fair account on how you are doing.  What would Jesus say?  If Covid has beat you down, would He tell you to turn the other cheek?  Or punch back?  Hear it from your pastor:  take a hard swing at Covid.  

God Is Good,

Pastor Joe

Don't Be A Witch

Hello Church,

We are spoiled.  There are moments when we don't realize this.  There are moments when we are reminded of how spoiled we really are.

Our air conditioning went out at the parsonage.

I try to keep things in perspective.  Part of me wants to get grumpy and irritable and pout.  Yet visions of my mother affirming to me that life isn't fair reminds me that grumpiness and pouting doesn't make this unfair world a better place.

First world problems are a constant distraction for all of us... as it is for me.  I grew up with a bedroom that had no heat nor air conditioning.  I slept with a fan blowing on me and my siblings in the Summer and we slept with electric blankets in the Winter.  We didn't know any better then.  Now we do.  In the process we got spoiled.

I wonder what God thinks of it all.  When we are convinced that we deserve the luxuries of life, does He just shake His head at us?  And when we are distracted about the little things (like air conditioning), is He still pointing out to us those opportunities we could show love and grace if we weren't so grumpy and irritable?

I am going to try harder to not get distracted by my first world problems.  I don't want to miss that chance to remind someone that they are loved just because I'm too grumpy to say so. 

I invite you to do the same.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Happy Birthday Hope!

Hello Church,

My youngest turns 17 today.  Impossible!

It's a wonderful mystery how we do or don't pass things down to our kids.  For sure, kids learn from their parents... all the good, bad and indifferent.  However, it seems somewhat random on what kids will pick up from Mom and Dad and what they don't.  Joey, for example, took on fewer traits of mine than I would have expected, but more of Kim's traits. 

Hope, however, is her father's daughter.  Her personality, attitude and drive are very similar to mine.  She is the most pragmatic of the 5 kids and would much rather solve a problem than complain about it.  She also loves taking naps; is grumpy when she doesn't; and is okay with not being hugged.  She thinks her dad is funny; appreciates his sarcasm; and picks up on the nuances of his humor when no one else does.  She also talks to herself, sometimes with odd facial expressions..... her father's daughter.

One of the miracles that God gives us is the miracle of genetics.  The whole debate of nurture vs nature will continue forever, but watching how kids learn from parents either intentionally or not is a marvel to me and one we often underestimate.

How many of these miracles do we underestimate?

We see them every day but see them so often that we stop noticing.  Sometimes I wish we could wake up in the morning and experience the universe for the very first time and take note of what we stopped noticing.

Hope turns 17.  Tomorrow she will graduate college and the day after that she will have a family of her own.  It goes fast.  So take time and give thanks for the many miracles that pass us by.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Stupid Covid

Hello Church,

My doctor wants to see me again.  I don't want to see my doctor.  In fact, I should go see my family doctor, my eye doctor and my skin doctor.  It's what I call the trifecta of physical self-care.

But I don't want to.

I was doing great physically until stupid Covid hit.  I had dropped 18 pounds with my Keto diet and planning a bicycle trip down the Mississippi River Trail.  Since mid-March, however, I've been knocked around mentally, taken off my game, and thrown into a world where much of my energy has been used to adapt to a new, strange world.  I fully admit the stress has taken away my motivation to stay physically fit.  Stupid Covid.

So now I am back where I was last Fall, weight-wise.  I suddenly can't read anything on my phone or my menus.  And I am way overdue to get a skin check (my dad's side has a history of melanoma).

I know.... probably more than you want to know about your pastor, but I'm getting to my point and it has to do with how we allow stress to derail us from what is important.

God never promised us a perfect world in this life-time.  What He did promise was that He would be there to help us through it.  I understand it as a process of learning that God is above all and beyond all and no matter what happens around us, God is to be our focal point.  As such, we should be learning to stay focused on what God wants from us.  Among those things is keeping ourselves healthy physically, mentally and spiritually.  A healthy self is best equipped to be God's vessel; to do the things and be the person that God calls us to be.

So let's not blame stupid Covid.  If it wasn't Covid, it would be something else.  I need to get back on the horse and get the positive mojo working again.  And if you have been knocked around in the same way, I hope and pray the same for you.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Ga Ga Ball And Making Faith Stories

Hello Church,

I am saying hello from Camp Otterbein today.  A few of you might recognize the picture.  It includes one of the most popular activities of the camp.... Ga Ga Ball.

If you are interested, this link shows Ga Ga Ball in action.  I played with the family just yesterday and it brought back some memories.

It's been since 2013 that I've seen this United Methodist camp.  I came here to attend a Parents and Me camp with Hope when she was 9 or 10 years old.  The UMC has 2 other camps in West Ohio:  Camp Wesley and Camp Widewater.  I served as a pastoral counselor at Wesley a couple of different summers and attended Local Pastors School at Widewater.

So my history with church camps isn't a long one, but I don't underestimate the significance of camp experiences as part of many Faith stories.  God finds His way into the hearts of many young people, including a few camp counselors who get to develop relationship with the campers very quickly.  Songs are sung and prayers are prayed.  Among the night hikes and smores and swimming, faith is developed and it isn't unusual for kids to return from camp wanting baptized and/or to join the church. 

As you might expect, currently there is not a lot going on here because of Covid.  Normally, this camp would be bustling with kids running around everywhere.  As it is, it is just me and my 11 family members.  It's an odd feeling, but it's nice and quiet too..... and a little sad.

As I look out across the property, I wonder how many campers are missing out on the opportunity to meet God here.  I'm especially cognizant of how Covid can impact our faith development.  It makes me more aware of our responsibility as the church to keep trying to be creative in how we encourage faith development. 

So I ask for prayers for churches everywhere.  We are at a time when local churches need to culturally adapt.  Those who do will be able to get through this time.  Those who don't risk losing connection with those faith story opportunities.  Here at Emmanuel, I am pleased with how we are adapting in the areas of Worship.  However, I feel like we are entering a time when we need to start challenging ourselves to adapt in other ways.

So keep praying and let's see where God takes us.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Racism And My 47+ Years

Hello Church,

I guess you could say I've been lucky.  Over my 47+ years on this planet I have been able to watch the ugly issues of racism from afar, never really being forced to personally participate in the miry muck of illogical prejudices.

Oh, I've been close.  Back in 1991 my mom's 2nd marriage was to an African-american.  This stirred up some gossip in the small white town in which I grew up.  I certainly learned some things as a young college kid about who you thought you knew.  But by in large, I was off on my own, away from the small world-view of that 1,000 population village.

Fast forward to my clergy career.  Again, my 3 appointments have been very homogeneous in the way of race:  2 rural areas and my current appointment.  Born in 1972, I didn't experience the Civil Rights movement nor the hot topic of segregation.... at least I don't have any memories of those struggles.  Even if I had, the closed-in community in which I was raised would not have been impacted much in any case.

Now fast forward to this week.  On Friday there is an event that I will be attending.  If you have Facebook, you can see it here.  ORV Peaceful Witness.  An United Methodist/ecumenical event that will be a time when I will stand and let people know that racism has no place among us.  There will be signs and a quiet time of prayer and a few speakers.... an event that has been received well by the village and who will be supporting us.  I like how it has been organized and the very peaceful intent of the organizers.  It's one of the reasons I am attending.

That said, after the news I saw last night regarding a similar event in Bethel, I was taken back to my small village childhood.  It may always be a precarious situation when you stand up for what you think is right.  And if you are going to allow yourself to get into a precarious situation, you better have a good understanding of your convictions.  Good leaders always do.  Good people always do.

So if your convictions around racism are strong enough, I invite you to the event.  I will be emailing out to many of you the details of what is expected.  If you would like a copy of that info but are not on the church emailing list, email me at pastorjoe@emmanuel-umc.com and I will send you a copy.

Our world is chaotic enough right now that, after 47+ years on this planet, I feel it is time to stand up and voice my concern regarding the miry muck of illogical prejudices.  You are invited.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

 

Our First Sunday Back

Hello Church,

Our first Sunday back in the building and it went as smoothly as could be hoped.  The Worship Team will be reviewing the morning and considering tweaks as we move forward.  

For my part, it was a tiny bit emotional to have so many gathered for worship.  Not only was it good to see faces I hadn't seen in 12 weeks, but it was good to watch you see faces you hadn't seen in 12 weeks.  The live stream was especially neat as I watched the people smile and greet each other.

I was reminded of how important Sunday morning worship is to me.  Obviously it is difficult to not take it for granted, seeing that I am to be there every week regardless if I want to or not.  However, take it away from me against my will and I find out how much I miss it and need it.  And as is the case with many of you, this is the first time I can ever recall having Sunday morning worship taken away from me for this long.

This leads me to more evidence of God's Holy Spirit, an extension of what I preached about yesterday.  The 'gathered in one place' is, of itself, a part of the Pentecost experience.  There is a Holy mystery with what happens when people of Faith gather and immerse themselves in God's presence.  The togetherness brings a dynamic that morning devotions or private prayer time just doesn't have.  I like it.  And I've rediscovered that I need it.

So for those of you who missed it yesterday, we missed you.  We are going to do it all over again next Sunday.  Hope to see you!

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Is God Okay With Our New Normal?

Hello Church,

The lobby has been emptied.  The chairs have been spaced out.  Books have been removed and sanitizer has been bought.  We are ready.  Are you?

Some are not and that is okay.  Other pastors I speak too are also nervous about restarting in-person worship.... not because we are afraid that no one will show up, but because we are afraid that too many might show up.  It's an odd kind of anxiety to have.  Emmanuel has taken good measures to help the restart go well, but I am a little anxious nonetheless.  Guidelines have been adopted and we hope that people will respect them (click here for the new safety guidelines).

What has evolved during this time is a multi-faceted opportunity to be a worshiper at Emmanuel.  While we are limiting the seating to 50 in the sanctuary, we also have a max of 100 devices for the live-stream via Zoom.

(Click here to sign-up for the in-person worship)

(Click here to join us via Zoom livestream starting at 10:10 AM on June 7th)

I have a feeling that a multi-faceted opportunity to worship is here to stay, if it wasn't already.  True, for many bigger churches, they were already live-streaming, podcasting and you-tubing.  However, now this approach has been taken up by many, many small churches who are looking to stay connected.  And now that the technology has had to be learned and paid for, many of the reasons for not doing it have gone away.

So if you are not okay with being in a gathering yet, we understand.  We are expanding what it means to be the church on Sunday mornings.  The question is, 'Is God okay with this?'.

I believe God is okay with any mode in which His love is pronounced.  And He is okay with any kind of gathering where people of Faith join in prayer and worship.  I believe God is sensitive to the needs of those who want to stay safe or are too nervous to take risks that could affect their health.  I also believe God is glad to see people worship despite the risks.  I believe God is happy to see the Church use technology for good and not evil.  I believe God is still walking with us, perhaps especially in these days.

So let's worship Him on June 7th.  And let us say hello one another with love, be it in-person or through a screen.  Let us continue to hear the Good News and be glad.  With all that has been going on in our country these past months.... with the protests and the joblessness and sickness and all the brokenness....  we need a place and a sense of comfort and hope.  You are invited to join us.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Re-openings and Politics: Where Is Jesus?

Hello Church,

Over the next few days, information will be sent out about our plans to reopen the church building on June 7th.  I expect there to be mixture of reactions, some voiced and some not; some from the congregants and some from fellow clergy; some nods of approval and some shakes of disapproval. 

Whatever the case, I hope the process of reopening the building doesn't get in the way of why we are reopening the building.  This isn't a conservative/liberal thing nor is it a political statement.  I have always believed the church exists to actually be apolitical in a sense.  That is, the church has an agenda over and beyond any political agenda.  The fact that it may, at times, run alongside or opposed to one doesn't make a it a political machine.  It just makes the political scene look good or bad..... sometimes accidentally.

I've always secretly enjoyed watching people guess at my political ideologies.  True, many couldn't care less.  However, I know that there are those that do or are at least curious enough to observe my behaviors in order to try and place me in a political category.  Unfortunately, for a small percentage of them, finding a political category for their pastor will help them decide if he or she can actually be their pastor.

I am sure I have a category, but the hardcore truth is that I have made it a personal mission to focus on agendas that are Biblically-based.  In doing so, I am sure I look a bit wishy-washy in the political machine as sometimes I favor one side and then another, depending on the context and the issues.

Was Jesus a liberal or a conservative?  The answer:  who cares?  His mission to show unconditional love and actually forgive His opponents makes any so-called journalistic news network blush in embarrassment.  Oddly, this motivates me to lead the church even more so while secretly enjoying those who are categorizing me.

So we are going to open the church building.  Why?  Because we want the community to know that God is still moving among us, even as still and quiet as we have been over the last few months.  The church building is a symbol of a Faith that says God has a voice.  And the people that meet in that building is the Church that tries it's darndest to help project that Voice. 

So know that as we reopen the building, it is not a political statement.  It is a theological statement.  More than that, it is a statement of Faith.  And I would be happy to be placed in that category.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Sunkist, Popsicles and a Broken Window

Hello Church,

This edition is a bit late, but for good reason.  I got a call this morning that the church building was broken into.  As I arrived at the building, the sheriff deputies were in the process of catching the burglar.  Four hours later I am back home.  And this is what I learned....

His name is Shawn.  He is from out of town and was living in the shed since at least last Thursday.  To our knowledge, he had taken a pack of Sunkist and popsicles from the Youth Room fridge and nothing else.... no electronics or any 'expensive' items.  Even the chocolate Easter eggs that were still unsold remained safe in the kitchen fridge.

While this doesn't seem to make total sense to me, I do wonder about Shawn's life.  Why was he where he was?  How did he come to be at the church building?  Why didn't he take more advantage of all that was in the building?  Though it likely won't happen, I would like to hear his story.

I don't tend to feel sorry for criminals. However, I do get curious as to the circumstances that lead to their bad choices.  The fact that he only wanted pop and popsicles raises my curiosity higher. 

In addition, Mark, the window guy, mentioned the increase in break-ins over the last couple of months.  I imagine more people are more desperate on many levels.  Was Shawn a victim of Covid?  Or would he have been just as homeless otherwise?  Where was his family?  Was addiction a part of his story?  Mental illness? 

As we hear more stories as we 'uncurl' from this pandemic ('uncurl'... a reference to my Sunday Podcast that you can find here), we must be cognizant of God's desire to infuse Himself into people's stories, even and perhaps especially the very broken stories.  Not everyone will recover from the chaos of 2020.  Some may even find themselves living in a church shed.

I hope as you get frustrated with those who become desperate, you will be curious enough to be willing to hear their story.  And when the opportunity strike, let them know that God cares about their story.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

Alaska is 'Reopening"...... Really?

I am convinced that cats think they rule the world.  That's okay.  We do too.  I recently made a Facebook post referencing the state of Alaska's 'reopening' as declared by the governor.  I found this funny.  Like 95% of Alaska cares what the humans do.  'Reopening' seems more than a bit egocentric.  So here is a funny bit from 25% of the Royer home.  Let this be a lesson regarding humility.   

Hello Humans,

God must be punishing me.  True, He created me and my beautiful fur (though He could've made it much easier to manage).  However, for whatever reason, my humans are around much more often than usual which is cramping my style.

Always before I would have my territory to myself, especially during the day when the sun would warm my favorite room.  I could lay in any of my favorite places, which is any place I so choose.  But now my favorite chairs are often taken.  And when I do get a chance to snuggle into one, a human comes and displaces me.  I give dirty looks, but to no avail as usual.  They simply don't respect authority.

They go into the food room much more often, but don't think I get any more food than usual.  I try to tell them, but again, to no avail.  Savages, they are.

Their impositions onto my space is not much more inconvenient than the noise they make.  The two females decided to do what they call 'singing'.  It's so incredibly annoying that I had a few choice words for them.  They sound awful, but don't seem to pay me any mind.  They would do well to heed my advice.  Like I said, 'cramping my style'.

Their attention to my needs are too often trumped by their own self-absorption.  They think only of themselves.  It's pathetic and a little bit embarrassing.

I may, at times, be tempted to feel sorry for them.  However, the problems they make are their own doing.  And they don't do anything to help themselves except sit around and complain about their own state of affairs.  Maybe some day they will clue in and evolve into something closer to my sophistication, but I doubt it.

Sometimes I think the humans think they rule the world.  I'll just let them think that.  It would be too much of a bother to convince them otherwise.

God is good (after all, He made me)

Dora the Cat

We don't really rule the world.  God has made us to only be a big part of it.  So the next time we want to 'reopen' anything, maybe we should first consider if it was really closed to begin with.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

The Thrill Of Sharing A Table

Hello Church,

Lately I've been wondering how many different things we will learn out of this pandemic.  There are numerous areas of life that might be changed forever.... or not....

It seems when you are in the midst of something bad it lasts forever.  And when it is something good it goes way too fast.  This is bad.  It seems a year since I've led corporate in-person worship.  However, a year or 2 from now, when I look back, will it seem like a vast period of struggle?  Or will it just seem like a blip in time?

And what will we learn from this?

We humans seem to revert back to the comfortable eventually.  Will we once again, at some point, take for granted the privilege of giving hugs, shaking hands or sharing a table at a restaurant?  Or will we really learn a new appreciation for life that will be long lasting?

History doesn't bode well for these questions.

We wonder why Israel never learned throughout the Old Testament... from Exodus all the way through to that young squirt Jeremiah, who tried to tell the people to learn from their past.  History is repeatable.  It seems like it is a rule rather than a choice.

The Good News says it doesn't have to matter.  I think that some day we will look back and not just see the pandemic as a blip in time, but this life will be a blip in time.  It will seem like a record player skipping for a few moments with the words 'life is good', 'oops, I messed up', life is good, oops, I messed up..... over and over again.... with God being in the midst of it will His ultimate Love.

So I could encourage you to keep the record player from skipping.  However, the encouragement we get from Jesus and the lessons of the Old Testament is much more than I could ever give.  Let's keep giving it our best shot, though. 

So some day I'll be looking forward to sharing a table at Panera and you'll be invited.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

The Simple Things In Life

Hello Church,

I've never been so happy to go to Target.

It's the sad commentary for these days.  Back when the world was normal, Kim would make a passing comment about having to go to Target or Wal-mart or Kroger or Jungle Jims or Burlington Coat Factory or...... you get the idea.

And back when the world was normal I would think to myself, 'you go have fun with that.'  (Actually, I might say it out loud).  The idea of perusing the aisles at a random store filled me with exhaustion and boredom.  When I walk into a store I hunt for a specific item.   I don't meander through looking at this and that with little intentions of buying anything... anyhow....

The world isn't normal right now.  Kim needs to go to Target.  I admit that I am going with her.  In some ways I feel like that dog who gets excited to get in the car and go anywhere.  I may even stick my head out the window on the way there.

These days have brought me back to the trivial things that are preferable to doing nothing.  Putting a puzzle together and taking daily walks are two other things that I have invested in these days. 

So what good is it?

We often look for God in the big, gigantic, exploding, lightning bolt moments of life.  The birth of a child; finding a soul-mate; hearing an answer to long, sought-after prayer; or realizing the purpose of our life.

But in my daily walks I am reminded of the little miracles of the season.  My tree out front is about ready to drop a million seeds.  Spending so much time helping Kim with a puzzle is actually a little satisfactory.  And going to Target reminds me I am blessed with the opportunity every day to buy whatever I need and a lot of what I want at any time with only a few minutes worth of drive-time.

These days give us the chance to see the little blessings in life and the little miracles.  Go ahead.  Stick your head out the window and revisit something trivial.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe