Synod – Pneumatology

Posted on June 12, 2013 by teejtc

This is a slightly revised version of something I posted in 2011.

This Monday, I’ll be packing up my Bible, a few copies of the RCA’s Book of Church Order and Robert’s Rules, a bag of clothing, several bags of candy, and a half-a-dozen pounds of freshly roasted coffee, and my family in preparation for a week-long trip to Pella, IA  where I’ll be facilitating the Seminarian Seminar during our annual General Synod.

The Seminarian Seminar (affectionately known as “GS3”) is a unique group. It is, as far as I know, the only annual gathering of students from all three of our denominational ministry-preparation oversight agencies (the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and Western Theological Seminary). Over the course of our time together, these students will develop cross-agency relationships, learn about the generic work and ministry of the denomination and, of course, study the specific business taken up by this year’s Synod. Every year, my goal is to ensure that they are better prepared and better informed than many of the delegates will be.

As important as it is for them to understand the denomination’s work and polity, there is one lesson I believe is even more important: I hope they go home with a refocused pneumatology.

Pneumatology is the study (talk) of the Holy Spirit (pneuma= “spirit,” logos= “the study of”).

Many people are surprised to learn that the Reformed understanding of the Holy Spirit is slightly different than that taught by most Pentecostals (and assumed by most American Christians). I am not suggesting that either one is necessarily “right” or “wrong,” rather that our traditions emphasize different aspects of the Spirit’s work. Pentecostals tend to focus on the work of the Holy Spirit in the personal life of the individual. Reformed theology, on the other hand, tends to emphasize the work of God’s Spirit in the body of believers. Whereas a Pentecostal Christian would say “I have received a word from God,” a Reformed Christian is more likely to say “we have discerned God’s will together.”

I believe that this communal understanding of the Holy Spirit is one of the most beautiful aspects of our tradition. Even more importantly, I believe that the contemporary, American church needs to recapture it if we ever hope to mitigate against the disturbing overemphasis of the individual and underemphasis of the body.

There is no question that the Holy Spirit pours out gifts upon each of us; nor is there question that the Holy Spirit can and does work in (and through) each of us. As a body, however, we are able to see past personal blind spots and discern God’s voice even when – as individuals – we are unable (or unwilling) to hear it.

General Synod isn’t merely a gathering of “those people,” it is a gathering of “us” (I say this even though I’m not a delegate, do not have voice, and cannot vote).  As the Synod worships, prays, works, discerns, and votes, it is doing them on our behalf. Please keep the delegates and staff in your prayers as they prepare, travel, gather, and work.

Grace and peace,
`tim

Posted in Church, RCA, Religious, Synod 2013 | Leave a comment

Humming a Line from Your Favorite Sermon

Posted on May 24, 2013 by teejtc

Here’s my article for June’s Courant (Our church’s monthly newsletter).

Humming a Line from Your Favorite Sermon

When was the last time you went home from church humming a line from the sermon?  Not too recently, I’d bet.  How about the last time you were talking to a friend and referenced something from your absolute “favorite sermon?”  What?!  You don’t have a favorite sermon?!

Let’s try this one: What is the best way to get rid of a sermon-earworm (an annoying, repetitive section of a sermon that keeps repeating itself in your head throughout the day)?  You’ve never had a sermon-earworm?

Are you telling me that you don’t go home humming my sermons?

Of the hundreds of sermons you’ve heard over the years, you don’t have favorites?

You’ve never had a sermon-earworm keep you up at night?

Honestly, neither have I.  Sermons simply don’t work that way.  Neither, for the most part, do Sunday school lessons, or lectures, or even special presentations.  Sure, they each have an important place in the life of the church, but there’s little doubt that none of them come close to affecting our hearts and souls the way music does.

It makes sense.  Music changes us.  The simple act of singing (or even humming) is a full-body activity.  Sound waves resonate throughout our body cavities; they cause micro-movements in our bones and joints; they affect our muscles and lymphatic systems.  Music can soothe or grate on our nerves; it can affect our emotions; it may even have an impact on the release of chemicals and hormones.

It’s no wonder that music elicits more opinions (and occasionally more controversy) than almost any other topic or activity in the life of the church.  Changing a congregation’s music vocabulary (i.e. hymnal) can be divisive and immensely conflict-inducing.   In the case of our transition to Lift up Your Hearts, however, I expect the opposite.  A new hymnal can also be a breath of fresh air.  Hymnals provide us with the language we use to express our hopes, dreams, fears, beliefs, and prayers.  A new hymnal – like learning a new language – can give us the vocabulary we need to express ourselves in new ways.

Unlike sermons or lessons, music sticks with us and injects itself into our lives at the most unexpected times.  It enables us to be angry, when words would seem too harsh.  Hymns help us mourn when talking seems trite.  Songs can breathe new life into our prayers, especially in those times when we feel like our spoken prayers are bouncing off the ceilings.

You’ll be learning a “new worship language” over the next few months, as we become familiar with Lift up Your Hearts.  In many cases, it will be a familiar one.  Most of the songs we’ve regularly sung from our previous hymnal are in the new one; many old favorites are back, and (thanks to the advances in modern paper-technology) there are also hundreds of new hymns and songs (literally, hundreds!) in Lift up Your Hearts even though it’s almost exactly the same size as the hymnal we were using.  Here’s my promise: we’ll sing songs you love, ones you’ll learn to love, and a few that you’ll dislike and never love.

As we “break in” Lift up Your Hearts, I encourage you to be patient and inquisitive.  Page through the introduction (paying particular attention to the hymnal’s organization laid out on the Contents page).  Look up your favorite hymns (the index starts on page 1083) or tunes (tune index starting on page 1062).  Check out the genre index starting on page 1051 – it’s interesting and educational.  You may even find a new favorite setting of your favorite Bible verse(s) in the scripture index (starting on page 1070).  If you’re a musician you’ll find the piano typesetting easy to read and the chords remarkably usable (unlike in many contemporary hymnals).

Many of the changes that take place in congregations are difficult and the desperate reaction to unexpected situations and uncontrollable realities.  This change is joyful one – let’s have fun with it!

As always, I’d love to know your thoughts.  You know where to find me!

Posted in Church, Music, PRC - Courant | Leave a comment

First 2013 Synod Post

Posted on May 21, 2013 by teejtc

Synod 2013 is just around the corner and – to no surprise – it looks likely to be another one filled with excitement.  Today I’m giving a quick overview of what’s happening at Synod for the Rochester Classis meeting.

On the off chance that you’re not interested in reading through the 551-page .pdf of the workbook, here’s a copy of the handout I’m using today: Quick Overview of 2013 General Synod

It obviously doesn’t cover everything in the workbook, but I think it does introduce you to the lion’s share of the most interesting issues the delegates will be faced with.

Stay tuned for more – as usually, I’ll try to post updates during synod.

Grace and peace,
`tim

 

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Courant Article: All People

Posted on April 26, 2013 by teejtc

The following is my article for our church’s monthly newsletter, the Courant:

All People

I remember the first time I met someone I knew had AIDS.  It was the mid-90s.  It was DesMoines, Iowa.  I think I was a sophomore in college.

At the time, AIDS was a frightening, somewhat unknown, disease that people died from.  At the time, the acronym elicited images of two groups: gay men (otherwise known – by most of my religious community – as “guilty victims”) and African children (i.e. “innocent” victims).  I knew you couldn’t get AIDS from talking with someone who had it, but I remember being less certain about the idea of shaking hands, hugging, or sharing a bathroom.

Of course, a lot has changed in the last two decades.  AIDS is now a disease people live with.  I’ve known dozens of people with it – strangers, friends, classmates, colleagues – and I now know better than to be scared of them.   When I hear the term, it no longer automatically brings to mind a particular type of people.  Why?  Because I now know its effects men and women, gay and straight.  I now know that it doesn’t distinguish based on ethnicity or people-group.  It isn’t limited to a particular income bracket, or a specific religious (or non-religious) community.  AIDS, like cancer, is a fact of life in the 21st century.

Unlike cancer, however, the Christian Church often continues to stigmatize people with HIV/AIDS – trying to answer whether they’re “guilty” or “innocent” before determining if they’re welcomed or not.  Mention a friend diagnosed with “the C word” during the prayer time at church and people will sigh knowingly and find you after the service to offer their help and support.  Mention AIDS, and the room gets uncomfortably silent.

This is why I signed up for the Aids Red Ribbon Ride last year, and part of why I signed up for it again this year.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a fund-raising letter (although, of course, I am raising support again).  This is bigger than just whether or not I come up with the money I’ve committed to raise for a bike ride.  It’s about centering in on why the church exists (not just Pultneyville Reformed, but any Christian church).  As I see it, the Christian Church exists for two key purposes: (1) worshipping God, and (2) providing a context through which we embrace (personally) and promote (publicly) God’s love and grace to all people.

All people.

Not just the people who look like us or think like us.  Not just the people who love like us or have a similar income-tax bracket as we do.  Not just the people we’ve decided are “innocent” or those whose differences are familiar.

All people.

As you look at yourself and our congregation, can you see ways that we could live out those two priorities more fully?  Are there things we could do to help foster richer and more engaged worship?  Are there new or creative ways we can nurture personal growth and publicly promote God’s love and grace to everyone in the world around us?

Let me know!  I’ve love to hear your thoughts and dreams for the mission and ministry of our congregation!

Grace and peace,
`tim

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Romertopf Bread

Posted on April 2, 2013 by teejtc

Several months ago I was given a Romertopf.  I’ve looked at them before and thought they might be fun to play with (assuming I’d use one to prepare mostly meats).  The poor thing sat around for a while until I realized that there’s really very little difference between a Romertopf and a cloche other than price and shape (and the obvious fact that I have a Romertopf and don’t have a cloche.)  So, I decided to start baking bread it in.  (I know, those of you who know me well aren’t even remotely surprised.)

Turns out the little beastie works wonderfully for bread.  Indeed, the crust is crisper and slightly thinner (in a good way) than I’ve been able to consistently accomplish on my stone (with various steam-creation methods).  The only drawback was figuring out what recipe to use.

Generally speaking, I turn to Peter Reinhart when I want to make work-intensive breads and to Jeff Hertzberg & Zoe Francois for simple and easy loaves – both of whom have taught me that you can turn out great breads without putting much work into them if you give them enough time.

Good flavored bread requires little more than simple ingredients and plenty of time.  Everything else is negotiable.  Of course, you can make flavor-filled  breads by using a lot of ingredients, but when it comes to lean breads, quantity of flavor never makes up for quality.  You could add large amounts of butter or sugar, salt or cheese; you could even crush up a bullion cube (don’t laugh, I’ve done it!) – but it will never be better than a quality loaf of fresh, crusty bread made with simple ingredients and plenty of time.  In any case – here’s my recipe (heavily based on Jeff and Zoe’s approach in Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day).

Romertopf Bread

(aka: Easier-than-going-to-the-store Bread)

bread

Recipe:

  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 tsp. Yeast
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 2 cups Flour (All-Purpose) (feel free to use a little high-gluten flour or wheat)

Yep, that’s it.

Pour the water into a medium-sized bowl.  Dump in the yeast and the salt.  Let it sit for just a second, then add the flour.  Mix it until the flour is all worked in (you’ll probably want to use your hands to work in the last little bit of flour).  Don’t worry about working out all the lumps or getting a nice dough – as long as everything’s mixed together reasonably well, time will take care of the rest.  Anyhow, dump it back in the bowl and cover the bowl with saran wrap.  Let it sit at room temperature.  (Note: this is a high-hydration recipe – it can be sticky.  That’s good!)

I let it sit for 4 hours… or 5… or 6… or 3….

If that makes you feel like you’re not doing enough, sprinkle a little flour over the top and punch it down a little after a few hours to help increase the gluten development and then, dump it back into the bowl until you’re read to bake it.

When you’re about ready to bake it, (read that sentence well: when you’re ready to bake it, this is a recipe that’s supposed to work with your schedule!) sprinkle some flour on top and shape it into a pudgy bâtard (if you have Jeff and Zoe’s book, check out their “cloaking” method – it works really well here) and put your Romertopf (and its lid) in the oven at 450 degrees.  Preheat the oven (with the Romertopf in it) for a half an hour or 45 minutes while the shaped loaf rises a little.  Then, score the loaf and dump it (scored-side up) in the Romertopf.  Bake for 20-25 minutes with the lid on, then for another 5-10 with the lid off (or until the loaf reaches the color you desire – I like golden brown, some people seem to prefer darker.) Cool for at least 45 minutes before cutting.

You’ll be surprise at how easy it is – it’s actually easier to make this bread than it is to get into your car and go buy a loaf at the store!  Even more importantly – it turns out great!

A quick note: if you’re not used to making lean breads like this – breads without butter, oil, sugar, etc., you should know that they dry out pretty quickly.  Don’t keep them it in a plastic bag (it will ruin the crust and make the crumb sticky).  Keep your loaf on a cutting board on your counter.  Slice off of one side and, after slicing, put that side down on the cutting board.  This will keep it reasonably fresh for a few days.  By day 3, you may want and put it in the microwave for 8-12 seconds – that will warm it up and soften it.  By day 4 it’ll be pretty dry (but shouldn’t be moldy!) and is best used as croutons or in bread salads or bread pudding.

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April 2013 Courant Article: It’s Election Time Again

Posted on March 28, 2013 by teejtc

Here is my monthly article for our church newsletter, the Courant:

It’s Election Time Again

It’s that time of year again.  Letters have gone out; the list has been made; a meeting is scheduled, and – in a few short weeks – Pultneyville Reformed Church will be electing three people to the upcoming Consistory (2 Elders and 1 Deacon).  As a minister, I’m always extremely interested in Consistory elections.  Why?  Because I watch the entire process from the outside.

Some people are surprised to learn that I don’t have any direct influence in the nomination process and don’t have a vote in the elections.  Nonetheless, I will work closely with the people elected for the next several years.  It is, after all, the Consistory that determines the direction of our congregation’s ministry as well as provides oversight over every area of our congregational life (including my job).  On a personal level, these men and women have immense influence over my daily life, my (and my family’s) living situation, my (and my family’s) health and wellbeing, my ability to live into what I believe God is calling me to, and of course, my future (professional and financial).  The Consistory makes decisions that can (and will) affect me and my family for the rest of our lives.

From a community standpoint, Consistory elections can also have a dramatic effect on a congregation’s future.  Consistories influence how ministry is organized and focused; they determine what resources are used and what they’re used for.  They impact how a congregation follows through with what it says it wants to be.  Indeed, Consistories make decisions that inherently effect whether or not a congregation will even continue to exist.

Obviously, then, my interest in Consistory elections is far broader than just how it influences me.  I’m also interested in what it says about our future – and equally as importantly – what it says about who and what our congregation is in the present.  The people this congregation elects reflect a unique combination of what we believe about ourselves, what we currently are (which is sometimes different from what we think we are), and what the congregation hopes to become.

It’s important to remember that Consistory elections are different from the kinds of elections we see in other areas of our lives.  Consistory elections have no place for popularity, power, or wealth; unlike in politics, campaigning is usually a sign of a problem, and – perhaps most importantly – Consistory elections are about calling men and women to a ministry that they’ve already proven themselves committed to.  In other words, Consistory elections are about lifting up people who are already engaged and active in the life and ministry of the congregation and placing them – for a time – in an official position of leadership.

Why is that so important?  That is question any Consistory member can answer!  It’s important because leadership in the church can be immensely difficult and is often messy.  The decisions Consistories have to make are seldom simple and rarely have clear, “black and white” answers. Paul doesn’t warn about putting new believers in positions of leadership (1 Tim. 3) because he doesn’t like them, or doesn’t trust them, or doesn’t think they have the skills to do the job.  He warns about it because he recognizes that it can be destructive to them as well as the congregation.  Every minister has seen it: someone “puts in their time” on Consistory and then disappears.  It happens with sad frequency.  Why?  There are many reasons, but often because they were put in a position they weren’t ready for and it burned them out.  Some people never recover.

I never tell people whom to nominate or vote for; indeed, any minister who does is treading on dangerous ground.  However, let me remind you – this is more than a matter of filling spots and finding people who are “willing” to serve.  The men and women you elect to Consistory will help determine this congregation’s future.  Be prayerful.  Be observant.  Choose wisely.  God is always willing to guide those who are eager to follow.

As always, if you’d like to discuss this further, that’s what I’m here for!

Posted in Church, Consistory, PRC - Courant, Religious | Leave a comment

It’s Holy Week….

Posted on March 25, 2013 by teejtc

Do you know what that means?

Easter is coming?  Yes, but that’s not what I’m talking about.

Those little crack-like Mini Eggs are about to go extinct? Yes, sadly, but that’s not what I’m talking about.

Ironically, thousands of people will serve ham on a holiday that has one of the strongest Jewish connections of any holiday on the Christian Calendar?  Yes, again, but that’s not what I’m talking about either.

It’s Holy Week, so Facebook will be overwhelmed with some of them most inane “religious” postings of the entire year?

Bingo!

For the next week or two, you will be treated to an overflowing, plastic-grass lined basketful of the most nauseating religious absurdities to coalesce in a single place.  You have two options: laugh or cry.

I choose the former (usually….)

So, for the next week, I’m keeping my eyes out for things to share.  If you find a good one, pass it on – I’d love to add it to my collection!  To start us out, I’ll offer one I ran across yesterday:

JesusSeriously?  Someone thinks that they can boil down the Christian faith to the two options of either clicking LIKE or keep SCROLLING?  I won’t get on my soapbox about the American obsession with all-things transactional when it comes to evangelism and religious conversion… but this one takes the cake.

Here I thought being “Christian” meant trying to living like Jesus lived and love like God loves… I thought there were something in this whole “Christian” thing about seeking justice for the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and ensuring a safe place to live for all people.  I’ve imagined “Christianity” to include things like heath, safety, clean water, reconciliation (with God and one another).  I’ve gone so far as to suggest that “Christianity” includes the the generous worship of a gracious God…  To think, all I had to do was click “like.”  Why didn’t someone tell me that before I wasted all that time and money on a BA, MDiv, and D.Min?  I could have just gotten a certificate in photoshop!

OK,  I got you started!  E-mail me your best ones, maybe I’ll pass them on!

Grace and peace,
`tim

Posted in Humor, Kevetching | Leave a comment

A little advice for new pastors…

Posted on March 13, 2013 by teejtc

Here are a few things I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!)  Anyone else have something to add?

Generic:

  • Most hospitals have a credentialing program.  It doesn’t take much and it’s worth it for the perks you get (usually free or reduced rate parking, sometimes more).  You can be credentialed at multiple hospitals.
  • Know the basics of Robert’s Rules: Motion, Second, Discussion, Vote.
  • Determine at least one shelf where you put books you are not willing to lend out.  Then, do not lend them out.  It’s great to share your library, but some things are important or expensive enough that you cannot risk people losing them or not having them back when you need them.
  • Whomever begins your worship sets the tone.  If you have a good worship leader, great!  If not, do it yourself.  A flubbed opening will affect the entire service.
  • Decide your view (and your congregation’s) on fraternities right away.  You will eventually be asked whether or not the Masons, or Elks, or something else can take part in a funeral service.  Know what your policy is before being asked (Yes? No? Yes to some?  Only in the fellowship hall?  Only after the benediction?  Etc.)
  • Have a wedding policy.  What do you require of couples who want you to do their wedding?  Do you require Christian prayer?  Scripture?  Sermon?  Are your requirements different if the service is inside a church or in someone’s back yard?
  • Do funerals for anyone – at the church, too, if they want it (and try to make it possible for them to be free for families who cannot afford it.)
  •  With or without a pulpit, it’s important that congregations see a Bible in worship (even if you’re reciting your text from memory).  Visual symbols are important.
  • Never preach a sermon to a single individual… it isn’t fair to the individual or the congregation.
  • Never try to preach a “special” sermon (great advice I got from a minister I interned under) – make all of them the best they can be for a particular time and context.   “Special” sermons inevitably end up either gimmicky or flop.
  • When a sermon flops, don’t worry about it.  That happens – occasionally several times in a row.
  • If you’re preaching a sermon series and decide, a few sermons in, that it isn’t working.  Stop.  Plodding forward is just painful for everyone.
  • The “way we’ve always done it” may, indeed, not be the way it’s always been done, but you’re still treading on dangerous ground if you want to change it (although it may be worth it!)
  • Anything that has to do with flags, the military or national holidays is – for many congregations – going to get you in trouble.  It doesn’t matter how accurate your theology is.  People don’t think rationally when these topics are brought up in church.
  • Remember (and help your congregation remember) that military people are not the only ones risking their lives.  Missionaries are often risking life, limb, family, and finances too – but without governmental back-up.  Martyrdom has been a reality for Christians since the beginning.
  • Your job is not to do the congregation’s ministry.  Your job is to equip the congregation so that they can minister to both one another and the world.
  • A laudable end never justifies a passive-aggressive or faulty means.
  • Keep record of when you preach on a particular passage (I write it in the top margin of my “workbook Bible” – the Bible I use as a “workbook” for exegetical work and notes) .
  • Re-exegete a passage every time you preach on it (the message you preach will change over time and in a different context.)
  • Different congregations have different feelings on alcohol and tobacco.  Do what you want, but remember people will judge you for it (whether you do or don’t).  No, it isn’t fair, but it’s true.
  • Some of your loudest opponents will be people who seldom come to worship, seldom attend anything, and are not likely to change no matter what you do or don’t do.   Try not to waste all your energy on people who aren’t going to change anyhow (and probably don’t want to!)
  • Some of your biggest proponents will not be a year or two down the road.  Be careful what you tell them – it may come back to bite you in the butt.
  • Rational and theologically sound arguments can never settle an emotional conflict.
  • Don’t expect to get rich in ministry; do expect to be paid consistently with what the congregation makes.  If they pay you far more than they make, you’re in for conflict; if they pay you less than they make, it’s a sign of a problem.
  • Building projects can be times of great hope and expectation… they are often also times of great conflict.
  • Some people will dislike you because they think you’re like someone else.  Others will dislike you because they think you’re not like someone else.  You can’t change either one.   In the same way some people will like you because they think you’re like someone else.  Others will like you because they think you’re not like someone else.  Don’t take too much comfort in it either way – it won’t last.  (Remember learning about transference in seminary?  Oh, and counter-transference is equally as as important to remember.)
  • There are a lot of good people and a lot of mean people in churches.  You would think there should be more of the former than the latter, but that isn’t always the case.

Music:

  • When choosing music for Ash Wednesday and/or Lent, make sure to read all the verses carefully – often the last verse or two dips into Easter and may not be appropriate.
  • Music can be used in multiple places – just because it’s listed as an “opening” hymn in your hymnal, for example, doesn’t mean it can’t be used in other parts of the worship service.
  • One of the first questions to answer about a congregation’s music is how and when they stand.  Do they stand right away?  Do they wait until the last phrase of the introduction?  Does the minister (or worship leader) tell them when to stand?  Figuring it out quickly keeps you from looking dumb.
  • If you sing a song with a familiar tune (even if it has a different hymn-text) people will often receive it with less criticism.
  • The Psalms were good enough for Jesus – use them, at least occasionally, in worship.
  • Changing hymnals is a huge process.  Adding a supplement, however, isn’t as big of a deal and often accomplishes the same thing.

Sacraments:

  • When preparing the water for baptism, put HOT water in the font, it will be warm (but, at least, not cold) by the time you get to that part of the service.
  • RCA folk: using the constitutional communion liturgy doesn’t actually take as long as you think it does if you’re prepared and have practiced it well enough to read it artistically.  Chances are it even takes less time than you would doing something extemporaneously.
  • If you’re breaking a loaf of bread during the communion liturgy, don’t cut it first.  An uneven break looks better than half-a-break that’s clearly been cut.
  • Yes, Jesus used wine.  Nonetheless, no amount of argument, will convince most puritan-influenced Americans to give up their grape juice (even though, yes, many of them drink wine at home.)

Clothing:

  • Whatever you decide to wear as your daily “get up,” it will tell people something about you – probably multiple things (positive and negative).  Make the decision wisely, you don’t have to like it, but it is true.
  • If you’re buying a robe, try walking up a few stairs with a sample (if possible); the best length is one that doesn’t get caught on your toes when you’re going up stairs.  Also, have a good reason for buying the kind of robe you buy – there is a theology attached to it (alb?  Genevan gown? etc.)

Grace and peace,
`tim

Posted in Church | 4 Comments

These could be yours!

Posted on March 5, 2013 by teejtc

Hand Spun… Handknit…

2013-03-05 16.28.23These are about Men’s S or Women’s S/M… 100% wool… they’re thick, soft, warm, comfy and PERFECT for the rest of this season and many seasons to come! Unlike modern synthetics – these will stay warm even when they’re wet from all that melted snow!

THEY COULD BE YOURS — Simply head on over to www.tenclay.org and donate $150 to help me reach my fundraising goal for this summer’s AIDS RED RIBBON RIDE (first one to donate gets ‘em.)

That’s what you call “2 birds with one stone” – warm hands and making a difference for some really great people!

Not into mittens?  Keep watching, there may be more…

Grace and peace,
`tim

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Essere Chiesa Insieme

Posted on February 24, 2013 by teejtc

For those of you who follow these things, here’s my article for our church newsletter, the Courant, this month:

“Essere Chiesa Insieme”

As most of you have heard by now, my trip to Italy was a remarkable experience. Many of you have seen some of the pictures I took while I was in Rome, but I haven’t spent much time talking about the thing that I found most incredible.

Before I get to that, let me give you a little history: The Waldensians were a “reformation” group almost four centuries before Martin Luther. They were committed to emulating the poverty of Jesus’ earliest disciples, and focused on teaching and preaching the scriptures. In 1184 they were declared “schematics” by Pope Lucius III, and in 1215 the Fourth Lateran Council declared them heretics, in large part because – after multiple warnings – they continued to preach and teach the scriptures even though they weren’t priests. Over the centuries the Waldensians have survived (even, at times, thrived) through poverty, war, famine, political discrimination, religious intolerance, and multiple formal attempts to exterminate them. It wasn’t until February 17, 1848 that they were given civil liberty and the freedom to worship. To this day, Waldensians in the “Waldensian Valleys” (on the border between Italy and France) celebrate on the eve of that historic declaration by lighting bon fires.

In essence, the Waldensians were the Italian Reformed Church until 1975 when they joined with the Italian Methodist Church. The two denominations remain united as the “Union of Waldensian and Methodist Churches,” and while there continue to be “Waldensian” and “Methodist” congregations, they exist in full communion with one another under a single denominational umbrella. Although they are a small denomination and (as protestants in Italy) a tiny minority, the Waldensian/Methodist Church has become the most recognized protestant group in Italy and is highly respected for a deep commitment to justice, ecumenism, and inter-faith cooperation.

The entire experience was eye-opening and enlightening, but one of the most interesting topics of our discussion was the Waldensian/Methodist commitment to “Essere Chiesa Insieme.” “Essere Chiesa Insieme” is Italian for “Being Church Together.” Not unlike the US, Italy is conflicted with how to respond to a large immigrant community. It is made even more difficult by the fact that Italy’s economy is extremely fragile and their unemployment rate is soaring (almost 40% for people under 30!) These are problems for the church as well as the government. What kind of response should a church have to immigrants? Does it matter if they’re documented or not? How does the church care for immigrants and – recognizing that many of them were leaders in their home congregations and are highly gifted – how does the church integrate them into the life and ministry (and leadership!) of the church? (In other words, how do congregations ministering with people, rather than just to them?)

The easy answer would be: don’t bother. Italians can go to Italian churches; Ghanaians can go to Ghanaian churches, and anyone who crosses those lines has to remake themselves to “fit in” wherever they go. It would be the easy answer because each group can worship in their own language, use their own music, and follow their own liturgies. The easy answer, however, divides people in a way that seems inconsistent with Jesus’ intent. There is no question that the Christian faith calls us to reject human distinctions and – as God’s children united in Christ by the Holy Spirit – to “be together.”

This “being Church together” has led the Waldensian/Methodist Church to take a more difficult approach: integrating people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and languages into local congregations – intentionally discerning what each congregation is going to look like and to continue changing as the makeup of congregations evolve. As you can imagine, this is always difficult and often painful – especially for those who “were here first.”

About two days into the conference, it struck me that we, too, need a commitment to “being Church together.” It isn’t enough to simply say: if you want to be a part of us, you have to become like us. “Being Church together” means recognizing that as each new person becomes a part of a congregation (or leaves), “us” changes. “We” are no longer what “we” used to be. The questions we need to ask are no different than the ones the Waldensian/Methodist Church is asking: How do we minister with one another? What changes do we need to make in structure, liturgy, language, worship, leadership, ministry, etc. in order to respond to the fact that “we” are different than two years ago, or ten years ago, or fifty? What questions are we responding to with outdated (or inaccurate) answers? What do we need to ask that we’ve never asked before?

As always, I hope you drop me an e-mail or, better yet, let me buy (or make) you a cup coffee; I’d love to hear what you think.

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