Just Thinking

Positioning

2010-10-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

We are in the midst of major-league baseball playoff action and us here in the Upper Midwest are especially interested as we watch our Minnesota Twins. One of the interesting things for me to watch in a baseball game is how managers move their players around during the game. Most of the movement is preparation for the current hitter and trying to anticipate where he might hit the ball or where he might be running during the action. Sometimes the defensive player makes his own changes but often the managers will discern the correct positioning of the player in a particular situation. That makes a lot of sense to me. If you are not putting yourself into a position where you can "receive" the action and accomplish your job, you will find the real action passing you by.

I am very interested in the concept of "positioning" as it relates to worship. If we come to worship with the idea that all I need to do is be present - often the action comes (and goes) without us even knowing it was there. If, on the other hand, we take the time to intentionally position ourselves for worship and "position" ourselves to "receive the action," the chances of us having a powerful experience in worship are greatly increased.

How do we do that? How do we make sure that we have done everything possible to be in the right place, to receive what God has for us?

The first thing to do is Focus. When you are about ready to worship, spend a moment to think about where you are and what you are about to do. That sounds silly, but too often we sit down, read through the bulletin and then music starts and we are on our way. But, beware - you might be in the right ballpark but haven't thought through where you need to be positioned to receive the action.

The second thing to do is Pray. I know that if I will pause to pray I have a better chance of focusing of the task at hand. If I do not stop long enough to initiate my conversation with God, I am going to be in the right ballpark, playing the right game, but just really along for the ride and not part of the action.

The third thing to do is Pay Attention, be engaged, in the event. Sometimes it is difficult to accomplish; worship drags, music is uninspiring, the sermon is boring, etc. The "game" might not be the most exciting you have ever attended but for the player(s) it still requires all your attention to the events of the game. I am always amazed at how much the Holy Spirit can accomplish in the midst of "less than dynamic" worship. There will be many leaving the service disappointed, but for those who positioned themselves for worship, they have received a message for God. That is the great promise.

I wonder how many great "plays" I missed in the game because my mind was somewhere else and the ball got by me before I even saw it come off the bat? I am afraid there are more than I want to admit. But, my hope and prayer is that I will pay better attention in the future and always remember to position myself for that which is to come.

Just thinking...

Serendepity

2010-09-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

It's funny how things happen sometimes. In The Plainsman, our local newspaper, there are daily quotes located throughout the paper. Some of them are interesting, others somewhat blah, while others I just overlook entirely. Many of the people quoted I have never heard of.

Recently I noticed one that said, "If you want to get across an idea, wrap it up in person." by Ralph J. Bunche, American diplomat (1904 - 1971). The quote was sort of interesting, but nothing earth-shattering and I had never heard of Ralph Bunche. So, I did something that I normally do not take time for: I "googled" him to see just who in the world this guy was.

I want you to know that I was pleasantly surprised at all the wonderful information on this special individual. You can get his complete bio at (http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1950/bunche-bio.html).
Suffice it to say, this receipient of the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize and an African American statesman who was as powerful an influence in international affairs as he was in the Civil Rights movement, is someone we need to know about.

I would never have known of this important individual had I not taken a little time to be inquisitive. Don't get me wrong - I am not pointing fingers at anyone (except maybe myself), but there is a lot more information available than we take time to explore. I don't have the time to check out everything that I don't know, but I plan on being a little more sensitive (and inquisitive) in the future.

Angel Flight

2010-09-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

I just got through viewing the video for the song "Angel Flight" and wanted to share some "chaplain thoughts." You might want to check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgkxiqKj0nU

I used to wonder why so many "old soldiers" would start to cry when seeing the flag pass in a parade, hearing the National Anthem, or just being reminded of days long past when they served their country. When I was on active duty, I was often present at the "Passing of the Colors," joined in the singing of the National Anthem, conducted memorial services, and so many other events that are part and parcel of the life of a military chaplain. I was intimately aware of all the things going on around me and throughout the world. I, like most military members, was very proud of my service and endeavored to be the best professional possible. I dealt with it quite well. So, why not so many tears during my service?

I think it has a lot to do with being in the midst of the events, trying to do the job, and then moving on to the next mission (guaranteed to be waiting). You just don't always have the time to reflect.

Well, I admit that I have now become an "old soldier" myself and find myself shedding tears all too quickly these days. Sometimes it is the flag passing by in a parade, the National Anthem, a patriotic song, or even a television story of some military member “doing the right thing” in a difficult situation. The difference these days is that I now have the luxury of being far enough removed from the action that I can finally let it speak to me. Isn't that the real issue - being able to let an event really speak to you rather than just responding to it? I think it is.

If there is a lesson for those who still serve, it is the need to experience some of this “old soldier” phenomenon. Find some time to pause and let the events around you "speak" to you. It isn't easy, I know, and yet the power of reflection can be very invigorating - and you might just need to be invigorated.

Every time I serve the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, I remind the people that this is one of the special times in our week that we can pause, look back, and remember. The truth is that when we do that, there is a wonderful discovery of the "feeling" of the great gift Christ has given us. Not just a reminder of the event, but a real feeling of the event. That is the real need during the sacrament - memory alone is not enough.

The Operational Tempo in the military is difficult to keep up with (on a good day) but if we cannot carve out time to pause and reflect, we will miss the opportunity to be invigorated. I must also say that all of this is equally true for those not in the military that might be reading this. All of us go through life entirely too quickly without pausing and letting our experiences speak to us.
My only problem with this is that I am all too often just like you – too busy to stop and “feel.” Too busy making sure that things get done well and on time. Too busy making sure the mission is accomplished - without ever experiencing the emotion and power of the moment.

Maybe, just maybe, if we ask (and try hard), God will give us the wisdom needed for the days ahead.

Just Thinking

Remembering Sermons

2010-08-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

If I asked you, "What was last Sunday's sermon title?" or "What was last Sunday's sermon about?" could you answer correctly? I doubt it. Now, hold on a minute, don't get riled up - I have the same problem!! Well, I might remember my personal sermon since I worked on it for some time, but other sermons are another issue all together.

While I would feel good to have everyone remember all the wonderful words I spoke, the reality is that MY words are just that - WORDS. I want to share some thoughts on the most memorable and powerful sermons I ever heard, and cannot remember.

The first sermon that comes to mind is the one Billy Graham preached in the early 1960s at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. I was an Explorer Scout and we were ushers at the crusade. At the end of the sermon I was sitting on the grass toward the back. Billy Graham made an altar call and I went forward. I was 15 years old, and suddenly felt like I was pulled up from the ground and led forward. I don't have a clue what Billy preached about that day, but something in that sermon and that service opened my heart for the Holy Spirit to speak to me.

The second sermon was preached by a U.S. Air Force Chaplain in May of 1964 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. I was in my first or second week of basic training and attending an outdoor worship service (I recall being on the back row!!). As the service was ending, the chaplain walked off the stage. I remember it was to my right as I looked at the stage. While he was walking off, I received what we refer to as - "my call to preach." It was as clear as if I had read it on a billboard and it was so powerful a message that I have never doubted it these 46 years. But, I don't have the slightest clue as to what the chaplain preached about. For all I know, he might have just stood up there and said nothing, but SOMETHING he said caused me to position myself to receive a message that the Holy Spirit had for me.

The third sermon (actually, more than one) was preached by a fellow Army chaplain at Ft. Monmouth, NJ in 1984. I was in the Chaplain's Advanced Course and attended services on Sunday at the Main Post Chapel. The Associate Pastor was a relatively new friend, a fellow United Methodist, and a contemporary of mine (we were both Majors). I had been preaching regularly since I started college (1969) and considered myself a fairly "seasoned" pastor and preacher. When my friend would preach, though, I found myself glued to his sermon in a way that was different from most other preachers. He would capture my attention from his very first word and I marveled at his ability to truly "preach." I'm sorry, but I don't remember any of the particulars of the sermons these 26 years later, but I know that through his messages, his demeanor, and his talent, he opened me to the Holy Spirit in such a way that I became a much better (I certainly hope) communicator of the Word. In fact, I might go so far as to say that he really taught me how to preach.

As you might notice, the common denominator in all this is the Holy Spirit. We who are preachers must never forget that our words; our actions; are just simply that - OURS. When we understand that our words and actions are only vehicles through which we convey God's words, then we finally become preachers. When you who are not preachers approach the spoken word with an expectation that the words and actions of the preacher are just merely a way for you to get in touch with God's Spirit - you are on the brink of a great breakthrough in your spiritual life.

I hope that in the future you won't feel too badly if you can't remember the sermon title. But I hope that you might be able to remember what, in your heart and soul, was stirred by the message.

BUT - if you happen to rmember the title, that is cool too!

Just Thinking.

Madam Secretary

2010-08-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

Don't be fooled by these past two posts - I don't normally read voluminous books. I am normally in the middle of a book by Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, Lee Child, or other like-minded author. Afterall, after dealing with reality all day, nothing says relaxation like a good murder mystery!!!

But, last night I finished an outstanding book: "Madam Secretary: A Memoir by Madeleine Korbel Albright." Another 664 page book, but one well worth the time and effort. I admit that the only reason I bought it was that I found it at Dollar Tree for $1.00. You just can't pass by something like that. It was one of the best investments I have made in a long time.

As you know, Madeleine Albright served as U.N. ambassador and then, following the resignation of Warren Christopher, as Secretary of State - the FIRST female in that position. I have never identified myself with any political party and would not normally consider spending any great time reading a politician's memoir. This is a wonderful exception. I must admit that I have a much greater appreciation of her, in particular, and the job of Secretary of State, in general.

First of all let me say - Madeline Albright is a wonderful writer and keeps you mesmerized with stories of her early life as well as of her service to our great country. I picked this book up one night because nothing else was close by. I thought I would just read through a few pages and see what it was like. I think I stopped reading about 2:00 a.m. From that point on, I was hooked. Her early life is facinating; her behind-the-scenes-stories of world events will captivate you.

I wanted to share this with you because I am very aware that I could have easily missed a great read because of my short-sightedness. I now have another rather large memoir of George Tenet (former head of the CIA) at home that I just might open some day soon. Yes, I got it at Dollar Tree too, but...

Just Thinking

2010-08-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

Sacred Fire

2010-08-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

Pray for me! I am starting a new book today, "George Washington's Sacred Fire," by Peter A. Lillback. The reason for prayer is that it is only 843 pages long with another 400 or so pages of supporting documents! By the way, I don't currently have plans to read all of the supporting documents.

The reason I bought this book, which is a #1 National Best Seller, is that it is a definitive work dealing with the question, "was George Washington a Christian or merely a Deist?." I think this is an important question whose answer can more clearly identify some of the reasons for the situation(s) in which we find ourselves.

I look forward to the arguments in this book, even with its length, because I believe that we have been slowly led into believing that Christian principles and Godly leaders had less to do with the beginnings of our nation than was actually the fact. While we do not want to hold up some "holier than thou" attitude to the world, I believe that we are a great country because our founding leaders decided to form a nation based on Godly Precepts.

I admit that even if the book makes a powerful argument for Washington being a Christian, the question still remains, "So What?." Well, the answer might rest in the notion that anytime you forget your past (both good and bad), your future is shakey at best.

Yesterday on ESPN there was much discussion about football teams and their chances in the 2010 race to be World Champions. One recurring theme within discussions of all the teams was the danger of forgetting their strangths and going in other directions. Teams that have become strong franchises because they have been powerful defensive teams are now forgetting that and trying to beef-up their offence - to the detriment of "what brought them to the dance." The bottom line is - that will ultimately lead to mediocrity, at best, and complete failure at the worst.

Isn't that what we might be seeing in our country? I know it isn't clearly "black and white," but there seems to be a correlation between not holding fast to our Christian heritage and the breakdown of our society; our government; our leaders.

Maybe the thing that bothers me most is that modern society seems to want to discount anyone who claims Christ. Since the early part of the 20th century, historians in particular, and society in general, have decided that one of the greatest leaders this nation has ever experienced, was only a bland-type believer, at best, and his leadership style and his great accomplishments should not really be attributed to his ardent faith in Christ.

Well, we will see.

The Beginning

2010-06-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Needless to say, I have neglected my blog for quite a while. I will endeavor to be better in the future.

I was reading a devotion in the 75th Anniversary edition of the Upper Room today. The article was from 1976 and told the story of a young boy praying for the return of his dog. It reminded me of my first encounter with prayer.

I suppose I was in the 1st or 2nd grade when my mother told me that Papa (my grandfather and her father) had had a heart attack. My memory is of being out in the front yard, thinking about him and beginning to pray that God would help him. I don't know why I did that. We weren't a church family and did not have prayer in our home. Nevertheless, here I stood in the front yard, a simple young boy praying a simple prayer.

The exciting part of this story is that soon mother told me that Papa was doing much better and was going to be OK. I remember that day as if it were today. I thought to myself, "Prayer really does work and God even listened to me." I don't think I ever shared that experience with my mother, but I believe that it was the very beginning of the journey that has taken me to this point in my life.

This memory is important because it reminds us that:
a. Prayer really does work.
b. God listens to even the smallest of children, even in places where little Christian influence is present.
c. We must never underestimate the significance of even the smallest of events in our lives.

I am glad I spent some time with the Upper Room today and encourage you to carve out even a short period of time each day to focus your thoughts on God and his love for you. And, thanks to the Upper Room for 75 years of spreading the good news all over the world - especially in mine.

Brett Favre, Me, and God

2009-08-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

If you live in the Upper Midwest like I do, the announcement of Brett Favre signing with the Vikings is akin to The University of Alabama announcing they are shutting down their football program. It is frontpage, watercooler, coffee-time, television, NEWS. You notice that news is capitalized - for indeed it is THE news around here.

Having been born in Knoxville, TN (home of the University of Tennessee) and raised in Alabama (my mother was born in Tuscaloosa, Al - home of the University of Alabama), I know something about football rivalries. So, it is little wonder that Brett has made big news by coming to the Vikings (his long, hated rival).
I bring all of this up because I think there is a good lesson to learn here - and it has little to do with football (unless, of course, Brett is responsible for a win over my Tennessee Titans - but I digress).

The real issue here is about doing what you love and not letting age get into the equation. There is certainly a time when age is THE determining factor in decisions, but as I get older I realize that many of us use the "age card" too quickly and easily. As I look at the scriptures I find that God has always had the expectation that we would continue till we could not continue. The scripture references are too numerous to mention, but you know, all too well, many of the Bible stories.

I always told my family that I was not excited about turning 60 – that was just a number. However, I was looking forward to turning 62 because then I could tell the Social Security Administration, “Show me the money!!!” Now, a strange thing happened on the road to 62. I wound up in Huron, SD last year, just a month and a half prior to my 62nd birthday, as the pastor of First United Methodist Church. And, by the way, there hasn’t been a call to Social Security yet! Man, how did that happen?

When I was in the midst of a very short retirement, I began to feel the tugging of the Spirit and the feeling that I was still very able to do that which I had been called to do. Now I will tell you – I was enjoying retirement. There is nothing bad about that at all, but I came to realize that there is nothing that can replace “doing what you.” There are certainly times I dream of being back home, feeding the birds, building my crude birdhouses, playing with grandchildren, and enjoying sitting on the back porch with my wife, sipping iced tea. But for now, I am doing, not just what I feel called to do, but what I enjoy doing and (hopefully) am successful at.

Back to Brett. I hope people don’t get carried away with petty rivalries too much. Here is a man who truly loves what he does and just can’t seem to keep from doing it. Don’t be too critical. In fact, I wish more people would begin to say, “You know, I’m not as young as I used to be, but I can still do a lot of things.” The world in general, and the church in particular, would be a grater place.

Just Thinking.

Sermon prep for 8/9/09

2009-08-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

I am finishing up the sermon for Sunday. The title is "Run Faster?" It is the second of a two-part series on the topic "Busy, Busy, Busy." One great quote I came across in preparation for Sunday came from Jack Welch, while still serving as CEO of General Electric, who said:

If someone tells me, "I'm working 90 hours a week," I say, "You're doing something terribly wrong. I go skiing on the weekend. I go out on Friday. Make a list of 20 things that make you work 90 hours, and ten of them have to be nonsense."

I am not using this quote in the sermon, so you get this as a freebie for reading the blog!!! However, it really speaks to our tendency to "run, run, run" with little time to just to stop and rest for a while.

The preview for the sermon is found in Mark 6 when Jesus says to his disciples (after a very hectic time of ministry), "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." (NLT).

Wow! That is the last thing we really want to hear most days and yet is what we must begin to practice if we want to maintain that deep relationship with Jesus that is so important. I know that my day can begin with so many things that keep me occupied till I suddenly notice that it is already the end of the day.

This "REST" business is not as easy as it seems (or should be). In fact, when Jesus said that to them, they went away but were able to only spend a very, very, short time resting before the people showed up. But, even the short time of rest with Jesus can provide many dividends down the road.

So, here I am, wondering what I can do in the midst of my day to get away with Jesus for a few moments and rest. I hope I can do that - and I hope you can too.

Just Thinking...

The National Anthem

2009-07-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

I just got an email from the Retired Army Chaplain's blog regarding a letter written by one of the chaplains serving in Iraq. Please take time to read the letter below - it speaks for itself!

I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem the music stopped.

Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.

Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start.

But here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:

"And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."

It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq . I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here. Remember them as they fight for you!

Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. For many have already paid the ultimate price.

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins
LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq , north of Baghdad

Christian Leaders

2009-04-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

While in Nashville last month, I read an interesting article in the Nashville newspaper,"The Tennessean" (March 29, 2009). It was written by Dr. Dan Boone, president of Nashville's Trevecca Nazarene University, and entitled, "Universities must give the nation leaders it needs."

Dr. Boone begins with these words, "The world we live in is broken. Irresponsible consumption and unlimited greed have become habit; self-pursuit trumps the common good; and social structures are crumbling for lack of leaders who possess character."
That is a pretty good description of our present condition.

His basic premise is that schools of higher education must become forces for developing men and women of character. In fact, he says that because the taxpayers of America help young people achieve college educations through government grants and loans, it is "incumbent upon universities to repay their debt to the public by giving the world graduates who serve the common good."

He goes on to make a very important point: "If the college experience produces a generation of students who are proficient in alcohol comsumption, sleep deprivation, plagiarism, sexual exploitation and winning at any cost, then we deserve the world we have created by funding college education. And if a young graduate simply knows how to make a living, but not how to live, then we have succeeded in further impoverishing the world. To give the world knowledge without wisdom is to fail at our calling as mentors and educators (itallics mine)."

I guess this article is even more important to me in light of my recent college reunion. I went to a small church-related college and some might say that my education would certainly not be as comprehensive as at a large college or university. The opposite, however, was the case. I went from college into a rather large seminary and found that many of the students there, who had attended large universities, were not at all happy with their experiences. In fact, most of them did not feel their education prepared them for life in general, nor pastoral work in particular.

My college experience was one of academic challenge, but it was much more. I really believe that my education allowed me to grow in wisdom as well as in knowledge - for that I am eternally grateful.

If you are planning on attending higher education soon, or have a child considering college or university - consider Boone's words, "they (students) must be matured in a setting where morality matters, and they must be given mentors who serve the public good as the passion of their life."

Just Thinking. What do you think?

Reunions and Friends

2009-04-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

Reunions are special events. I just got back from a wonderful weekend at my college reunion in Minot, ND. I guess the only downside was that there were a lot of OLD people there - don't remember my classmates being so much older than me!!!

You can be sure of one thing being present at the reunion of a Bible College - great singing. We had it in abundance, and I feel refreshed and empowered from all of it. It is great to go to a reunion and leave being spiritually refreshed as well as experiencing the joy of seeing old friends.

I started college 40 years ago and graduated 36 years ago. Many of those I saw this weekend, I had not seen for most of those 40 years. What a joy it was to see some of my "buddies" after all that time and pick up conversations as if we had never been apart. That is one of the ways you can tell real friends - time does not separate. I have found that to be true in my Army life as well - my real friends and I can pick up our conversations and relationships immediately. That was certainly my experience this past weekend.

I truly value those type of friends. My wish is that all of you can have friends like that - they truly make life worth living! Thanks, friends. You know who you are.

Just thinking.

Small Churches, Big Mission!

2009-03-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

You might be wondering why in the world am I writing about small churches. After all, we have almost 750 members and are getting closer and closer to averaging 500 each weekend in worship. Well, the reason is that I really believe in the "connectional system" that is the essence of the United Methodist Church. What affects one, affects all. What is done connectionally is greater than the sum of its parts.

The front page of the "New World Outlook" for Jan/Feb 2009 has a beautiful picture of one of our many small churches with the words, "Small Churches, Big Mission!" This is an important subject because 69.2% of United Methodist Churches in the USA have an average worship attendance of 40. In our Dakotas Conference, 79% of our churches are small membership churches with an average attendance of 39.

The magazine is filled with astonishing stories of ministry being performed in and through many small membership churches. I think a lot about the great ministry many of these churches perform and wonder what I/we could do to help them (as the Army says) Be All They Can Be. There are several things that come to mind:
1. Pray for them. In order for us to do that we have to sincerely believe that "we are all in this together" and bigger is not always better. Praying for someone means more than thinking of them occasionally and then going our merry way. It means not thinking that everything revolves around us, but looking around and thinking about the big picture of ministry.
2. Support them. I am not sure what all of that may include, but it might mean helping with teacher training, Sunday School materials. developing cooperative VBS programs, etc. We who are fortunate to be in a larger membership church must continually look outward for opportunities to link ourselves with churches that just cannot do some of the things we are blessed with the ability to do.
3. Think outside of the box. The future holds many exciting possibilities for the church. It, indeed, might not look anything like the present, but we have to be dreaming the dreams and opening ourselves to new and innovative ideas. For example, maybe larger membership churches need to become "Hub-Churches. These hub-churches might be a way to share resources (physical as well as fiscal) and work throughout a larger region/area in ways that serve our Lord even greater than ever before.

The Spirit of the Living God is at work in the life of small churches as well as those that are larger. But, we do not have the luxury of "going our own way" in ministry. To do so is to miss the very essence of Christianity and fail to exercise the very core belief of the United Methodist Church.

This is a very important issue as we look at the future. It is certainly more complex than my small attempt to think it out.

Just thinking. What do you think?

Technology and the Human Imperative

2009-03-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

I have talked about technology before and the desire to see how best to integrate it into the ministry of the church. In a recent conversation at the Church Council, a concern was shared that we did not ever want to do anything with technology that might cause people to stay away from church rather than being part of corporate worship and the general life of the local church. That is a very legitimate concern. The most powerful worship does, indeed, occur when we are together and as we are touched by the Holy Spirit. However, we must be careful that we don't identify corporate worship as the only "real" form of worship or even the only "effective" way in which to be touched by the Spirit. In fact, the Bible is clear that in the smallest of groups we can be assured that the Holy Spirit is present. There is also the issue of what the definition of The Church really is! That, however, is a subject for a later discussion.

It goes without saying that there are people who are unable to be in church because of physical problems, jobs requiring Sunday work, or many other situations. This conversation is not about them. It is clear that technology can be of great importance in ministering to these type people. The real issue is what ways can technology be used to reach a new group of people that think in different ways and have been raised in an environment that is much different than any environment in the history of the world.

Before I go on, let me give this warning - Technology is sinfully enticing - even in the church. Because this is true, we must remember that technology is only a means by which we interact with people concerning the Gospel. In a world of rapid technological advancement we will err if we fail to realize that technology is only a MEANS through which we do ministry. People are the heart and soul of any organization, especially a church. And, if we ever think that our great technology will replace the human interaction found only in the church - we are living in a dream world! Technology is not bad. It is not the demon of the New Age. But, seen only in and of itself, it has the potential of destroying the very heart and soul of a church. We must keep people in mind at every juncture of the technological dynamic.

We cannot afford to sacrifice people on the altar of technology.

Now, let me give you some examples of what I, and others, are thinking about when we talk of using technology to enhance ministry:
1. Our website is being redesigned to make it an outreach of ministry by allowing people to communicate easily with the pastor(s) through email, blogs, FaceBook, and other methods as they develop. To many young adults, these are primary ways they communicate in the world. You can also listen to recent sermons from your home or from anywhere in the world!!! Think of being able to share in the message of the sermon and immediately comment on it to the pastor, or share thoughts through FaceBook.
2. We have the ability to use video as part of our worship - right now. But, what ways can we use it to enhance (not degrade) worship? What would the addition of cameras provide us (such as having the sermon shown on video on our website or producing quality video from among our church members)? Could we share the worship service with a small congregation in some distant community that cannot afford a pastor, or even a church building, but would value a United Methodist worship service?
3. What possibilities exist for audio ministries such as podcasts, Bible studies, online chats, etc.? These might be available through our website and utilized by anyone interested in growing in Christ. If a family member is in the military or working far away, they could participate as easily as any of us here in Huron.
Our church (in particular) and all churches (in general) are poised on the brink of new and exciting times. Times that even the most astute futurists have difficulty visualizing. And yet we can be assured of one thing, with a clear picture of the environment in which we currently work and live; a well-thought out strategy that identifies were we want to go, and how we plan to get there; and fueled by a dynamo of people power like no nuclear reactor has ever seen - we will exploit technology as never before. And our church will be true to its mission.

Just Thinking. What do you think?

I'm not giving anything up!

2009-03-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

We are now 6 days into Lent after beginning with our Ash Wednesday service. When the people came down for the imposition of ashes and communion, I placed a cross on each individual's forehead and said, "Repent and believe the Gospel." This phrase is intended to challenge us to be true believers that live the gospel rather than just "mouth it."

This, then, causes me to think about how I want to live out my 40 days leading up to Easter. Do I want to give up something (like coffee, chocolate, Diet-Pepsi, etc.) and if so, what will that do to help me better live the Gospel in new and powerful ways. I have to admit, I have never been one to give something up for Lent. It just didn't seem to have any real meaning for me. I guess it could be seen as a sacrifice and we are identifying with Jesus' sacrifice. But it is hard for me to equate my thirst for a Diet-Pepsi with hanging on a cross thirsting for even a drop of water. Something just gets lost in translation for me.

What I want to do this Lent is concentrate on specific ways I can show Christ to others. It may be by visiting someone I have never visited (or don't really WANT to visit) and give a good word or share some food. It may be reading more scripture than I normally do so that I might be enlightened by the Spirit in ways I might otherwise miss. It might be that I am more intentional in my prayerlife, more generous in my giving, more loving in my actions. Maybe what I need to do differently this Lenten season is ALL OF THE ABOVE.

If I could get to Easter Sunday having experienced in some small way, how Jesus saw discipleship - I think it would be so much more meaningful than having given up a daily shot of caffeine. And, maybe - just maybe, rather than starting back up with the Diet-Pepsi on the day after Easter, a changed way of living and serving, might not stop at Easter Day but become a new standard operating procedure for my life.

Just thinking...

Pastor Don.

Facebook account

2009-02-24T09:09:00.000-08:00

Well, I told you I was going to look at ways to increase the outreach of the chruch. So, today I set up a Facebook account (just type in Donald Crippen) and will see where that goes. If you have suggestions for me, please let me know.

We had our Church Council meeting last night and I shared with them my desire for all of us to look at new and innovative ways to reach out to our community. They were very supportive and I think we will have some great success stories to tell before this year is over. So, keep in touch and let me know what you think.

By the way, the sermon for March 1 is "Being Our Best Selves in the Worst Times." Stop by church on Saturday night or Sunday morning to see what it is all about. If you can't come, listen on the local radio station or look for the sermon next week on the church's website (www.firstmethodisthuron.org).

I will let you know if anyone accepted me as a FRIEND on Facebook!!!

Just thinking...

Pastor Don.

New ways to communicate

2009-02-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about new and innovative ways to communicate with people within our church as well as some who may not even come to our church or even live in our city. One way, of course, is through this Blog. I wonder if you could share some thoughts with me as to what this Blog might be able to do to help you. I could use this as a forum to discuss issues, answer questions, even conduct some Bible study - right here on your computer. However, it is only you who can tell me what the most efficient use is.

I know that time is a precious commodity and that you value it very much. On-line venues provide us opportunities to communicate as well as learn - at our own pace and at our own time. We just might be able to grow in our faith in new and exciting ways that were not even thought of a few years ago.

Up till this time I have used the Blog to share random thoughts, but maybe the time has come to use it more effectively. There may be other ways to communicate (preach, teach, exhort, etc.) as well. If so, please let me know. Till then, I am waiting for your note and...Just thinking!

The Wesley Study Bible

2009-02-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

I just recently received my new Wesley Study Bible. If you have not heard about it, click on the link from Cokesbury (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=2444). I am excited to have a resource that really helps put the scriptures in a clearly understood relationship with Wesleyan theology. I worked several years in the office of the Northeast District Superintendent of the North Alabama Conference where Bishop Will Willimon is Resident Bishop. I came to really appreciate the Bishop's keen understanding of Wesley and his pragmatic approach to ministry. Bishop Willimon, along with Joel Green (Fuller Theological Seminary), are the General Editors. They and the great list of contributors guarantees a new Bible that will be enlightening and useful. Bishop Willimon recently talked about uses of the Bible and I look forward to using many of his suggestions in the life of FUMC Huron. You can read his February 9th article at: http://www.northalabamaumc.org/bishop_column_recent.asp.

We, as United Methodists, have always been known as "people of the book." It is time that we again embrace that title and use the scriptures as our true foundation for living. What better way than to check out this new resource from our great church.

Just thinking...

Pastor Don.

First Post in Huron

2009-02-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

I hope that this blog will be a way for me to share thoughts concerning a wide range of ministry issues as well as general issues. The thoughts are mine, and mine only.

I will endeavor to write in the Blog regularly and I value any feedback you may have. You may notice that several articles from the past are available for your perusal.

Join me now as we seek a new and dynamic way of sharing our thoughts and ideas.

Pastor Don

It has been a while

2007-06-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

It has been a few weeks since I have entered anything, but I plan on having something up and running tomorrow. I spent the Memorial Day weekend (and through the following week) at Myrtle Beach with the grandkids. So, I am now back trying to get some rest!!! We had a great time and now it is time to get back to work.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Some thoughts on Memorial Day

2007-05-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Airman First Class Horace Alvie Holbrook (we called him Holy) was my best friend in Viet Nam. He lived about 90 miles from me, in Jacksonville, Alabama and was going to go back home, marry his fiancé and settle down.
On 12 May 1967 (seven days after I left Bien Hoa, Viet Nam) the barracks took a direct hit with a Russian rocket and Holy was killed instantly. Holy was 21 years old. He slept only about 20 feet from my bunk. I was able to go to his funeral while I was on leave and met the fiancé he talked so much about, as well as his parents and friends. That was pretty hard for a young 20 year old that had never lost a friend.
I am now 60 years old with a lovely wife, two great daughters, and have finished a 24 year military career. I think often of Holy (as I am sure many of you think of former colleagues) and realize that he will always be 21. One day I plan on going to "The Wall" and find his name (Panel 19E, Line 096). It has been 34 years since that day in May and I think I am about ready to go now.
The difficulty in going has not been my fear of death. It has been my overwhelming sense of pride and honor to serve my country and serve it with men and women who were (and are) willing to offer up the greatest sacrifice in its defense. It is the same feeling I get watching "Saving Private Ryan" or other such movies. I am overcome with pride, patriotism, honor - just too many feelings to hold in.
I am afraid I will not handle myself very well when I rub my hand over Holy's name on "The Wall." I don't want to be there by myself. I hope my wife will be there with me and comfort me when those emotions come.
My emotion will be for more than just him, it will be for all of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen who place themselves above their own self-interests. It will be for that cause which keeps them serving, doing that which is necessary in a troubled world.
I am proud to have served my country and share that common devotion and dedication. I hope all of us will show proper honor, respect and appreciation on this Memorial Day.

Living in the Bible Belt

2007-04-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a meeting put on for pastors by the Partnership for a Drug-Free Community. Now, you would expect there to be some "religious talk" going on at the meeting - and there was. But, only in the Bible Belt would the Madison County Sheriff (Blake Dorning) open the meeting with prayer and in his introductory remarks talk about the need for people to know Jesus Christ as one of the means of dealing with drug problems in the area. Candy Stephenson, a local parent who lost her son to an accidental overdose, shared her story and faith with a special emphasis on her personal knowledge that there is no guarantee that this won't happen in the church family. The guest speaker was Scott Hassell, Chief of Corrections, Etowah County (Gadsden, AL). I wasn't sure what to expect from Scott (probably something rather boring), but he talked about the program going on within the Etowah County jail that is having a great impact on helping people with drug dependency. He structured his remarks around the first three questions asked in Genesis. He preached a sermon much better than most pastors I know! Even though he can't use such religious language in his normal, secular job, he could in this environment. He was articulate, passionate, and without a doubt, a man of faith.

By the way, if you are in a church (pastor, lay leader, or just concerned member), get in touch with the Partnership for a Drug-Free community (256-539-7339). They have programs available that can make a significant impact in your church family - and they are FREE!!

Throw in a couple of preacher's comments and a good, free lunch and you have a gathering that just wouldn't happen in other parts of the country. I am proud to be living in the Bible Belt.

The Road to War

2007-04-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have been reviewing some radio articles I have done in the past and came across one done just a little over 4 years ago. I was the pastor of St. Paul's UMC in Jamestown, ND and we were on the verge of war. With the continuing struggles in Iraq and Afganistan and the recent needless killings at Virginia Tech I thought I would share the thoughts again. I am afraid that they are just as pertinent today as in 2003.

Road to War
March 18, 2003
Radio Devotion, Jamestown, ND

I am 56 years old and 24 of those years were spent in military service. Those 24 years included combat in Viet Nam as a sentry dog handler in the Air Force, and 20 years as an Army chaplain – serving with many of the units that are now preparing for war. Military service is an honorable gift from citizens to their country, and we need to be in prayer for all of them – and their families. As you know, ND has more National Guard and Reserve soldiers (per capita) deployed than any other state – they especially need to be in our prayers.

I have been retired from the military less than three years – there are many of my good friends who are at this moment on the front lines in the Persian Gulf. Some, God forbid, may die. How I pray that there were no such thing as war. But there is!

But, you also need to know – as we are now in the shadow of war – the individuals who hate war the most are those who will be sent in harms way. This morning we do not remember in prayer soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen who are some sort of evil, war-mongering members that are waiting for opportunities to kill. What they are, are men and women, moms and dads, sons and daughters who know it is their lives that hang in the balance; their lives that are offered in service to their country. It is for them we pray most fervently this morning.

Some would believe that such things as war can be averted – if we just talk long enough; if we can just negotiate a little more (and better). I wish it were so. This is not a time, however, to lift high our voice in self-righteous platitudes – invoking God’s blessings on our task and condemning others to a certain swift death and eternity in hell. If I understand the scriptures correctly – it will be Jesus who fulfills the role of judge, not any of us.

Just yesterday, I saw two famous television preachers talking about the coming war and how it was, without a doubt (in their minds), the end of time! The closing prayer of that program was filled with cries of self-righteousness; words of condemnation of anyone other than ourselves, and a self-assurance that God was on our side. I am reminded of what Abraham Lincoln said during the Civil War. When asked if God was on the side of the Union Army, Lincoln said that more important than asking if God is on our side, we should ask if we are on God’s side.

In recent Bible study sessions at our church we have talked much about being in “the last days.” Those “last days” began long ago, when Jesus returned to the Father – they continue still. Our scriptures (those that we hold so dear) remind us over and over again that wars and rumors of wars (and a lot worse) will continue to be our fate till God decides to set up his new heaven and earth. But till that day, times such as we are living in, will continue to exist.

The good news of the Gospel today is that in the direst of circumstances, God’s people are commanded to stand firm in the faith. If we stand firm – God’s promise is that we will endure, and prevail.

Join me in taking a stand today. Not a political or military stand. Not even a patriotic stand (though that is right and fitting). Join me today in standing in the gap – through prayer. If you will do that, let us begin now:

Our Father, your desire has always been peace for your creation; however, your creation has often turned its back on peace and cared only for its own best interests. How it must sadden you to see the world again on the edge of war. We thank you today, Father, not that we are right and they are wrong, but for the assurance that those faithful to you will endure till the end. In the days ahead we commit ourselves to you; to continued faith in, and service to, your Son Jesus the Christ and a continuous prayer in our hearts that peace will again come upon our land. Amen.

Just Thinking.

Prayers for the Armed Forces

2007-04-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share the following prayers with you:

Prayers for the Armed Forces
From the “Book of Worship for United States Forces.”

ARMY: O Lord God of hosts, stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of rest and training keep them safe from all evil. Endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

NAVY: O eternal Lord God, you alone spread out the heavens and rule the raging sea. Take into your most gracious protection our country’s navy and all who serve therein. Preserve them from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy, that they may be a safeguard unto the United States of America, and a security for such as sail upon the seas in peaceful and lawful missions. In serving you, O Lord, may our sailors serve their country; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

AIR FORCE: O Lord God of hosts, you stretch out the heavens like a curtain. Watch over and protect, we pray, the airmen of our country as they fly upon their appointed tasks. Give them courage as they face the foe, and skill in the performance of their duty. Sustain them with your everlasting arms. May your hand lead them, and your right hand hold them up, that they may return to the earth with a grateful sense of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

MARINES: O eternal Father, we commend to your protection and care the members of the marine corps. Guide and direct them in the defense of our country and in the maintenance of justice among the nations. Sustain them in the hour of danger. Grant that wherever they serve they may be loyal to their high traditions, and that at all times they may put their trust in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

COAST GUARD: O Lord our God, who stilled the raging of the seas by your word of power: watch over, we pray you, the men and women of the coast guard as they sail upon their missions of vigilant aid. Grant them courage and skill and a safe return. Fill them with a grateful sense of your mercy toward them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Buying a weedeater

2007-04-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

I remember growing up in Huntsville, AL and going to a cafe and being asked if I wanted something to drink. The answer was always, "I want a Coke." The response of the waiter or waitress was, "What kind?" To that I would say, "a Grape (or Pepsi, Orange, etc.)." Coke was just a generic name for a soft drink. We didn't ask for a pop or a soda - that is what my wife and daughters still ask for (they were born in North Dakota). Well, as of late, I have been in the market for a replacement weedeater.

I am just a country boy, so weedeater is a generic name for any gas trimmer you may see. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not some unsophisticated redneck. In fact, I am an alumnus of Vanderbilt University (home of the 2007 National Champion Women's Bowling team) and I started my task by going online and researching all sorts of weedeaters. I talked to friends and neighbors. I even narrowed it down to two models: Echo and Husqvarna. Echo is carried at Home Depot and Husqvarna is carried by Lowes - so my journey began.

I visited each store and (I know this will be hard to believe) had not one salesperson come to my assistance, even though I was handling the machines and reading info from all the boxes, etc. I even went to a local small engine store that carried BOTH brands I was looking for. In their showroom I browsed the models, took them down from the racks, and did everything possible to show I was interested. Nothing! Not one person even welcomed me into the store. Man, even at WalMart I get welcomed!! I was in the Nashville area a few days later, so I continued my quest. I got lucky at the Lowes because the salesman was very knowledgeable and almost sold me on the top-of-the-line Husqvarna. I decided I would wait and think through spending $265 on a weedeater. My rationale was that if I decided on the Husqvarna, I would certainly return to this store and buy from them since I had a real person talk to me that actually knew something. I still had found no one to tell me about the Echo brand. I also had the feeling that if I ever had a problem, no one at any of these stores would be able to help. I had gotten lucky with ONE salesman, but to think that I would be lucky with a repair issue was just more than I could imagine.

Easter Sunday during breakfast (following the 28 degree outdoor Sunrise service), I was talking to the owner of the Albertville, AL Ace Hardware store. I told him of my plight and asked what he would suggest. He mentioned the Echo and commenced to tell me more than I ever wanted to know about it. He then said that if I came by the store he would have someone who knew a lot more about weedeaters talk with me! If I bought one, they would take it out of the box, put gas in it and make sure it was operating correctly. Then, they would let me try it out, if I wanted, to make sure I understood how to operate it. Oh, they also provide repair service on-site! During the following week, I went 60 miles to Albertville, visited the local Ace Hardware store, and was treated like a real person by real professionals. Guess where I bought my weedeater? Guess what I paid for it? $199. Now I am a "Happy Camper."

I know, this doesn't sound like a theological discussion - and it isn't, in the strictest sense. But I have seen this "weedeater issue" acted out in churches all over the world. People wanting to be welcomed, treated like valuable assets, and offered help. All too often their experiences have been just like mine at Home Depot and Lowes. They know there is something there, but just don't know who to go to or how to go about getting what they want. Isn't that sad!

Is there any wonder why some churches grow and others, in the same area, do not? I don't think there is anything strange about that at all. It speaks for itself.

Just Thinking.

Getting on with life

2007-04-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I am over it. No, not Easter - but the hard freeze we had over Easter weekend. I returned home and found my geraniums looking like cooked spinach, my canna lillies looking even worse, and unbelieveably, the crepe myrtles and other plants I thought very hardy - looking rather sickly. At first I was pretty bummed out and rather sad. Now I am getting over it and have a new outlook on things. In fact, I have decided to make this spring and summer a Resurrection time.

I will say, though, that some things I thought for sure would be dead as a doornail were doing quite nicely. My clematis were blooming beautifuly last weekend and I was sure they would be dead, but they are fine. One of them is out in the open, climbing on my fence and is still rather new and spinley - it is doing well and starting to bud. Can you believe it? I couldn't, and yet here they are. Most of my hostas are OK - a little on the droopy side, but not too bad. So, another lesson - don't be too quick to write off something (or someone) that looks to be fragile. It just might have what it takes to survive!

One thing I am going to do now is just wait for the plants to rise up and become new again. I read in the paper this morning that that is the best thing to do for most of the bushes and trees, along with many of the plants. I am going to look forward to watching new growth come to the wilted branches and color break out again. Just like Easter all over again.

I remember my first garden. A couple of members of my first church (1976 in North Dakota) helped me put it in and it was a very large one. I planted way too many tomato plants and they started growing like weeds! Afterall, in the jet-black dirt of ND, you had to work at being a failure in gardening! Just as the plants got to about 3 feet high we had a tornado come through the area and the next morning my garden looked like a weedeater had gone through it. I was so discouraged - my first attempt at gardening and now this! I didn't pull up the tomato plants but just let them run on the ground - I just sort of gave up on them. However, they didn't give up on themselves. These things started growing and by the middle of summer I had ladies from the grammer school just down the street coming by every morning to gather up tomatoes by the bushel basket to take to the school kitchen. I learned a very good lesson in my first garden - don't ever underestimate the power of living things to rise up!

So, I have learned this week that it is OK to accept the present as long as you don't give up on the future. I believe that my yard is going to look as good as it ever did - even better. And, I am going to enjoy this "new life" even more than ever before.

Just thinking.

Good Friday

2007-04-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

My wife (Pauline) and I attended the Good Friday service last night at First UMC in Albertville, AL. The service was what you would expect for the remembrance of such an event. The sanctuary was dark, a cross stood off to the right, shrouded in black, the pulpit was draped in black, and a lone spotlight highlighted the cross mounted on the wall behind the pulpit. Pastor Mike Ratliff spoke eloquently and the congregation sang the very somber hymns of Good Friday. All in all, a rather normal type service.

Then, for some reason I noticed them - two palm plants, one on each side and in front of the pulpit. Normally, everything is removed from the front; everything is bare. But not last night. I don't know if it was by design, but these two plants made the service something very special for me. You see, as Mike was speaking of the horrors taking place, the sacrifice being made, I was looking at the palms and remembering the sunshine, the cheering crowds, and how fickled we all are.

The palms took me back, out of the darkness of Good Friday, to the sunshine and joy of a triumphful entry. They were part of the joyous celebration of Jesus. The Jesus the people wanted. The Jesus the people had created in their own minds. But, as soon as they found out that the real Jesus was not exactly what they wanted him to be, and, God forbid, a Jesus who fully expected something out of them - they quickly turned on him. One moment the hero, the next moment a nobody! One moment beeing cheered, the next moment being booed! I saw in a new way, how closely related a thin, whispy palm is to an old rugged cross.

In a way, my journey last night back into the shushine took me to a much darker place than where Mike was taking me. It took me to a place oftentimes much darker than the cross - the darkness of my soul and I was reminded again that I too am guilty of wanting Jesus to be who I want him to be. And, everytime I do that, I send him off to the cross. To again atone for my fickleness.

I know we always have to have the memory of the cross at the center of our life. It is the symbol of the greatest sacrifice and the greatest gift ever given. But, maybe we also need to have a faint glimmer of a palm branch as well. I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded more than I like to admit, that I can very easily (and quickly) move from palm to cross. If God does not move at my speed or in my direction, I sometimes can get very disillusioned and very fickled.

Well, that was my Good Friday experience - and I am thankful for it!

Confirmation

2007-04-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

Maybe you are like me when it comes to Confirmation classes. No, I don't mean being tempted with commiting a felony in dealing with the students! Well, maybe a little bit. However, I have struggled, over the years, with just what confirmation should be, how long it should be, and who should be involved.

I have been involved in confirmation programs that were 2 years in duration all the way down to ones that have been completely conducted over a weekend. How in the world do you approach such an important area as confirmation? Let me share some of my thoughts on developing a confirmation program.

First, I have decided that I do not want it to be a quasi-youth group, sunday school class, or Bible study program that replaces responsibilities of the parents/church. I want only for this class to address one major subject - The questions asked each confirmand during confirmation.

These are very basic questions that can be dealt with in various timeframes. But, I believe that each confirman needs to know enough to answer each question without hesitation. They will not know everything there is to know about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and christian responsibilities (most of us don't, even at this juncture in our lives and professions), but they at least will have had intentional instruction in the areas to which they are asked to commit.

Many conferences have confirmation retreats as part of their camping programs. I would encourage you to consider using this as a finale to your confirmation program. It will be sort of a reward to the confirmands for their past study and further prepare them for the final act of confirmation.

Again, I think confirmation should be intentional in its focus. Too much of the literature I have seen is just "more of the same stuff" they receive in other venues.

Just thinking!

First post

2007-04-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

I hope that this blog will be a way for me to share thoughts concerning a wide range of ministry issues. The thoughts are mine, and mine only. I value any feedback you may have.