Where Could I Go But To The Lord

The formation of a body of believers is not a Congregation. It is a Community. Congregation is something that requires membership, not belief or faith. A Community of believers is invigorated by a common belief, faith or desire to be one in unison for a common purpose.  In our case at The OTC, it is to be in unison in our belief in Christ. It is through Christ, that we will flourish, grow, and spread the good news doing the calling of Christ` teachings.

To get to this place we need to change our conception of who a member, or what our congregation is. If someone is standing at the door of our church wanting to participate in worship, do we let them in? Of course we do. If they want to volunteer in our small groups or a ministry do we allow them to participate ? Of course we do. When the children plant seeds in our Community Garden do we expect someone will water them? Of course we do. Do we expect that someone will nurture and teach our children about those seeds and plants? Of course we do. Then my question is,  how come we have church “Members” that do not know each other. How can we apply this principle with our children but not each other ?

Where does this come from? How is it that we can be so attentive to some, but not all? Could it be from the walls and barriers that are ingrained in us by society? Which we then bring with us at the Lord`s Table as well? My belief is that it runs a little deeper than that. Complacency and comfort. There it has been said. There is an old saying about the work within churches, that 90% do 10% of the work, while 10% do 90% of the work. Why is that?

In Luke 18:27 Jesus says “ What is impossible with men is possible with God” . This is where our focus needs to be in order to break these walls and barriers down. Remember that we all have gifts, and not all gifts are the same. In the same way, the foot knows the hand, and it knows the head, and all the other parts of the body. The body of a believing Community needs to know each other. It cannot be complacent only knowing, being on the journey with, only a comfortable select few.

While the comfort of being close within a small group has it`s rewards and benefits. Who does it help when it is restricted to only those who wish to not grow beyond it?

When the seeds are planted and nourished yet never move beyond that place of comfort and drift into the realm of complacency. Christ tells us to leave our staff, and knapsack, and go with him on this journey. The safety of doing this in numbers is there, but alone traveling, meeting new believers of faith, and matching the trails of the journey, and the patchwork it creates is the walk of Christ. 

I want to know the story of some of our elder believers. What there childhood was like.I want to speak with our friends from Liberia, dig deeper into all of our cultures that make the OTC such a moving and inspirational wealth of humanity. To do so I cannot be complacent and comfortable. As Jesus said we must be like children in order to really see and experience the Kingdom. Let us move and play together in a spirit of Christ that matches our beliefs and prayers for the real Community that Christ talks about.

The complacency and comfort brought to the forefront has been mentioned , so where do we go from here? We go to Christ? We go to the Lord for direction and a pathway. The pathway of selflessness ,and fellowship. The pathway of seeing with new eyes, listening with new ears, and walking with a new spring in our step; with and outstretched hand, and a smile. Where could I go but to the Lord ?

EOJ

8/2/2012  

What are You Building ?

In today`s world of rapid advancing technology is something being lost in the way we treat, think of, communicate, and respond to how elusive the simple form of face to face dialogue is disappearing.
I just texted a friend who is going through some serious anguish, and feel so shallow in not being able to directly communicate my concern. To see that there is care, concern , and love meant behind those typed words.

Texting, emails, snail mail, voice mail, fax, and now the explosion of social media. While it is a wonder how fast things change, is it all for the better? Or, as one once said ; Is something lost in translation? I know when I get an email, sometimes I wonder about the emotion behind it when it was written. In my personal life, I have learned that a lot of the time, I need to read it, and sit on it before I hit that send button.

The troublesome areas are about the lack of human interaction and the removal of feelings and emotion from all this technology. Is this how we were created? To be so indefinitely at the mercy of machines and gadgets. In writing this I also realize I am a big contributor to this . The other day my wife an I sat in our living room with the kids. I was on my laptop, as well as my wife on hers. My son was on his Knook and daughter was playing on a DS . The tv was also going. At some point my wife an I looked at each other and we both had the same thought, same awareness, and realization. That is not quality family time. Far be it, that wasn`t even family time.

There is a verse from a song " I rush and rush to get things done, I hurry and hurry until life is no fun". How true those words are. I find the more and more I get hooked into all these new advances in technology, the less and less conversations I am having in my own life with others, face to face. In Philipians the Apostle Paul writes in 4:14  "I thank you for allowing me to share with you this message" . Even though it was written in a letter, the powerful personal message can be felt and understood. This is what I need more of in my life. Do you?

So this brings me back to the question of "what am I building?" What example am I setting for my children? When does the aspect of getting all that I can done as fast as possible loose touch with the reality that when this happens I am not building anything other than a completed checklist. There will be no memories associated with it, only the fact that "something" was accomplished. It will keep me where writing this is emotionally for me right now- hollow.

I believe that when Christ was preaching in parables there was another meaning to this form of teaching. So that the truth would be heard, and thought would be provoked, but maybe also so that communicating the lessons and teachings would be used as a way to communicate. To enrich, and fulfill our lives, through personal intimate contact with each other. How simple a plan of action. How fortunate to be able to be a part of that process, if we choose to.

My next door neighbor once told me that if I need anything to just call him. I really do not believe he was asking me to pick up the phone. The words were said without literal meaning. However he built community with me by speaking it. It was personal, it was face to face, and it was meant, I could see it in his eyes. The simpleness of that conversation is still with me today. It created a memory, and a connection of building something. An actual phone call would have been reduced to plea, request or nothing other than information sharing lacking any aspect of human interaction.

I can only do my part. I wish for more awareness and consideration of this. As God created us with abilities, he also gives us the ability to process. I need to process more awareness of what I am building.
I know if someone text or emails me a message of encouragement, concern, or just to say hi, it has nowhere near the effect as a face to face conversation over a cup of coffee. It does not build the relationship as bumping into someone at the grocery store. A movie is great,  but it does not replace the storytelling of a handed down story from my grandparents to my children.

The only thing I can end this with is the story of Noah. He was warned of what was to come. He conversed with his wife and family and labored- together, face to face. The storm came and he survived as well as all those aboard. It was not new technology, it was the common things of the day. And by the way, The Ark was built by an amateur, The Titanic was built by the best technology of the day.

EOJ
7/13/2012

The Static Cling

Recently a few of us went to a New England Conference for our denomination. As I spent 3 days in this environment of may cultures, different races, and age groups it was amazing on many different levels. To see so much energy utilized in so many different areas was something to be seen.

At the same time my heart was saddened, because it reminded me of taking the laundry out of the dryer, static cling. When it is all stuck together, yet has no connection with the other . Last time I checked people would frown if there were a striped shirt worn with a checkered vests. Regardless of the dryer sheets, sometimes that static cling just prevails.  The same is said of which I witnessed with the Conferences Agenda versus the realities of what society, and our communities we serve are facing.

In our human state we all have issues and social causes that tug at our hearts and souls. I realized the disconnect of reality, awareness, and plight of different congregations, focus groups and prioritized initiatives laid out by leaders. That static cling somehow just really seems to hang in there, not wanting to separate from comfortable places. Just wanting to stay in that same place.

Unfortunately a great deal of what I witnessed was an undertone of something I have spoken of before. The issues run deeper than what tugs at our hearts. It runs deeper than working with and among the poor. Deeper than raising funds for malaria, earthquake relief, or hunger. It is class. Class separates us from within ourselves to be connected outwardly. It is divisive in the most subtle politeness, and poisons that attempt at reaching beyond comfort zones. When you see conversations or experience them, knowing that who you are speaking with hears "static' but is not listening, being polite.

At one point I had the privilege to hear a testimony of another mans plight. His story of being shunned by family. His heartbreak of being disowned by family, society, a worshipping body of believers, and more importantly knowing that those in his innermost circle of trust question his ability to lead because of who he is. That even while praying with them he is not truly accepted. Separated by a division of class that he has no decision in.

As I have pondered over these events of the last few days I begin to wonder how, why, when and where change of perceptions can come from dealing with the "static cling" of not breaking down the divisive walls of class.  It is apparent that I have no real clues to figure this out, and even sadder is the realization that as a society it is just as unable to address this as I am. So that brings me to one conclusion.

As an individual I need to bring attention to it. Politely disengage from conversations while at the same time bring attention to the "hidden" undertone or direction. Bring awareness to the situation in a way that treats all with respect, courtesy, and at the same time bring a focus that might not be understood but possibly challenge the thinking process.

In reflecting and processing this situation for myself about all this "static cling" I thought about the clothesline my wife an I just put up. Maybe we are suppose to put our laundry out for the sun and fresh air to move and dry. Not air our"dirty laundry" but put a new clean freshness into the situation, and allow for the breeze of change to dictate the pace in a dryer environment to at least make that static cling less prevalent in our journeys.

EOJ
6/14/2012

Looking with New Eyes

 Recently their has been discussions which I have been a part of concerning the poor. It is one of the most critical social issues of our time. With a shrinking middle class now trending towards working poor. Our financial system totally out of proportion, and the existing poor tilting on the edge of being homeless week by week, it seems the plight of our concern, and what we see with our eyes is missing something.

 While I personally agree with the 99% who feel disenfranchised and disheartened with where our economy has been heading, I wonder if all of our eggs should be in one basket, or all of our sight aimed in one area. Are we loosing touch with those who have been affected the most, the poor and working poor. The ones hit the hardest. Where when gas goes up .30 it is a choice between food and the electric bill. When that 30 cents is a decision between medication for an elderly adult or child, or the bus pass for the month.

The politicians and the government are targeted just as much as Wall Street and the Banks. Realistically they should be. However, should 99% of that energy be used to fight that fight? Who is attending to the ones left behind during this fight? Someone has to do it, and a lot of it is being done by local churches and the connecting networks. The ones handing out the food, cooking in soup kitchens, giving fellowship and human dignity to those afflicted. The ones who donate time, energy and of themselves working with the poor. Not because it not only is the right thing to do, but also because it is about a common plight. Those who work with the poor understand a very basic principle.

If you do work along any social justice cause that involves basic human need, there is one common denominator which puts the folks who do this work in shared company. They work with, minister with,  sweat, and toil WITH ! These folks do not give to, work for,  or serve THOSE people. There is no dividing line. It is not us and them. All of those who do this work resolve themselves to community, being in one lane of traffic going in the same direction.

Today I met a woman at the door asking when food distribution at The Open Table of Christ happened.
After giving her the information and polite conversation I asked her if she wanted to come to our service on Sunday at 10:30 am. She seemed hesitant in her response. I told her we welcomed anyone and everyone, that is why it is called "The Open Table ".  She said she would think about it. I hope to see her Sunday morning. I will be looking for her with new eyes. Only because she took the time to have conversation with me, not to me or at me.

So this brings me back to the 99% question. If I were to utilize all or most of my energy protesting, organizing, and voicing displeasure with the system, that would be one less person not working with someone affected by the results of government and big business decisions. Just like in my own life I need balance, I believe and hope all of us would take a look at the balance of how to resolve these issues. The answer to this balance question is unclear, and does not have an easy answer that is for sure. Yet, is putting all our energy, better yet, all of our eggs in one basket the answer. I would hope not.

To do this would only repeat the same mistakes our government, wall street, and that 1% has already done. Looking as THOSE people. Differentiating themselves, from everyone else ,and leaving the poor as forgotten to bear the worse of their decisions. They, as well as all of us, need to look with new eyes. People are people. Look at us, not them. Us is all, them is not to be found. Please, please, start looking with new eyes. A bigger and broader view that encompasses all of who we are, needs to be within our vision. Looking with new eyes creates an image of what can possibly be, rather than what already is.

Jesus did not own a home. He did not spend his time fighting against the 1%. He spent his time with the poor. He wanted to lift them up, make all look to the bigger picture in life by looking with new eyes. He spoke in parables to make you think, to challenge who and what you believe in. Those messages, lessons, and parables are as true today as they were in the time of feeding the five thousand. Society, science , and all of human life has evolved so rapidly in the last three thousand years, yet there were poor back then, as there is now. Unfortunately, a great big proportion of our society still looks with old eyes instead of new eyes. Those people, the them`s of the world. How sad that we can put a man on the moon, watch Snooki become a household name, yet still not be able to stop hunger, injustice, and all the other social dilemmas of our time. Maybe a good place to start, when we do not have all the answers would be "Looking with New Eyes".

EOJ
5/19/2012

Mending the Broken Road

 Many times we have all heard the term we are broken. Not perfect, and flawed. While this is true in my own beliefs, I wonder when acceptance, and acknowledgement of who and what we are is enough? That what our character defects are, is not a value of being less than, merely different, as our creator made us all individually. Where does the road we travel meet the broken path ? Where is the moral fiber in this thinking? Does using the term "broken" in reference to ourselves, create a stigma of shame, guilt, or remorse? I should hope not. While each may have their own interpretation of what this means, for me personally, I use it in reference to remind myself, that I am not unique. That the hardships, sufferings, feelings of shame or guilt, trials, and temptations are not something that I face alone. That I am not the only one who has had to deal with these issues. I am only one of many in the maze of living life.

 The comparison of the term being "broken' vs. sin has been mentioned. So in researching this a little farther, I have been enlightened greatly. Sin means separation from God. Nothing more, nothing less. When someone says they are a sinner, does that make them unfit, or not worthy? It might sound extreme to refer to yourself in this manner, yet some do. I know that I am less than perfect, therefore I am not always gonna do everything right. Does that make me a sinner? Maybe, depending how extreme you want to view it. I would like to believe that I am given a daily reprieve to ask God to help me live a life more as we are called to as Christians. When separated from God by sin, I need to draw from his gifts of grace to make an effort to change. Refusing to acknowledge this, may be a way of not allowing growth, or progress to happen from within. The big difference for myself, is that I do not want to be reminded that I am "broken" on a daily basis. Yet, I will make the effort to address sin in my life, so that I can strive to be a better person.  To be reminded of being broken, to often, only feeds that place in our soul where we struggle to accept our humanness.

This past week, their has been many conversations with all of us who still deal with demons that haunt us. Actions, situations, events, and behaviors of the past that we as humans, have harmed others, and cannot undue the damage it caused. We feel helpless, not being able to say "I am sorry " enough, or apologize enough. When will forgiveness ever happen? When will this thing that holds me hostage relieve me from this bondage?  My experience has taught me only one lesson from this. When will you forgive yourself? When will you release yourself from owning the guilt? Still owning the actions, but relieving yourself of the burden of carrying someone else`s pain. I have enough pain of my own to carry, without carrying someone else`s after proper amends have been made. If my creator, God, can forgive me, than how can I not do the same . Through Christ, I am set free of this, if my heart, actions, and intent are pure. Does this make me "broken" ? I feel that it is in doing the amends, sharing our experiences, and providing hope for others, that we mend this broken road.

Many years ago I harmed a family member that I love. They have not totally forgiven me. They say they have forgiven me, but have not "forgotten". I get it. It makes sense. The situation causes a feeling of distrusts. It created an atmosphere where this person does not want to let their guard down to be hurt again. I was taught to apologize for my actions. If this person chooses to forgive, as hard as it sounds that is their choice, not mine. However, I am relieved of owning any more baggage of this event. The message  is that I too will not forget. This sin created in me, an opportunity for growth. This experience of growth as a person,  a family member, and as a child of God, just simply strives to let me be a better person. I will try to learn from this lesson and not repeat it. That`s all I can do. I believe the second part of this, from the teachings of the " Master of Life", Christ, is when necessary, to share this experience to help a brother or sister going through a similar situation out, to avoid the pitfalls and mistakes I made. This is how I, as an individual, am Mending the Broken Road.

As a journey unfolds I do not have to constantly look backward. I draw from experience to let God create in me a clean heart. To mold me and shape me in this brokenness as he sees fit. Having a clean heart sure feels better than constantly Mending the Broken Road.

EOJ
3/29/2012

More than brick and mortar- Look, Seek. Find.

  On the fringe of Washington Park near the Cranston/Providence line stands a brick building. For many years this building has been the center of activity. Primarily, in its beginnings, it was used for worship. Then expanded into a social and meeting gathering space. In later years, there was a preschool and daycare here. If you were to drive by on a Monday, late Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon you would get the sense that it is just brick and mortar. The former Washington Park United Methodist Church now know as The Open Table of Christ UMC is anything but just brick and mortar. It is more like a web. With tentacles, connections and activity moving from one circle to another. Almost like static energy. So why then is it not visible ? How come it looks like any other extended building built from the 1950`s ? 

  Timing is everything as the saying goes. If you wonder whats going on there you have to look. A drive by is not gonna amount to anything.  This morning there were 30 people in the building, at one point or another. A delivery of Food from RI Community Food Bank and We Share Hope are gonna help us feed well over three hundred families in the next two days from zip codes 02905 and 02907. 20 of those 30 people were loading , unloading, stacking and sorting all the food in prep for the next two days distribution. The other ten were doing maintenance, and getting the Open Closet Economy Shop ready for its big fashion show later this week. The exterior brick and mortar are hiding the activities going on inside. If you do not open the door and come inside you cannot look.  Project Outreach on Wednesday and Thursday from approximately 8am until 12 noon over 180 people on each day, will come for food for their families. Not to mention the shopping going on in the economy shop or receiving free health care from Clinica Esperanza. During this time the Community Stewards are assisting all in whatever capacity is needed.

  Often times people are looking for a worthwhile cause to donate their financial resources or their time.They are looking for a way to contribute or give back to the community. They look and they seek. Are you seeking? Do you want to help financially or with your time? We need people from everywhere to make these programs be as viable for those we serve as possible. No matter how large or small all are needed. The brick and mortar may not be appealing, but I guarantee, the experience you will witness from within would be one not quickly forgotten. If you seek here, you will find. 

  On Saturdays over 65 kids are in and out of our lower level in the community gym playing basketball. At one time years ago, it was one of the most thriving and talked about youth leagues in town. Over the years it lost its way. Eventually lack of interest in basketball took hold and the gym became a storage area for food. Now after a rehab, it is being brought back to some of the former prominence it used to have. Kids from all over, and all age groups, are enjoying using the space again.  The kids look, seek and find. I hope some adults will too. We even have two adult groups that play at night. 

  The second Wednesday's of the month there is a white meal truck in the parking lot. The Mobil Loaves and Fishes crew will be putting food and small items to bring to the homeless at designated shelters. This is a way for us to reach out, outside the brick and mortar building that we launch our activities from. Being active in the community, outside our doors. More volunteers are needed and welcomed.

  It is our hope that all the works of the Open Table of Christ are seen as a viable asset to the community at large. It is also our hope, that if you need a place of worship we are here for you. While we are steadfast in our beliefs, we welcome all. Our worshipping body is from more than four different continents and several different languages. We are as diverse as God`s people are. Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. . This is where we look, seek, and find common ground. Knowing that we are all children of God, and all of God`s children are welcomed in this brick and mortar building. The Open Table of Christ UMC has stood up publicly when necessary for acts of social justice and primarily in cases of oppression. We are a diverse group who have many strong ties to social justice causes that have a direct impact in our local community.

  If you look, we are here. If you seek, we are here. Most importantly if you find, we are here. Inside and out of that brick and mortar building in Washington Park, Providence, RI.  So, once again if you look we are here , in Providence, if you seek ,we are here at 1520 Broad Street across from McDonald's, and if you find we are blessed and grateful.

EOJ

3/20/2012

   

Tick Tock- The pendulum is swinging.

It is probably pretty well known about the analogy of the pendulum swinging. The reference is to where you are on your journey. Where you are in your in your personal struggles, fears, anxieties, goals, and so forth. That if you are not moving forward you are back sliding, a place of stagnation, instead of progressing, or advancing. I have often used this reference in talking with others about myself. Looking to receive some feedback for reflection. My grandmother used to say "do not put off until tomorrow, what you can accomplish today" .  What I would not give, to have her words, and guidance back in my life today.

 Last year, on two different occasions, I spent time in the mid-west part of the country. Being from New England, I am always amazed at how much slower the pace of everyday life seems to be, in other parts of the U.S.. I have also observed this in Florida, and other parts as well.  There is a part of me that wishes this to be transplanted into my life. The less hectic rush and rush. Then again, as long as it suits my timetable.The twenty minute wait, two days in a row at a fast food place for coffee disturbed me.  In my mind the pendulum definitely went in the wrong direction there.

 So with the pace of life being lived in 2012 how are we supposed to begin to do self evaluation? In order to "keep up with the Jones`" how do we correctly attain this virtue? Your guess is as good as mine.
With the aging and maturity process I guess. Or in other aspects, it might be the experience we gain with each passing year, and in doing so, the realization that half the stuff we think is so important, might not actually be all that important at all.

In sixteen days March will be over. Can someone please tell me where the first quarter of this year went?  I am still looking for winter, and was told we are changing the clocks. Springing forward, just great, another hour of lost sleep. Defintely better off not having to be accountable for that hour as well.

I recently started reading a collection of writings by Henri J.M. Nouwen. For me, this book is showing me how to connect prayer, and meditation. To take time to reflect. Especially when all is not going well. When the uncertainty about decisions, and directions conflict. In reading this book, I am realizing something about that pendulum swinging. When points of stagnation, indecision, and regression happen it is from these opportunities, that I can emerge stronger. If I take the time to realize that experience is the greatest teacher of all. Having traveled down this road, or path before. However, if I am moving to fast, not in balance, then I will have lost the opportunity to gain anything from this past experience.

As we are moving around in our daily duties and activities, are we spending enough time in reflection of our purpose? I believe personally I fail to do this on a regular basis. Taking time to observe my own actions sometimes, seems to be one more thing I do not have time for. Yet, if I cannot access my activities, how do I now if my own personal pendulum is moving in the right direction? The answer is prayer, meditation, and reflection. It is doing this, that I can be more productive by constructively observing myself through purpose. Prayer will allow for a calming and slow down period mentally. It puts me in touch with my creator, God, and allows for a journey of internal discernement. It breaks down the walls that blind me, when activity after activity, makes which direction I am moving in chaotic. For me, Prayer and meditation work together the best when followed by reflection. It deepens my relationship with God, lifts me up, and straightens my shoulders, to once again move forward in action. Armed with a new sense of vitality towards accomplishments.

 In writing these few short paragraphs, I realize that my grandmother`s wisdom has just returned to the forefront of my mind , with a clearer sense of purpose. If I take the time to connect with God in prayer,and meditation, perhaps then, I will not put off to tomorrow what I can accomplish today. The sound of the clock going "tick-tock' will not seem so loud. Maybe then, the focus of that pendulum swinging will be more in tune with God`s importance for his will in my life than my own. Thanks Nana! I just realized you have been with me, guiding me.

EOJ
3/16/2012