Good Shepherd Church (LCMS)

So, some people have maybe seen my most recent status update on Facebook. It says "I'm WELS - I'm supposed to kill other non-WELS."

For clarity, this is not something I said. It comes from somebody in the Wisconsin Synod who does not believe this is true...but, said it as an exaggeration of what she feels the teaching on Fellowship is all about.

It just brings to mind other issues of fellowship. It's a fallacy to think that life is all about "just getting along" but it's likewise false to suggest that we must be constantly at odds and separate. I have talked with many people who grew up not being allowed to "cross the tracks" or were excluded from the family if they were dating (or heaven forbid, marrying) a girl/guy from another denomination.

In the LCMS, there are regular...persistent attempts to bring reconciliation to the pastors and people of our church body. Sometimes, I roll my eyes at how ineffective these attempts seem to be. Then, I realize that there is simple value in the attempt itself. I've realized how little I understand my own children sometimes,but they do (or will) value the fact that I try.

There must be room for these attempts - within church bodies, and amongst church denominations. I've said this other places before...but, I am willing to identify what I have in common with another...and identify what is not a point of agreement - call them what they are, struggle/wrestle with it, and call them my brothers and sisters in faith who struggle/wrestle with similar issues.

I will call wrong - wrong, evil - evil and sin - SIN! I cannot just leave it be or ignore it. But, I would also pray for all people to be reconciled to one another - and especially to God. Identifying fault. Admitting errors. Being broken in conviction. Seeking healing for that brokenness from God alone.

This is my desire for every church group...and every person within those groups...that together, make up the body of Christ.

It's Thursday night after Bible Study...having just discussed the first session of Lee Strobel's "Case for Faith" study. The concept of the course is to identify some of the challenges to Christianity, and...really, just process them. Some will have definitive answers and some are still gonna be lingering questions as we wrestle with them for a while.

4 men. 20 women. More next week for sure. Honest discussion about what doubts are...and where actual "confidence" fits into our lives...and then, where REALITY is.

Ponder with me...if you could ask God one question today, and you knew He would answer you...what would you ask? Now, you can't do a two-parter like Bill Dunbar...ONE question!

This study is gonna allow us to dig deep. Looking forward to next week.

Ran across this word in a Bible Study this week: Compromise. Allow me to now ramble.

Compromise implies meeting halfway from two opposing starting points. Neither party fully gets what they desire in a compromise, which would tend to leave them dissatisfied and unmotivated.

We tell our youth to never compromise on their Christian beliefs. Don't give in to what other religions may want you to believe. Listen, yes. Learn, yes. Be swayed by the false teaching that all religions lead to the same place. NO!

Compromise is the enemy of sacrifice AND conviction, as in "I will sacrifice my wants for yours" and "I will stand my ground on the truth."

In a relationship, you either stand on the truth (to not give-in on the non-negotiables)...or you sacrifice your own wants for the pleasure of your spouse (adiaphoron).

I'll get back to you on this...as I determine what the exact phrasing was in that Bible Study booklet...

Newfound fun in Glencoe...the BMX track, and Buffalo Creek BMX is a really fun Tuesday evening.

Now, I realize it's been there for a few years now, but now that Javier knows how to ride, we've been there 6 times in the past week. He gets sweaty, and a very serious face when hitting the berms - learning how to stand and pedal through them instead of coasting from time to time.

It's a family-friendly concept...alcohol is not allowed at the site, and swearing is likewise frowned upon - with a reminder before the races begin.

When races aren't in progress, anyone can go and ride the course. I have done this, and I am quite horrible...just shy of falling off my bike and breaking body parts, I think. But, it's FUH-UN!

Okay, that said...I invite you to come out some time and get some exercise...or, at least watch some local kids (our own Aaron Donnay) work hard for a victory.

http://markconley.com/buffalocreekbmx/

I am sooo mad at stupid Oprah Winfrey. She thinks she can do anything and say anything! And, the truth is...she can. People have bought into the Church of Oprah...where anything goes if you've got a sob story.

The guest she had on yesterday said, "I just realized that you have to earn grace." Now, I might be crazy in thinking about this as a Lutheran...but, the concept of EARNED grace doesn't even make sense! There are many other words for what we earn in life...but, GRACE isn't one of them.

The problem I have is not that the guests have thoughts...and feelings...and a sad story to tell sometimes. The problem is that everyone's thoughts and feelings are ratified. The age-old question about what TRUTH is...seems to be unimportant and irrelevant - as if it doesn't exist and/or cannot be found.

As a Christian, I am blown away by the way people seem to be on-board with Oprah, who has had many years to accumulate her following. If she offered something of substance...she'd have to actually nail down what her belief system is...beyond "anything goes."

How do I write a movie review before seeing the movie? Well, I don't...but, I can comment on what kinds of movies are appropriate for adolescents and teens.

To Save a Life is rated PG-13. Yes, those who are younger can watch it, and it can be totally okay...if that youth is mature for his/her age...and has ways to debrief with parents or other adults afterward. That sounds like alot of work, but the content requires it.

This movie contains "teenagers, alcohol, drugs, teen pregnancy and suicide." So, yeah...mature content in many ways. It's designed to be "real", but it doesn't mean your should bring 1st Graders to it just to make sure they aren't sheltered from "real life" issues.

Wait until they can understand a bit more...so that, when you do talk about it, they will process it in a healthy way.

I will post again after seeing the movie...

While we are not an ELCA Congregation, I am posting this so that we can know what our brothers and sisters in Christ are dealing with in their own congregations. We can and should pray for those who do not uphold Scripture's authority. We should also pray for those who are standing firm - that they would be encouraged in their conviction of the truth.

I am posting the text from an article, as reported by CBN. The link can be found below.

A new Lutheran denomination is being formed for congregations who are opposed to the gay-friendly policy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Last August, the ELCA National Assembly voted to allow gays and lesbians to be ordained as clergy.

However, Lutherans who oppose the action say the new policy contradicts scripture. So far at least seven Evangelical Lutheran congregations have voted to leave the church. According to church insiders, an additional 28 congregations may also vote to leave.

As an alternative, a group of Lutherans who left the denomination have formed the North American Lutheran Church.

Rev. Mark Chavez of Landisville, Pa. is director of the group Lutheran CORE, which is overseeing the breakaway. He said organizers are "united in a common confession of the Christian faith and commitment to submit to the authority of God's Word over all matters of faith."

Although, the size of the new denomination remains unclear. So far, several hundred congregations appear to be moving toward a permanent split with the ELCA.

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2010/March/Dissident-Lutherans-Forming-New-Denomination/

Just wanted to share a story tonight...for the past couple of years, I've been kind of upset about something. It wasn't affecting my day-to-day thoughts or activities, but it was nagging me. Well, this week, I can put that in the past.

I thought a friend of mine had turned a blind eye to the way another friend of hers was treating me...and, she just blew it off...not realizing that I was hurt by it all.

I tried to explain it, but it didn't really work. Finally...earlier this evening...there was a breakthrough. I talked with the person who had said some mean things...and, I also talked with the friend of mine. I guess all this is to say that some things aren't resolved right away...even for those of us (pastors, maybe) who are supposed to know all the "right" aways to work out problems.

God takes these opportunities, which might also be considered our stubborn moments, to teach...discipline...instill...or change people. And, right this moment...I am glad to have my friend back without reservation. And, I'm glad that our joking back-and-forth is part of our friendship...but, there is a serious side that allows us to talk about real life, too.

Anyway...just a short reconciliation story for y'all...

Yes. We had services as scheduled for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. No cancellations. No rescheduling. What we DID have was a dedicated custodian in Wes Olson to clean off the sidewalk and parts of the lot. We also had a dedicated and efficient Bob Mathews (or one of his peeps) take care of the parking lot.

We also had the good Lord keeping people safe...even giving some members an opportunity to help push/pull others out of a ditch on the way. Way to go, Acts of Service!!!

We had Deacons who showed up...early, as usual...and, took care of business. Choir members, and director Jack Noennig...organist Cindy Longhenry and pianist Gretchen Haukos ALL found their way to church these past two days.

What's interesting is that we knew the snow was gonna fly. I felt very comfortable having service for 10 people if that's who showed up...and singing the hymns/carols a cappella, if necessary. Instead, we had a FULL house on Thursday for the candlelight, and a good turnout on Christmas morning. Seriously, this was a fun, energetic couple of days to worship the Newborn King Jesus!

I might sound a bit bold here...but, if you ever are wondering about services at Good Shepherd being cancelled...stop wondering. They're on. I can walk to church if I have to...and so can 40-50 others who live within 3 blocks of the church. We're worshiping...that's what we do. Praise God in His sanctuary!

I love garage sales! Not shopping at them...working at them. Over the past few days we've had a heaping helping of Glenconians, as well as non-residents, to our home for perusal of our wares. While we had some "big-ticket" items that we were trying to sell...we also had some meek crabapples for people to try...and to buy.

I enjoyed explaining that they were manzanitas...muy acido...to some of our Hispanic customers. I also enjoyed the facial contortions of the brave souls who dared to sample.

I met a Mr. Miller among the shoppers. New to town, along with his wife of 55 years. He prefers the church without walls - that we often call the "invisible church." He has provided ministry to those who struggle with alcohol and drugs for many years. God bless Mr. Miller!

We met people who gave US advice...people who bought garage sale items to give to others...people who were bubbly and happy...and people who carried a sadness with them wherever they went.

Still, this was an opportunity to talk with all these varied personalities of our town/area. We played Christian praise songs on the radio, and we gave out Women's Bible Study invitation flyers. We made church-chat a part of our regular conversation, and shared the love of Jesus in our actions and words.

This was an opportunity! I relished it...and jumped at the chances we were given. Thank you, Jesus, for bringing people to us!

Garage sales might not be your thing...but, if you check your attitude at the driveway...you might find people who are ready for something better than good deals.