The Crucial 'Hello'

 Hello Church,

There is a short list of church matters that I rivet my eyes upon--that I pay extreme attention toward every time we have a worship service or ministry event....

The Crucial Hello is on that list.

Few things break my heart more than a visitor who doesn't feel welcomed.  It isn't always intentional.  It is rarely intentional, but that is my point.  Welcoming others should never be accidental.  It should be intentional.  It is the front end of ministry that can be tragic for the rest of a church's ministry if hospitality isn't an intentional priority.

A first-time visitor decides in the first 20 minutes whether they are returning or not.  This does not include the sermon, prayer time or even the music.  This does include the parking conditions, the landscaping, the greeter, the lobby, the ushers, the bulletin and the general look of the environment.  It does include the people who sit around them and how they do or do not say 'hello'.  This does include the liturgist and/or Pastor who looks like they want to be there.

The Crucial Hello is the intentional attempt to help another genuinely feel welcomed.  It is the authentic expression of being glad they decided to visit.  It is what leads to a return visit and a new worship attender.  It is what leads to other things like baptism, communion, membership and new friends.  These things rarely happen without the Crucial Hello.

So be on the look-out.  Put a smile on your face as if you are glad Jesus loves you.  Welcome others as if you want them to know Jesus loves them.  You might be the reason they come back.  

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Cool Dads and Boo Hooey Moms

 Hello Church,

Kim and I are seasoned veterans....

We met Hope's roommate and her family yesterday.  Tressa seems like a really nice girl, a good fit for Hope and her transition to the college life.  Meeting Tressa's parents was fun too.... and it took me back in time.

Sending a kid away to college is a big deal.  When it's your first time sending one away, like it is for Tressa's parents, it is a REALLY big deal.  Kim and I were reminded of the especially high anxiety of moving Leah to Otterbein.  It always seems to be tougher on Mom, but Dads do get anxious as well.  We just don't show it as much because we are trying to be cool.

This is our 5th time of watching a kid move away.  There is a certain 'blah, blah, blah' about the experience.  At the same time it is our last.  It will be interesting on move-in day (August 19th).  I'm sure I'll be the cool dad.  Mom will be a blubbering mess...... 'blah, blah, blah'.

I wonder if this is anything like God felt when He decided to give us free will?.....   Sending us off into the world, giving us instruction, but knowing we are going to do what we want now.  I wonder if He got anxious.  I wonder if He still does.

In some ways all of us are still in college, trying to figure out how to live life on our own.  We go about learning and partying and find those moments when we need to decide which decision is the best versus which decision we really want to make.  I wonder if God just sits back and tries to be cool.  Or does God become a blubbering mess?  And does it ever become 'blah, blah, blah' for Him?  

I hope Hope chooses well.  God hopes we choose well also...... every single day.  And if Hope doesn't choose well, cool dad and anxious mom will come to the rescue.  And if we don't choose well, God will be there for us.  He always has been.  God loves us and cares for us and hopes fo.......blah, blah, blah.....

God is Good

Pastor Joe

When Small Tables Become Big Again

 Hello Church,

Our kitchen table is smaller.

At the risk of making my wife cry, our table has shrunk over the years.  It used to be fully folded out with all the leaves inserted.  This is because we had 5 kids + 2 adults sitting around it.  The table would take up a lot of space, so much so that we would actually use the dining room in which to eat.  A whole box of spaghetti wouldn't be enough and the skillet would never be large enough to fry all the hamburgers at one time.

Years come and go.  High chairs get put away.  Booster seats get sold at yard sales.  Kids become teens who become young adults and move to college....

The table gets smaller.

I'm sadder than I thought I'd be as I adjust to our empty nest.  However, I also admit that I'd be more sad if all those kids came back home to live with us.  There are not too many good reasons for that to happen.  Our goal as parents is to help our kids learn how to be self-sufficient.  I proudly say that they are doing a pretty good job.  I'd take all the credit, but we all know better, don't we?

While this blog may make you sad too, take heart!  There are rewards to pushing the baby bird out of the nest.  Life changes, but that doesn't mean it gets worse.  Indeed, it can get better!

Kim and I can eat whatever we want without moaning and groaning from others.  Only 2 plates get dirty at a time.  The trash gets taken out less often.  There is no fighting over the tv.  I get the basement all to myself.  Kim gets the upstairs all to herself.  There are no 3.5 hours of t-ball games.  Best of all, we get to laugh at all our kids who are complaining about what we used to complain about.  It's fantastic!

and now.?????...... 

there are grandkids!!!!!......

......which makes the table get big again.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Holes In Our Walls

 Hello Church,

A picture says a thousand words.  Holes in walls also talk.  Which one do you prefer?

We are nearly all unpacked and settled.  Our last steps are to put up wall hangings.  This is my least favorite step of all.  Why?  I don't like putting holes in walls.  It ruins a perfectly smooth, freshly painted wall.  It seems destructive (or maybe it triggers my memory of kicking a hole in the wall as a teen because I was mad at my parents..... a story for another day...)

My wife gets annoyed with me on this.  Yes, I know, there are other ways to hang things such as with hooks that 'stick' to the walls.  Our experience is that those things can bring down paint and drywall when it is time to take them off.  Just as bad.... maybe worse.

So I am trying to work my way around this.  On one hand, a hole in the wall is not natural.  On the other, we are hanging something that is intended to speak to the kind of home that we want.  We have lots of sentimental hangings, some of which I adore and some that I find humorous.

I guess none of us are perfectly smooth.  We all have blemishes, many of which are not natural.  I guess the trick is to find ways to use our blemishes to hang something that people adore..... or better yet.... that God adores.

For example, some of you have already experienced my sarcasm and attempt at dry humor.  While some appreciate it, I have been known to use it as an unfair tactic for arguing..... a blemish... not good.

So over the years I have tried to use it as a way to help people relax in tense situations.... a form of comedy that can get people to loosen up a bit.  Being loose helps when being the Church.  God has given us reason to not be so high strung.

So what is your blemish?  How can you use it to hang something that people can use toward the good?

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Cats, Israel And Stressful Changes

 Hello Church,

All is good with the world!  Dora is accepting her new home.

Cats are finicky.  We've had bad experiences with moving cats before.  We weren't sure that Dora, our part Maincoon, would be accepting of a new environment.

Truth is, we humans are not always accepting of change either.  Moving is a pain in the butt.  I don't want to do it again.  17 years until retirement..... fingers crossed.

It has made me contemplate the days of Abraham and the nomadic nation that was ancient Israel.  They were always moving and changing.  They also moaned and groaned about it too.  However, whether they learned it or not, God was constantly walking with them as change constantly happened.  God was the consistent reality in their world.  It helped them through.  

Dora is spending less time tip-toeing around the house with ears perked up, expecting the unexpected.  She is finding her favorite spots which, predictably, is exactly where Kim does NOT want her.  

As I start the process of adjusting to my major change -- new church, community, people, faces, names, ministries and challenges -- I will try to remember that God is the consistent One in all of it.  I will breathe.  It will be okay.

Whatever changes you are up against, know that it will be okay.  And once you get used to it, change will happen all over again.  But through it all is a consistent God.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

The (Almost) Emptiness Of Life Changes

 Hello Church,

I'm sitting in a chair in the middle of a mostly empty living room.  We are down to just the piddly little things that need to be packed.  Have you ever had a moment when you realized that life was about to stop and then start over again in a very different way?

This is, by far, the hardest stop and start again that we've ever had.  Not only are we moving to live in an entirely different community with different people, but we are also downsizing, preparing for an empty nest existence.  

I've had these moments a few times in my life.  The first was actually at my high school graduation.  I genuinely felt like a part of me was dying and a new life was ahead of me.  Since then I have had a few transitions that brought on the same feelings.  

And through it all there was God.

Sometimes we forget, especially if we never have those moments when we realize that everything around us is temporary.... that change can happen on a whim and sometimes drastic change.

But God is never temporary.

Be reminded that, inevitably, it is you and God and that is the most consistent, permanent relationship that there can be.  It's a good thing because God loves you always.  

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

The WWW vs The Great I Am

 Hello Church,

Computers and I don't often have a healthy relationship.  My brother or wife will tell you that if I touch anything technical on a computer, it will never work again and I will be frustrated to the ends of the earth.  I tell people that I know just enough to be dangerous.  Truth is that I'm just dangerous regardless how much I know.

It is in this context that I share the following:  my laptop died.

Worse yet, it died while we were on vacation at Indian Lake.  It died while I was suffering from the head colds to beat all head colds.  Everyone else had fun on vacation.  I tried my best.

As I processed the death of my computer, I have always processed the number of files that I failed to backup and lost forever.  I once learned the very hard way as, years and years ago, I lost 2 years worth of church work.  Today?  It's a little different.

What I realized is the amount of work that was stored on the Cloud.  Most of you likely know what the Cloud is, but for those who are unfamiliar, it is the magical place where the internet stores all the files you have on your computer, phone, ipad and any other device you so choose to make vulnerable to the World Wide Web.

What I then realized is that I lost nearly 0 files.  It is also when I realized how vulnerable we all are to the WWW.  Think about what would happen to our world if the internet just stopped and died like my laptop.  Think about all the information that would simply be no more.  I don't think we can comprehend the result of such a catastrophe.  

Now think of God who knows all and is all.  God, who goes beyond the wealth of the WWW and includes the personal relationship that He seeks for each one of us.  Think about what would happen if He just stopped.  No more unconditional love, hope, peace and no more new life.  Certainly He has plenty of reasons to stop.  We aren't often very good at being very good.

So every time my laptop dies and I pray to God for perseverance, I will also thank God for His eternal presence and never-ending attempts to be our God.  No matter how many laptops die on me, there will always be prayer.  There will always be a wealth of information to tap into.  God was here before the WWW and He will be here after the WWW.  

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Bippity Boppity Boo..... Ribbit

 Hello Church,

I have a problem.  It's a problem I have had each of the other 3 times I got appointed to a church(es).  My brain won't turn off.  

I am currently sitting at Indian Lake.  It's a peaceful setting.  The lake is literally in our back yard.  The family is sitting around the table eating breakfast and talking about non-stressful things.  There is every opportunity to sit and stare blankly at the lake.  But while my granddaughter runs around turning me into a frog with her imaginary wand (or is it real?... 'ribbit'), my brain won't turn off.

Between getting Emmanuel ready for a transition; meeting staff at Springboro; packing boxes; cleaning my current office; considering the vision process for the months ahead; preparing for an 'empty nest' ..... and don't forget my all-important fantasy baseball team which has had too many injuries...... my brain won't turn off.

When I got to Emmanuel 12 years ago, this problem lasted about 2 years.  That can't happen again.  My wife is already half-crazy.  I am sure I would send her over the edge this time.  I can't afford this inconvenience.

I am not entirely sure about the solution to this problem.  It is mostly created because of my excitement/anxiety about life-changes.  It's troubling because I can have my gallbladder removed and truly think nothing of it.... no anxiety or nervous energy at any time.  But move me from one house to another and I can't sit still.... and sitting still is usually one of my fortes.  

So I hope Springboro First is ready for me.  I hope Emmanuel will be okay without me.  I hope Hope does well in college.  I hope my fantasy baseball team starts winning.  I hope my wife finds half-crazy new friends.  And I hope I am not a frog indefinitely.  

If all of the above happens well, then God can tell me 'I told you so'.  Until then, I may look at God with a quizzical look while He subtly shakes His head and rolls His eyes..... sort of like how Kim will do when she reads this.

God is Good

...ribbit....

Pastor Joe

Jeff Ruby's? Or McDonalds?

 Hello Church,

God is a big fan of the underdog.  Read the Bible.  God is always rooting for the person who has little chance of winning, succeeding or thriving.  Adam and Eve couldn't follow even the simplest of rules.  Abraham had no home.  Moses' home was the wrong one.  And from the time Israel started to exist, they were getting beat up by the neighborhood bully... be it Egypt, Persia or Babylonia.  

And through it all, God was trying to root for Israel.  Oh, sometimes He got angry with them and had to show them who God is.  But by in large, He pulled for them.

Rooting for the underdog is a common Biblical theme.  In theological terms it is 'free the oppressed'.  Start with the widows and orphans and help those who need help the most.  

This still applies today, I believe.  However, there is a problem.  Everyone seems to claim oppression.

Name your social issue and you'll find two or more sides that claim they are the ones being oppressed, whether you are talking about immigration, ethnicity, economics, sexuality, theology, biology, geography, etc;  My favorite is when millionaire athletes argue with billionaire owners and both sides claim 'oppression' in some form.

This influx of victimization is a big problem in my book.  It greatly waters down who the oppressed really are in the context of the Biblical witness.  If EVERYBODY is oppressed, then what good is it when we are told to help those in need.  The translation today seems to mean that we are supposed to help everyone.  Sorry, but not everyone is being oppressed... at least not as God defines oppressed.

Egypt wasn't oppressed.  Persia wasn't oppressed.  Babylonia wasn't oppressed..... certainly not to the extent that God was rooting for them.  We need to get back to the basics of what it means to be biblically oppressed.  Economic oppression isn't when millionaires could be billionaires, but aren't allowed to be.  It isn't when a young married couple wants a house, but has to settle for a condo.  It isn't when I want Jeff Ruby's but instead have to settle for Texas Roadhouse..... or McDonalds.  

Real oppression is when families have no clean water; when shoes are a lavish rarity; when working 12 hours a day allows you to buy some tortillas for that one meal a day; when skin color is a factor in any decision-making process; when age qualifies or disqualifies you from working any job; when the language you speak is attached to your inherent value; when you spend your day in the same room every day with no visitors or love;... I could go on, but being oppressed means that you don't get to be comfortable because others won't let you be.  If someone chooses to be uncomfortable or chooses to be discontent and then complains about it, that isn't oppression.  My mom had other words for that.  'Spoiled' comes to mind.

I won't dare to define you as oppressed or not.  It certainly isn't my place to call you spoiled.  That will probably get me into trouble (though that would give me a great excuse to claim oppression).  I will challenge you, however, to look in the mirror and decide if you really have it that bad.  If you don't, find ways to help those who do.  Be God's hands and feet.  Serve those in need.  Show unconditional love.

If you do truly have it that bad, know that God is rooting for you.  .... and give me a call because I'll be rooting for you too.  And I'll do what I can and help the church do what they can to help you.  I really mean that and so does God.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Blogging While On REALLY Good Pain Meds.

 Hello Church,

I've never blogged while on pain meds.... so here goes.... against the better part of valor....  I apologize if I miss any prepositions.  They are small words and easy to miss. (But it's fun to imagine Russ Bowman and Jared Treadway reading this 10 times to see if I did miss any)

I had my gallbladder removed about 3.5 hours ago.  I feel really good (again, see the title of this blog).  I think the key is this:  I told my surgeon before my surgery to have a really good day.

You think that doesn't make a difference, do you?  We say it a lot, but this time I meant it.  I mean, I looked right into his eyes and said it in a very serious way, 'Have a REALLY good day'.  

He laughed.

Truth is, have you ever thought of all the ways your good day can impact those around you?  And if you are a surgeon?  If you have a good day, then a lot of people have good days too!  If you have a bad day?  Well, we won't talk about that....

And think about the things that create good days.  Doing a good job; being unconditionally loving; having a gracious attitude; exuding a sense of peace; expressing hopefulness, etc; these things can contribute to having a good day. It doesn't always work this way because sometimes our days are not dictated by things we have control over.  But Surprise!  These approaches to life can also be the result of having a firm Faith!  And thus a firm Faith CAN contribute to having a good day.

Jesus' Faith was a magnet.  That magnetism was transferred to His disciples and then to the Church and so on and so on.....  Therefore, be a witness and have a good day!

So the way I see it, I'm not having a good day because of the meds.  I'm having a good day because my surgeon had a good day.  And I am grateful.

Time for some bland mashed potatoes with bland applesauce and bland jello.  Btw... these things could cause a bland day.... something I'm not striving for.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Turn That Frown Upside Down

 Hello Church,

It is time to reconnect.  Get out of the doldrums.  Get a pep in your step.  Perk up.  Make the attempt.  Reconnect.

Remember 14 months ago?  Yes.  Do that.

As I move into the summer months, I am going to be more and more insistent about reconnections.  Specifically, for people who were connected before the pandemic, I am going to encourage you to get back to church life if you haven't already done so.  The Church needs you.  Why?  Because you ARE the Church.

Thank God the list isn't long.  I have watched worship attendance slowly increase over the past 3 or 4 weeks.  However, contrary to some opinions, worship attendance is only part of the church life.  Small Groups, ministry teams, volunteerism, mission work, etc; make up a bigger part of the activity of the church.  It is these areas that sometimes lag behind worship participation.  so....

It is time to reconnect.  Get out of the doldrums.  Get a pep in your step.  Perk up.  Make the attempt.  Reconnect.

For those of you who have named Emmanuel your home church (or for those of you looking for one), this Sunday is a great time to reconnect.  Worship is outside at 10:00 at our local Batavia Township Park.  You are also invited to bring your lunch and your lawn chair with you.  We will be sitting around and eating afterwards.... talking.... reconnecting.... you are invited.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Make A Nurse Laugh Today

 Hello Church,

In my 48+ years on this earth I have been to the Emergency Room 3 times now.  The first time was while I was in seminary, experiencing panic attacks.  I am sure there is a theological joke there somewhere.  The second time was credited to my oldest daughter Leah who decided to leave a needle in the carpet.  I was the lucky one who got to step on it.

And then there was this past Saturday night....

I've had a couple of gall bladder attacks over the past year or so.  I never had them officially diagnosed because, you know, the internet can inform you of anything at anytime.  No major deal.  I got through them and all was well.....

...until this past Saturday night... after I ate a half a rack of ribs and a cup of chili.....

It took me 3 hours before I gave up on saving at least $800 and went to the ER.  I got to joke around with the night shift nurses who took a while before laughing at my hilarious jokes (you know, the kind that my wife rolls her eyes on).  Fast forward to the end of the night when I was told by a well-spoken ER doctor that I had a gall stone approximately 1 inch big and nothing was going to fix that except surgery.

Each of us, from time to time, are reminded of our mortality.  Some reminders are rather harsh, much more harsh than a gall stone.  You have likely had your reminders over the years.  Sometimes we pay attention and sometimes we don't.

Whatever your reminders have been, know that as the Easter season comes to a close this next Sunday, the stone is still out of the way.  Life is a gift and new life is a better gift.  Enjoy your days in love of one another.  Show God your appreciation by how you use your gift, no matter where you find yourself... even if it is the opportunity to make Saturday night ER nurses laugh... they certainly are reminded of our mortality far too often.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Here Comes The New Pastor

 Hello Church,

As most of you know by now, I will be moving on from Emmanuel UMC and starting my next appointment at Springboro First UMC the last weekend in June.  Among the many issues that can cause anxieties in me when I change churches (this will be my 3rd official change) includes who follows me.  This transition is no different.  Truth is, I care about the churches that I leave.  I want them to have the kind of leadership that takes them to the next step..... whatever that next step is.

Well let me introduce you to Pastor Jay Madigan.  When I heard about him coming to Emmanuel, my anxieties eased.  I have known Jay for about 10 years now.  He was the pastor in a nearby church a few years ago.  We were in the same small group and I have become familiar with his pastoral approach.  Emmanuel will be in good hands.

None of us pastors have it all figured out.  We all have our weak points and our gifts.  Knowing this is what causes me anxiety when I leave a church.  While Jay and Emmanuel will have hiccups here and there as I will at Springboro, we do try our best to assimilate as smoothly as possible.  

That said, I am guessing that Pastor Amy at Springboro First has the same anxieties.  I will be the new guy and she does not know me like I know Jay.  This creates a tremendous amount of empathy in me for Amy.  I will do what I can to ease her anxiety, but I know from experience that it won't go away until the new pastor proves him/herself. 

Change is hard.  Change can be good.  Indeed, change can make things better if you go about it the right way.  Pray that Jay, Amy and I go about it the right way so that the churches can flourish.  Pray that the churches go about it the right way so that the pastors can flourish.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

The Sermon I Hear Every Week

 Hello Church,

First World problem:  the battery for my keyless remote for my car was running low!  That's it!  Monday is ruined which means the rest of the week is lost forever.  Time to start over.  Ugh!

When things don't work right I can get highly impatient.  It's a flaw deeply ingrained in me that is permanently attached to my DNA strands.  I have never been able to get rid of it.  I know when it is happening.  The best I can do is stop and concentrate on breathing.

After the fact, once my blood pressure comes down, I can and do reflect on the ridiculousness of my reaction.  By the end of the day I am still able to get done what I set out to do... usually.  And if not, the universe doesn't suddenly implode.  I wake up the next day and carry on.

My only solution is to constantly be reminded of appropriate perspective on life.  As much as watch the World News is depressing or reading up on current events is filled with life-altering events, it does remind me of how good I have it.  It also reminds me the unimportance of most of my problems.

And then there is Scripture.  A whole set of books focusing on the state of the soul and the vitality of the spirit and the presence of the Holy.  Every week I get to preach to myself and get reminded that I should be embarrassed when the insignificant matters of my day push me off kilter.

So be encouraged.  What you think is a bad day might not be bad at all.... just inconvenient.  And if it is a bad day, it isn't anything God hasn't dealt with before.  You'll be okay.  I know I am.  The sermon I hear every week says so.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

If You Don't Say It, Who Will?

 Hello Church,

I preached a bit about the mass shooting yesterday and I still have more thoughts on it as I relate them to the role of the Church.  So bear with me if I allow my sermon to overflow into this week's blog.

A several months ago I went through a short phase of being frustrated with Facebook.  I know, I know... a losing battle.  I won't go into the details here as I really don't want to repeat the same conversations and thus experience the same frustrations.

But out of that phase I re-experienced the loving grace of God again.  I was reminded that we are not capable of showing the same grace with the same consistency and measure.  While we can be frustrated with our shortcomings, we can also allow our frustrations to remind us that God has no shortcomings.  It can point us back to God and give Him all of our praise.  So I did.

These mass shootings are certainly more tragic and despairing than any ugliness you see on social media.  However, this is also the Easter season.  The Church has something to say in the midst of tragedy and tears and heartache.  The disciples experienced the same 2,000 years ago and then they experienced the Easter season.  Out of it came joy and hope and love and forgiveness.

Jesus rose from the dead.  That proves God's love for you.  In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

The Church has something good to say.  No matter how ugly it gets around us, we should say it.  If we don't, who will?  

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

We Are Moving... In Lots of Directions....

 Hello Church,

The whirlwind begins!  If you missed the worship service, then the following may surprise you.  If you are part of Emmanuel, please read your email.  Or if you are on Facebook, take a look at Emmanuel's Facebook page here...

We are moving in June to Springboro as I have been appointed to Springboro First United Methodist Church starting the weekend of June 27th.  We are visiting Hope's college campus today in Newark as she will be moving to OSU about 6 weeks after moving to Springboro.  As a result, Kim and I become empty nesters in August.  So there is tons of work to get done:  packing 12 years worth of stuff; figuring out what to get rid of; cleaning my office; meeting with the pastor of my next church at Springboro First UMC; eventually meeting with the next pastor of Emmanuel..... oh yes...

.... and still help Emmanuel be the church...

What do you do when you are overwhelmed with the changes of life?

While the new appointment is forefront in my mind, my work is not done at Emmanuel.  We have lots to get done.  The season of invitation is well underway and I want Emmanuel to be as ready as possible to move forward as we exit the pandemic and the new pastor arrives.  Flower sales, Mother's Day, Graduate Recognition Day, Pentecost and Memorial Day weekend... and that is just May!

While my wife is a bit more than stressed, I try to take a deep breath and prioritize my tasks and my time.  What is the most important?  What is the most pressing?  I make my list and take one thing at a time.  For me, there are 2 important and pressing items:  making sure my family is taken care of and then keep empowering the church to be the church no matter where or when I am.

When you are overwhelmed with the changes of life, stay focused on your purpose in life.  First, figure out your purpose.  Then live into it with confidence and determination.  Finally, don't be afraid to let go of the less important and less pressing matters.

If you do so, fulfillment will quickly follow.  Satisfaction and joy are also typically present.  I hope you are living into what is most important and pressing.  You won't be disappointed.  I find that blessings abound most when we stay focused on what is really important.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

What Childhood Memory Is Imprinted On You?

 Hello Church,

I spent the majority of my childhood in one of four places:  school, library, church and the baseball diamond.  As I have reflected over the years, I have become more and more aware of how each place imprinted certain perspectives and values onto me.  Pastors, librarians, coaches and teachers have all had a part of making me who I am.  I appreciate more and more the people who had positive influences on my life.

So when you learn how much I love the game of baseball, it isn't any sort of shallow reason.  It was one of my sanctuaries where I experienced being valued and appreciated.  It taught me how to critically think; carefully strategize; be a good team player; cope with adversity....oh.. and how to spit correctly (everyone spits on a baseball diamond).  Baseball taught me how to find those details that everyone else misses.  For example, a casual observer won't notice the centerfielder moving over a couple of steps or the umpire taking his mask off with the wrong hand or know when a batter is about to get hit with the pitch before he actually does.  Much of the world says soccer is the most beautiful game.  I say they are out of their ever-living minds.

What memories do you have that still have an imprint on you?  Who helped make you who you are?  Who had positive influences on you?

I could type at length over those 4 great places.  Given that I am going to go to the Reds game on Wednesday and that fans are now back in stadiums, I'd rather just meditate on baseball for now.  I told my wife I'll probably cry when I sit down in my seat.  She chuckled.  I wasn't joking.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

When Do We Sing Again?

Hello Church,

When do you sing?

As we slowly exit this pandemic (about 1/3 of American Adults have had at least 1 shot.. and more than half of our congregation has been vaccinated), the Church is entering a new phase of debate.  A year ago churches muddled around when, how, if, how much restrictions should be placed on worship and overall church functions.  The answers varied and so did the appeasement of people.

This Spring we are going to experience the other side of the coin.  When, how, if, how much do we lift current restrictions.  And, so far, leading the discussion in my circles is 'when can we sing again'?

Last year I was reminded of the significance of in-person worship for so many of my congregation.  It was a big reason we started in-person worship again as early as June.  Restrictions have been... well... strict.  However, the people who have come in-person have been extremely respectful and, as a result, it has worked.  I am glad.

This year I am being reminded of the significance of singing for so many of my congregation.  Singing is one expression of the Faith.  For some it is the most liberating expression of Faith.  For them, worship has not been the same since we stopped congregational singing.  

And the debate around starting to sing again isn't unlike the debate last year to stop singing.  It is a difficult subject.  Science has something to say about it.  Faith has something to say about it.  And one doesn't necessarily care what the other has to say.... and there doesn't seem to be consensus on any of it.

I realize that for others, singing is not a significant part of Faith expression.  So, for them, it will look like a silly debate to have.  However I, personally, relate with the dilemma.  Confession time:  I caught myself just this past Sunday singing out loud during worship.  Should I feel guilty?  I didn't.  But should I?  I don't know.

Congregational singing is coming soon.  Based on my experience, maybe it is already here.   Easter is upon us.  Such gladness just might not be able to be contained.

Come, Ye Faithful, Raise The Strain Hymn

Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought forth Israel into joy from sadness;
Loosed from Pharaoh’s bitter yoke Jacob’s sons and daughters,
Led them with unmoistened foot through the Red Sea waters.

’Tis the spring of souls today; Christ has burst His prison,
And from three days’ sleep in death as a sun hath risen;
All the winter of our sins, long and dark, is flying
From His light, to Whom we give laud and praise undying.

Now the queen of seasons, bright with the day of splendor,
With the royal feast of feasts, comes its joy to render;
Comes to glad Jerusalem, who with true affection
Welcomes in unwearied strains Jesus’ resurrection.

Neither might the gates of death, nor the tomb’s dark portal,
Nor the watchers, nor the seal hold Thee as a mortal;
But today amidst the twelve Thou didst stand, bestowing
That Thy peace which evermore passeth human knowing.

“Alleluia!” now we cry to our King immortal,
Who, triumphant, burst the bars of the tomb’s dark portal;
“Alleluia!” with the Son, God the Father praising,
“Alleluia!” yet again to the Spirit raising.

Time To Be Energized

 Hello Church,

Many of my blogs are of a personal nature.  That is, I don't speak a whole lot on my role as pastor as much as just my role as Joe.  Truth is, the two often mingle as I move through life.  Not a surprise.  So this is about how they are mingling now.

I am on a very focused mission right now as pastor:  spiritual energy.

I see too many people just not get it.  Some think church is about doing good things.  Others think church is about receiving good things.  Still some think it as a nice time to be with friends and community.  And, yes, some believe it all a waste of time and money.

Yet at the heart of a healthy church is a spiritual energy.  This energy is derived by a deep-seeded belief system.  This belief system says there is an all-powerful God who loves me, even me.  This love is made visible by Jesus who lived, taught and showed us what that love looks like.

This love energizes the church.  It is the fuel by which good things are given and received.  When love is experienced, energy is high.  When energy is high, the church is an active witness.  But what do you do when the energy gets low?

Low energy is a common issue in the midst of this pandemic.  Thus, I am on a mission:  to give the church a chance to raise the energy.  How do we do this?  We experience love.

And what better time to experience love than now?  Easter is about here.  It isn't just a time to hear again how God chooses to love you through Christ.  It is also a time show that love to others.  

Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter for 7 weeks... and then Pentecost on May 23rd.... plenty of time to hear some amazing love stories... and to be a part of love stories as we go about being the church.

May you be spiritually energized this new season.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Teaching About Grass Fires

 Hello Church,

We are about to be grandparents for the second time.  Our oldest, Leah, will be delivering another baby girl in about a week.  We are all excited, of course.  Maebree, our 4 year-old granddaughter is also excited....   

or is she???

I was two-and-a-half and the first grandchild.  While I don't specifically remember it, I have no doubts that the world revolved around me.  My mom is the 2nd oldest of 7 and her youngest sibling was still in high school.  Everyone wanted time with little Joe.  I was center stage.

... and then my world turned pink...

Mary Ann was born.  She was a cute little girl.  Everyone wanted to see the cute little girl... bluk!  Even Mom spent less time seeing to my demands.  For the next many years I would learn that my first 2+ years of life would be my best.  I would have to share the rest of my years with my siblings.  3 more brothers would show up eventually.  bluk!

In the many years that followed I also learned that being the first grandchild has more curses.  You have no one from whom to learn.  Growing up is a trial-on-error.  As I've told my younger children, 'watch your older siblings and learn the easy way'.  I didn't get that chance.

What is the point of this blog?  Just when you think life is getting good, your world could turn pink.  Though the selfish part of you might want it to stay the way you want it, the journey of life is about adjusting to change however you can best manage it.  Maybe you don't manage all that well?  Join the club.  

But don't let your selfish ways get in the way of seeing unexpected blessings.  I got to grow up with siblings around me.  We had lots of fun times and created plenty of stories to share when we get old.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  And I'm sure that through my trial-on-error journey, I was able to help them learn the easy way..... like how to not start a grass fire or why you shouldn't throw peanut butter on Mom's newly painted living room wall.

Maebree's world is about to change.... most days it will be for the better.  For her mom and dad?  We'll see.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

There Is A Chair For You

 Hello Church,

Baby steps.....

You have likely already seen the news about Texas and Mississippi.  They have done away with covid protocols.  It was a big step.... a giant step all at once.  Leaders are getting criticized for it by many.  Others applaud it.  What about us?

Baby steps....

I am not the most patient person in the world, but church life has taught me to be when dealing with communities of people.  That said, I still am gaining more urgency about how we, as a church, exit this pandemic.... or if we exit at all.

I believe the virus will eventually go away.  If it doesn't go away, it will at least stop hindering us with mandates and .... maybe at least be able to SING in worship?  However, the bigger question isn't what happens to the virus.  I believe it is, 'how do we readjust back to how we expected things to be'?

Lent is a time to think about the human condition.  As such, we have spent 12 months being conditioned to live a certain way.... to be more isolated, distanced, lonely, depressed... and think differently about how we greet people; how we work; how we play and how we go about our daily life.

As I said in a sermon a few weeks ago, there is quickly coming a series of days and months when we will be able to exit the 'wilderness'.  It may be a slow exit, but it will get here.  I suggest that we should already be thinking about how we will do it and what we will do when we are out.

One baby step was taken this week at Emmanuel.  We had a solid turnout for our new worship time at 10:00.  It was so solid that we decided to rearrange chairs for this next week to increase seating capacity, but also keep covid protocols in place.

We can't sit 180 people yet, but it is now more than what it was a week ago.

Baby steps.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

West Clermont Schools

 Hello Church,

It's a great feeling when love is reciprocated.

West Clermont Schools recognized Emmanuel as a valued partner to the school district, specifically as it relates with our work with Holly Hill Elementary.  This was as part of a virtual meeting held last Friday, giving updates on the state of the district.

Do we do our work to be recognized?  No.  I hope not.  Grace is grace because it looks for nothing in return, including recognition.  However, this does not devalue appreciation when it is shown.  Appreciation can also be an act of grace and it is how I receive it when it is shown to me.

Of all the struggles Emmanuel has been through the past year, it is refreshing to see that we have still found opportunity to show unconditional love.  It is even more refreshing when that love is well received.

So when someone says 'thank you' for something you have done, take it as an act of love and be glad.  It just means your love has been well received.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Losing A Pet....And What God Says About It

 Hello Church,

Amid the disturbance of the past 12 months, I have noticed numerous household that have had to put a pet down.  There have been 4 in just the past month or so.  I thought I'd share some thoughts on this as questions do arise for the Pastor over how the Church views life and death issues of animals and, specifically, pets that we come to dearly love.

To be sure, the Gospels and the Letters focus on the state of the human soul.  Jesus concerns Himself almost entirely on the issue of loving people.  Paul writes almost explicitly on his Christology.... that Jesus died that we might be saved and how we should allow Christ to live through us.  So there isn't much to be said for or against the issue of animals.  Do they have souls?  What happens after they die?

This is a highly controversial issue as people who think with the head debate with people who feel with the heart.  However, the following Scripture points to hope and comfort for those who feel the pain of losing a pet.  Mainly, the idea that salvation is not just for the human soul, but for all of creation.  I thought of this as I preached yesterday about God's covenant--not to Noah-- but to the whole earth about never flooding it again.

Acts 3:21:  Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

Romans 8:18-22 - 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

Isaiah 11:6-9 and Revelation 21:1 also point to this idea that all of creation will be made new, not just us human souls.

So if you have lost a pet recently, take heart.  Don't take the word of some theologian who claims that God only values the salvation of the human soul.  God loves all of His creation and there is enough evidence to suggest that we won't be floating in our new bodies out there in some ambiguous 'heaven', but that creation as God desires it will play a part.

...that said... if I ever see my German Shepherd, Heidi, again, I am going to bop her on the nose for all the times she jumped up and knocked down that 3 year-old boy.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

I Play The Bongos

 Hello Church,

For those who missed the 10:30 worship service, you missed a lot.  It isn't on the 9:00 service because I didn't think about it.  But for the 2nd service I pulled out the bongos for our interlude song.  It was sort of goofy... and maybe not so good.  Don't worry.  There were reasons behind it.  Let me give a couple...

For one, I'm tired of being afraid and, more to the point, I'm tired of others being afraid.  I feel like the last year has been about being afraid or being anxious about others being afraid.  It isn't just Covid or social unrest.  I am coming to believe those two things just bring our our fears more readily.... maybe rightfully so or not.  Regardless, I'm tired.

I'm tired of how we are afraid about what other people think of us or how they'll react how we think about them or how they'll react to how we react about how they think about us.  I'm tired of being so afraid of snow that we act crazy in grocery stores.  I'm tired of the fear that drives over-priced medical bills, high insurance premiums and shortages on toilet paper.  I'm tired of the fear that locks us in our room or keeps us from talking to strangers or the biggest fear of all -- failing at whatever.

So I played the bongos..... while preaching about love.  Give me long hair and then manage to put me in a cross-legged sitting position on the corner of some northwestern city and there you have it.  But I didn't care.... well.... I did, but I stopped being afraid.

Jesus said 'fear not' more than any other phrase.  There were reasons behind that too.  He wasn't in a goofy mood.  He was serious... dead serious.. and then alive serious again.  

We won't stop being afraid anytime soon.  Some say it's a Darwin thing that keep our species alive.  Maybe.  I also thinks it keeps our species from loving like Jesus wants us to love.  Yes, it may have killed Jesus and it may kill us too.  But dying for such a reason is exactly how we should want to live.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Washing Your Hands At Church

 Hello Church,

I wanted to title this blog 'Let's Get Dirty', but my wife gave me a... uh... look... so I relented.  She does a good job keeping me out of trouble.  So I'm just telling you what I WANTED to title this blog... because it would have been perfect click bait.  C'mon!  Admit it!  If you see your pastor title his blog THAT, then you are so clicking on it!  I know I could have beaten my record of hits.

Sunday, February 21st is the first Sunday of Lent.  Traditionally, we are supposed to treat the Wednesday before as Ash Wednesday (because that's what it is).  Over the years a few churches I know have foregone the Wednesday tradition and applied ashes on Sunday.  It's what we've done at Emmanuel for several years now.

Problem:  I can't touch your forehead with my finger.  It is now against the rules... unless I thoroughly wash my hands between each forehead (a possible useful application of the baptismal font?.... ok.. not).  Therefore, another tradition needs to be tweaked... soo......

....introducing you to your own personal Q-tip.  It is an idea I saw to still cling to our tradition of ashes even in the era of Covid.  Those of you who would like, can come up front during worship and get ashes applied to the back of your hand with a clean Q-tip.... well... it won't be clean... it will have ashes on it.

The church needs to continue to be adaptable.  We don't always like it.  We don't usually like it.  However, we CAN adapt and must adapt if we are to keep the expression of our Faith relevant in an ever-changing world.

So I hope to see you on Feb. 21st.  Lent is on its way whether we are ready or not.  Let's be ready.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Looking At Me Sideways

 Hello Church,

Yes, I am late in posting this blog.  Having a day of the week included in the blog's title sort of puts me on a stricter schedule.  However, I have a good excuse:  24 years of marriage.

In 24 years we have raised 5 kids.  The last is leaving the nest this Fall.  Hope has been accepted to OSU.  This means we will be empty nesters.  I'm excited.  Kim?  Not so much.  However, it all makes sense.  I married Kim with a built-in family.  Leah was 7, Andy 4 and Clay 2 when we got together.  As a 23 year-old who was a full-time student and a part-time pastor, more than a few looked at me sideways when they saw what I was getting into.  Even now I get comments.  Joey, who recently turned 22, was hit with an epiphany when he realized that he is nearly as old as I was when I committed to a wife and 3 kids.

But God works in mysterious ways.  I wouldn't have it any different.  I was too young and dumb to know any different anyhow.  It all seemed natural and normal to me.  It worked.  We lived through the millions of soccer, basketball and baseball games, mixed in with karate, scouts and social drama.  

The thing is, I never ever regretted any of it.  I questioned my sanity at times and questioned the sanity of my family a lot.  But I can honestly say it was pretty much all good.  Any difficulties along the way was par for the course for any family of 7.

So I am thankful for my 24 years.  I invite you to think about what you are thankful for when it comes to the family you find yourself a part of.  I know it isn't all rosy, but you didn't expect it to be, right?  

So give thanks.  In another 24 years I might rewrite this blog, but I doubt my attitude about it will be much different.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Sharing A Bad Word In Church

 Hello Church,

Most people know me as someone who doesn't like to be in your face with religion.  In an attempt to be transparent, I am not always a fan of religion, per se.  I believe that sometimes religion can get in the way of living out the Christian Faith, ironically (a post for another day).  However, there comes a time when religion needs to just get a hold of us and shake things up in a more direct way.  The is called ....close your ears little ones..... 

evangelism  (gasp)

Over the years 'evangelism' has taken on negative connotation.  We have images of in-your-face Christians who somehow think they know what is best for you when you know they have no idea the kind of life you live.  It's a turnoff for sure.  It's one reason I didn't want to be a pastor.  

However, there are those moments.  Sometimes you just have to say the words, 'You need Jesus'.  'You need Jesus' or 'Do you know Jesus?' are a couple of phrases I have said over the years, but not often at all outside of a sermon.  Saying it in a sermon is easy for me because I assume that people are there to hear about Him.  But in a random conversation?  Too evangelical!

However, there have been moments.  Usually it comes when I am appalled with an attitude I see in a long-time church-goer.  Or I have said it in a half-joking way with someone who seems grumpy about their life (my wife have had numerous times to say it to me, but let's not encourage her).

Have you ever said, 'you need Jesus'?  Timing needs to be perfect and it needs to be said to the right person, but more direct methods of evangelism can work (i.e. standing on the corner of the street holding a Bible and shouting at people is not good timing, nor to the right person).  It can be done with someone with whom you have a healthy relationship with and who trusts you (i.e. not with someone with whom you are angry).  Good evangelism is done out of concern and care, not out of spite or frustration.

We are more used to the subtle approaches to evangelism, letting our church be seen through more casual community events, but not with too much pushiness.  This is because we know that a defensive person would never come visit us for worship.

But I invite you to look for that rare opportunity.  It might be passed off as a funny comment, but it might also plant a seed for future discussions.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Jesus Has A Dream

 Hello Church,

On this Martin Luther King Day, I am reminded of my personal desire for simple and decent equality.  The key word here, for this blog, is 'simple'.

It isn't a complicated matter.  Jesus was very obvious about unconditional love for all.  Though you might argue He didn't love the religious leaders all that much, He particularly focused on their behavior of treating others...well... unequally.

Unfortunately, today, it isn't a simple matter.  Combine the multiple layers of political agendas (i.e. pork barrel spending that turns a relatively simple bill into a 6,000 page document) with the national media who chooses to forego objective journalism and suddenly the simple concept of equality gets lost.  So what hope is there to get back to the simple matter of equality?

The Church

I'm a big fan of simple, straight forward sermons.  I'm also a fan of teachings that ignore all unspoken subtleties and undercurrents and hidden agendas.  It makes sense, then, that I'm a big fan of Jesus.

Theoretically, if the Church was in charge, we could get back to simple and decent.  It's only theoretical because the Church is made up of humans who tend to complicate matters (please read the 3rd paragraph again).  Even if we are able to scrape away multiple man-made agendas, the history of the Church isn't without it's pitfalls.

That said, authentic religious institutions who stick to Jesus can bring a purer and more straightforward approach to peace and justice and equality.  It takes strong leadership, for sure.... and an intentional desire to study Jesus and only Jesus.

So I don't believe it an accident that one of the biggest civil rights activists in our history was a leader of a church.  MLK, for sure, wasn't perfect.  History also uncovers his flaws.  However, that is the beauty of what we remember today because it was not MLK to whom we listened.  He was able to allow just enough of Jesus' agenda to be heard through his complicated and flawed life to bring a simple message to a complicated world.  

So be the Church.  Let enough of Jesus' simple agenda flow through your words and actions that it is what other people see and hear.  You'll have a much better chance to make someone's day much better.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Why I Choked Up In Worship Yesterday

 Hello Church,

I do have those moments when I cry.  It isn't often.  My kids can testify that they simply don't see me cry.  Truth is, in almost every moment, my rare times of tears come as I lead worship.

Yesterday was one of those days.  You can look it up on our podcast.  I don't really get proud or embarrassed by it.  I actually think I handle it okay when it happens.  I just stop talking for a few seconds and let the moment pass.  Then I continue.  Usually it only takes a few seconds.  Yesterday at the 9:00 service was different.

It came while reading the creed during the Congregational Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant.  I've read the creed a million times in my life.  It shouldn't have been such a hard thing to do.  But there are a couple of realities that smacked me in the face while I read it......

First, only I could ready it.  Normally, in that situation, we would be reading it together.  The reality of the pandemic and the protocols that were put in place discourages us from reading or singing together.  I think the idea of the congregation not getting the privilege to read it together as a Faith community saddened me more than I ever expected..... especially the creed... the one liturgy that explains the backbone of our Faith.  Stupid Covid.

Secondly, as we experience so much bitterness, anger and even hatred in our social and political world, it occurred to me that so many are trying to get through it without the Faith that the creed describes.  This is a foreign idea to me.  Without my Faith, I know I would be a much more hopeless and angry person.  If such people would just choose to embrace the Faith... even if it is another Faith... I believe it would ease our spirits and calm us down enough to do a better job of handling conflict.  And yet people, for some reason, conclude that the Christian Faith... any Faith... is somehow inconvenient or silly or detrimental or whatever.  This doubly saddens me.

The good news?  I got through it and read the creed.  And I'll get through stupid Covid.  And I'll get through the frustrations of our time.  Why?  Well.... read the creed and you'll understand.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

What's Up With The Attitude?

 Hello Church,

Most of Scripture isn't about what happens to you.  It is about how you respond to what happens to you.

For me, a new year brings an introspection of the old year.  To be clear, introspection is a look inward.  It is an examination of one's own feelings or thoughts.  It is an act of self awareness.  How do I think about how I felt?  How do I feel about what I thought?  How did I feel about what I did?

What about you?

The lack of introspection brings a lack of learning about one's self.  It's difficult to improve as a person if you don't evaluate how you have done in the past.  Yes, I know, 2020 was more than difficult than most years.  I am also the first to admit that I spent my share complaining (privately and publicly) about all that was happening around me.

But most of Scripture isn't about what happens to you.  It is about how you respond to what happens to you

We like to read about everything God did to us; for us; around us; with us; within us; in spite of us; etc.  However, large chunks of Holy Scripture describes how people responded to what was going on around them, whether events were caused by God or not.  

How did you respond in 2020?  How will you respond in 2021?

For me, 2021 is going to be an opportunity to better respond to events around me.... the way Scripture teaches:  empathy, compassion, grace, love and generally be more helpful.  Most of all, I want to do what Scripture describes the most about how people respond:  giving thanks to God.

I pray your introspection will bring you renewed intentions as you move into a new year.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe