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What a night! I was really proud to serve as the pastor of the congregation of The Chapel; they really outdid themselves tonight as they served a steak dinner to the residents of Tent City.
In response to my visit last month to Tent City, we signed up to serve dinner this evening. It was a fairly easy commitment to make; this opportunity was perfect for the folk at The Chapel since they are so generous and hospitable.
Melissa joined us for our regular pastors meeting a few weeks ago since she was taking the lead with coordination; we generally meet for lunch on Fridays in the University’s dining hall. While discussing options for the menu, I noticed a friend who has a lot of experience with this sort of thing. He had great advice for us. First, no sandwiches… folk who live at Tent City have access to a lot of sandwiches, mostly stale. He explained that meals that require some care and preparation are most appreciated. Then he said, “If you really want to do something special, you could do steaks. AND if you can figure it out and want to go for it, I’ll buy the steaks.” That made our decision really easy. The menu was set: grilled steaks, twice-baked potatoes, homemade salads, rolls, and homemade cookies and brownies. Lots of people pitched in, and many of those who couldn’t cook or serve wrote checks to cover expenses.
We needed ideas about how to have 100 steaks all ready at the same time. Ed Norman (Pioneer Caterers) explained that we could pre-roast the meat, slice it into steaks and finish them off on the grill. He then offered to help us get a deal on the beef and even handle the pre-roasting for us. Thank you Saint Ed.
I talked to most all of our guests for dinner. They were blown away, saying things like, “this is the best meal we’ve ever had here!” The steaks (filet mignon) were a huge hit. They were also really impressed by the extra personal touches like the homemade twice-bakes and the cookies. All who wanted them were able to have seconds, we prepared 10 plates for folk who weren’t able to make the 6:00 dinner, and we were able to leave a lot of leftovers for the kitchen tent.
We had well over twice the people we needed for serving, which made it easy to show extra hospitality and spend time talking with our dinner guests. Everybody seemed to have a great time; our guests were full of steak and our congregation was full of satisfaction.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Generosity
Most Sundays at our church we have a time that we call “intercession.” Today’s time was a bit longer than usual as several people were clearly anticipating sharing a few words; it was not unusual in that there was a mix of personal prayer requests, calls to pray for family and friends, and words of praise and testimony as people shared reports of how God was demonstrating His care and power in our lives. This is an important part of our worship together, just one of the characteristics of our congregation that makes it very special.
While praying for one another is wonderful, it is even more wonderful (from my perspective) to see God use members of the congregation to tangibly meet the needs of others in the Body. It isn’t unusual for someone to mention a prayer need that can be met practically from the resources of the congregation; sometimes people leave on Sunday morning having had God meet the need through someone else in the pew.
Today we noticed that Geoff was struggling to see his guitar music as he was without his glasses; while on a retreat with College friends yesterday, the ocean ate his specs. With his parents on vacation for a week, it seemed he hadn’t put a plan together to get his glasses replaced. He didn’t make a big deal out of it… and neither did any of us. He didn’t even bother to mention it during our time of intercession. But someone who heard that Geoff had a need, came to me and met the need; Geoff and I went to the mall, got an eye exam, picked out some frames, ate some lunch while lens were crafted, and now Geoff is on his way with new glasses.
This demonstration of generosity was a real encouragement to me today (as I know it was to others), and a real answer to prayer for Geoff.
By the way… if you didn’t hear Dr. Vertefeuille’s sermon from today, it was great; check it out at http://bit.ly/1mDKh
While praying for one another is wonderful, it is even more wonderful (from my perspective) to see God use members of the congregation to tangibly meet the needs of others in the Body. It isn’t unusual for someone to mention a prayer need that can be met practically from the resources of the congregation; sometimes people leave on Sunday morning having had God meet the need through someone else in the pew.
Today we noticed that Geoff was struggling to see his guitar music as he was without his glasses; while on a retreat with College friends yesterday, the ocean ate his specs. With his parents on vacation for a week, it seemed he hadn’t put a plan together to get his glasses replaced. He didn’t make a big deal out of it… and neither did any of us. He didn’t even bother to mention it during our time of intercession. But someone who heard that Geoff had a need, came to me and met the need; Geoff and I went to the mall, got an eye exam, picked out some frames, ate some lunch while lens were crafted, and now Geoff is on his way with new glasses.
This demonstration of generosity was a real encouragement to me today (as I know it was to others), and a real answer to prayer for Geoff.
By the way… if you didn’t hear Dr. Vertefeuille’s sermon from today, it was great; check it out at http://bit.ly/1mDKh
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Tent City
Yesterday morning I was welcomed to Tent City, currently located on the campus of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland. Joe Castleberry and I dropped in on Pastor Mike Anderson because we were interested in Tent City and how the church was involved with this organization.
Pastor Anderson reminded me of the turbulent 8-year history of Tent City on the Eastside, going back to the first effort to locate Tent City on County-owned property near the park-and-ride at the 160th Street exit on the 405. That effort failed due to public protest, but churches took up the charge. Opposition continued as people protested the potential of having Tent City located in their neighborhoods, making cases on various grounds and appealing to zoning code and law enforcement to keep Tent City out of their “backyards.” Eventually the State Supreme Court ruled that hosting Tent City was a legitimate part of a church’s mission and purpose, and could not be prohibited by zoning codes, as long as the stay was temporary (90 days).
These days, Tent City appears to be part of the fabric of the Eastside. When public meetings are held prior to setting up camp, only a handful of people show up, with most folk being either supporters and those just among the curious. There are always those who come to protest, but they are now just a few and are in the minority.
We didn’t expect a tour, but since Pastor Mike offered to introduce us, Joe and I ventured to the property behind the church to meet the residents of Tent City. Without an appointment, we were met with a remarkable level of professionalism. The “front desk” is manned 24/7. Before one can become a member, there is a fine-tuned application process that includes an instant background check. If an applicant has outstanding warrants, the police are immediately summoned. Those that are found to be on various “offenders” lists are not allowed to stay. Those who are allowed to stay, but do not abide by the fairly strict code of conduct imposed by the residence are “barred.” The camp was orderly and clean; we found the residents to be well mannered and clean too. We were especially impressed with the hospitality shown by the congregation at Holy Spirit Lutheran as they went the extra mile to arrange for arrangements like hot water for showers, a washer and dryer, and a hot meal every evening.
I want to lead our congregation in taking an open night on their schedule to provide a hot meal in October for the 100ish residents.
Our church has started a series we’re calling “The Church in the Red” focusing on the Words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. It seems to me that those red letters spoken by Jesus were often the harshest for religious folks like me. Jesus had tough words for people who live in houses like mine, and gentle words for the people who live in homes like those I saw in Tent City. It seems to me that for me to work on closing that gap, I need to do more to serve those like the new friends I met at Tent City.
Pastor Anderson reminded me of the turbulent 8-year history of Tent City on the Eastside, going back to the first effort to locate Tent City on County-owned property near the park-and-ride at the 160th Street exit on the 405. That effort failed due to public protest, but churches took up the charge. Opposition continued as people protested the potential of having Tent City located in their neighborhoods, making cases on various grounds and appealing to zoning code and law enforcement to keep Tent City out of their “backyards.” Eventually the State Supreme Court ruled that hosting Tent City was a legitimate part of a church’s mission and purpose, and could not be prohibited by zoning codes, as long as the stay was temporary (90 days).
These days, Tent City appears to be part of the fabric of the Eastside. When public meetings are held prior to setting up camp, only a handful of people show up, with most folk being either supporters and those just among the curious. There are always those who come to protest, but they are now just a few and are in the minority.
We didn’t expect a tour, but since Pastor Mike offered to introduce us, Joe and I ventured to the property behind the church to meet the residents of Tent City. Without an appointment, we were met with a remarkable level of professionalism. The “front desk” is manned 24/7. Before one can become a member, there is a fine-tuned application process that includes an instant background check. If an applicant has outstanding warrants, the police are immediately summoned. Those that are found to be on various “offenders” lists are not allowed to stay. Those who are allowed to stay, but do not abide by the fairly strict code of conduct imposed by the residence are “barred.” The camp was orderly and clean; we found the residents to be well mannered and clean too. We were especially impressed with the hospitality shown by the congregation at Holy Spirit Lutheran as they went the extra mile to arrange for arrangements like hot water for showers, a washer and dryer, and a hot meal every evening.
I want to lead our congregation in taking an open night on their schedule to provide a hot meal in October for the 100ish residents.
Our church has started a series we’re calling “The Church in the Red” focusing on the Words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. It seems to me that those red letters spoken by Jesus were often the harshest for religious folks like me. Jesus had tough words for people who live in houses like mine, and gentle words for the people who live in homes like those I saw in Tent City. It seems to me that for me to work on closing that gap, I need to do more to serve those like the new friends I met at Tent City.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Appearances
Today’s text is Galatians 4:12-16
I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Let’s place this back in the historical context. Paul was writing to correct the error brought by the Judaizers to the churches Paul started in Galatia. We saw in the opening of Paul’s letter to the Galatians that the Judaizers were attacking Paul’s credibility. “Paul wasn’t a real Apostle. He wasn’t among those who walked with Jesus. He hasn’t had enough time with the other Apostles to learn the true way.” These were just among the likely criticisms.
Now it appears that there were also attacks on Paul’s physical health. Can you hear it? “If Paul was such a great Apostle, then why was he sick? What about that eye problem of Paul’s? Are you sure you want to be following such a man?”
It is sad, and so very common, that we Christians are so easily swayed by outward appearances. We like our leaders to be sharp, fit, and charismatic. We choose our crowds carefully, not always based on God’s leading, but on really silly things like style, wealth, and physical appearance.
Father God, help us to get beyond outward appearances and focus most on following your leading.
I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Let’s place this back in the historical context. Paul was writing to correct the error brought by the Judaizers to the churches Paul started in Galatia. We saw in the opening of Paul’s letter to the Galatians that the Judaizers were attacking Paul’s credibility. “Paul wasn’t a real Apostle. He wasn’t among those who walked with Jesus. He hasn’t had enough time with the other Apostles to learn the true way.” These were just among the likely criticisms.
Now it appears that there were also attacks on Paul’s physical health. Can you hear it? “If Paul was such a great Apostle, then why was he sick? What about that eye problem of Paul’s? Are you sure you want to be following such a man?”
It is sad, and so very common, that we Christians are so easily swayed by outward appearances. We like our leaders to be sharp, fit, and charismatic. We choose our crowds carefully, not always based on God’s leading, but on really silly things like style, wealth, and physical appearance.
Father God, help us to get beyond outward appearances and focus most on following your leading.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Known by God
Today’s text is Galatians 4:9-11
But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
The old saying goes, “It isn’t what you know; it is who you know!” The follow up saying is probably truer, “It isn’t what you know, or who you know; it is who knows you!” We all know lots of “important” people, but do they know us?
We can make all sorts of efforts to know God, but the most important question is, “Does God know us? Does God know me?”
The point of the Gospel of Grace is that our striving to know God doesn’t make God know us. The only reason that God knows us is because of His grace. We are known by God, not because of our claims for His attention, but because God did all the work to make us known by Him… all through the saving work of Jesus. God knows me because He found me (a slave of sin), bought me, and gave me a whole new identity.
God knows me! How could I go back to an old life? How could I choose slavery again? My striving to know Him more is now a natural response to His grace, acts of worship and thanksgiving.
But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
The old saying goes, “It isn’t what you know; it is who you know!” The follow up saying is probably truer, “It isn’t what you know, or who you know; it is who knows you!” We all know lots of “important” people, but do they know us?
We can make all sorts of efforts to know God, but the most important question is, “Does God know us? Does God know me?”
The point of the Gospel of Grace is that our striving to know God doesn’t make God know us. The only reason that God knows us is because of His grace. We are known by God, not because of our claims for His attention, but because God did all the work to make us known by Him… all through the saving work of Jesus. God knows me because He found me (a slave of sin), bought me, and gave me a whole new identity.
God knows me! How could I go back to an old life? How could I choose slavery again? My striving to know Him more is now a natural response to His grace, acts of worship and thanksgiving.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Slaves
Today’s text is Galatians 4:8
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.
There are few words more reprehensible in our culture than “slave.” We abhor the slavery that scars our nation’s history and we stand against the slavery that persists around the globe.
We don’t have slavery anymore… or do we? Am I a slave today? I’m not anyone’s property; nobody has title to me. But do I allow such dominating influences in my life that I might as well admit that I’m a slave? I suppose those dominating influences could include lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride (list sound familiar?).
Paul indicates in these passages that religion enslaves. Religion, done well, is such a dominating influence that people are entirely controlled… “owned.” Religion based on behavior, rules, codes, customs, penance, initiation, and such makes people slaves.
The Gospel of Grace brings freedom to us slaves.
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.
There are few words more reprehensible in our culture than “slave.” We abhor the slavery that scars our nation’s history and we stand against the slavery that persists around the globe.
We don’t have slavery anymore… or do we? Am I a slave today? I’m not anyone’s property; nobody has title to me. But do I allow such dominating influences in my life that I might as well admit that I’m a slave? I suppose those dominating influences could include lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride (list sound familiar?).
Paul indicates in these passages that religion enslaves. Religion, done well, is such a dominating influence that people are entirely controlled… “owned.” Religion based on behavior, rules, codes, customs, penance, initiation, and such makes people slaves.
The Gospel of Grace brings freedom to us slaves.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Today's text is Galatians 4:6-7
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer slaves, but God's children; and since you are his children, he has made you also heirs.
Thank You, Father, that You have put Your Spirit in my heart. Thank You that with Your Spirit comes an extraordinary knowing that You are real, Your grace is true, and Your faithfulness is everlasting.
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer slaves, but God's children; and since you are his children, he has made you also heirs.
Thank You, Father, that You have put Your Spirit in my heart. Thank You that with Your Spirit comes an extraordinary knowing that You are real, Your grace is true, and Your faithfulness is everlasting.
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