The Gospel in 15 seconds...?

As the unofficial chaplain of the first shift Waffle House crew in Lincolnton, NC, I listen a lot, learn a lot, and think a lot.  I noted that not only does this crew work nearly every Sunday morning, but they also ALL must work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day--many of them working double shifts.  Some time back, I offered to bring in and offer Communion for those who wished to receive it.  I re-checked with the manager and he eagerly said, YES!  BRING IT!

Carol and Ashley

Today was the day.  During a packed pre-lunch rush, I sat at the "high bar" at the end.  I prepared the elements, noting the Christmas themed outfits and hats worn by the staff.  I sipped my coffee and watched and waited for small opportunities to share not only the elements of bread and juice, but also to share the story--THE story, the Gospel of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection and the meaning of that for us today.

Jason and Zach on the grill, small glimpse of Pam to the left

Busy?  Yes.  They rushed back and forth, orders being called out, "MARK ONE PLATE, SCATTERED WELL, COVERED, SMOTHERED, AND CAPPED!"  Cooks (usually 3 on the grill at once) scrambled to work in tandem as they called back orders, cooked, put the meals together and called for PICK UP!.

Management moved back and forth and tempers were flaring after a customer decided not only was she going to be unreasonably demanding, but that she was going to stay a while, too--apparently just to be grinchy.

There was a constant hum of customers, those seated and those waiting to be seated.  The guy next to me, blissfully oblivious to what I was doing (and that was cool with me) even after I explained it when he said "nice cup" to my chalice, talked and talked to me about the woman who was complaining about her food.  His language was peppered with "colorful metaphors" to help draw me a mental picture of the way he felt about the woman attacking our friends on the grill.

In other words, LIFE WAS HAPPENING ALL AROUND!  Far too chaotic to fit into what I had learned in seminary about the sacred need for a sacred setting for the sacred meal at a sacred table.  Yet here I was, grace in hand, feeling more and more inadequate by the minute.  It was hardly the setting I'm used to for communion.  We learn about the altar table during worship (called the Lord's Table with the elements on it), home communion, hospital and communion, even communion on retreats, etc...But this was not familiar territory.  I must admit, I was nervous.  So was the staff.  Had I misjudged our still budding relationship?  Were they not really eager to have this brought to them like I had thought?  Was I making a mistake?

Soon, one of the servers came over and said, "ok, I'm ready!"  I knew with the crowd and with their responsibilities, I had precious little time.  I could only say, this is to remind us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.  He died for our sins and so we could be saved." I offered a piece of sweet Hawaiian Bread and the chalice, quickly explaining the means of receiving through the intincion method.  The Body and Blood of Christ was offered for you...She took the bread, dipped it in the juice and consumed the elements.   I smiled and she realized that was it!  "Wow!" she said, "That was cool.  I've never done that before!"  There was a server that didn't know me, watching.  I offered, she refused politely.  Oops, maybe this was a bad idea.  No one else was coming--like for a long time.

But then, one by one, they approached until most of them had received the elements.  No pressure, not all were interested and that was surely OK.  I was amazed that almost every one of them remarked that this was the first time they had ever received communion--like in ever!  With each, I had only seconds to tell the story, to offer the elements and instructions, and then let them go back to work.  And then I would wait until the next one found a few seconds.

much more proper and liturgical

As I reflected on the experience, I had to ask myself some questions...Was it liturgical?  Of course not.  Was it proper?  Was the dignity of the service maintained?  Probably not according to many.  Did it adequately demonstrate the sacred meaning of the sacrament and purpose of Communion?  hmmm.  I hope so.  But you know, we Methodists see the Sacred Meal as being a means of grace and practice an open table in celebrating the Eucharist.  And so, it was....simply and yet amazingly that--a means of Grace.

The gratitude of those who chose to receive was evident... "That's the first time I've done that!  Thank you so much for thinking of us!"

My, how we've failed as pastors--as the Church.  We offer communion to those who come--we practice an open table, yes; but the tables are locked up in our sanctuaries behind closed doors and liturgical restrictions.  When there is an entire world out there who have never experienced the grace that is offered in the simple offering of bread and juice (wine).  We forget that when Jesus initiated this simple service, it was after a sacred meal but it was ordinary elements of bread and wine--common meal for common people and his instruction was that as often as we partake of this common experience, we should tell the story, share the food, spread the love (and experience the GRACE).

Simple...yet Grace abounds

I've experienced many times the first time someone has received the Holy Meal.  But this was different.  Here, amidst and amongst the hustle and bustle of ordinary life, folks experienced communion, most for the first time, in their life setting.  Communion, like Jesus, comes to them as they are, where they are, to meet their needs.  Grace Upon Grace.  Grace abounds.  The Body of Christ broken for you.  The Blood of Christ spilled out for you.  Simple yet extraordinary.

I'm still learning...We still have a lot to learn.  But only if we get out past the walls and quit trying to force others into our church mold.  It's time we found a way to mold the church to the world's need, while maintaining the simple yet extraordinary gospel of Jesus.

May the Grace of God be with you as you take the opportunity today and all your tomorrows to see Jesus in the simple and the extraordinary...





Blessings.

Newsletter Jan Feb 2013

Dear McKendree Church

Greetings in the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, The Son of God

I am struggling with the newsletter article this month.

First, it’s supposed to be for Jan and Feb of 2013, but the events of Dec 2012 are so fresh in our minds.  We have members facing major illness and for some, death.  We have those fighting a long term battle against Cancer.  We have those who are experiencing either the first or another, still heart wrenching, Christmas without a loved one.  And of course, like others around the world, we are still reeling from the senseless murder of 20 6 and 7 year old children in CT, along with their teachers.  So, what do I say in a few short lines?

Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany—the Christmas “cycle” in the Christian Calendar.  A time of preparation and expectation, a time of celebration, and a time of growth.  Yes, that fits.  We all have these times in our lives.  Even in dire circumstances, as a Christian people, we still have hope and anticipation of the things that God is creating, yet already creating.  We journey together through the difficult times of anticipating His return, when all shall be made right with the world and sorry and pain and death shall all pass away!  We celebrate that which God has done and is doing in and through—and FOR us, His Children.  And as the New Year comes upon us, we are called to a time of growth—growth in our understanding and knowledge of Him, growth in our relationships with one another, and in our ministries to the world beyond our walls.

And so, as 2013 opens, we do…what we’ve always done as a people of faith.  We question and mourn, cry and struggle for understanding through the painful events that simply exist in this imperfect world.  We celebrate the presence of God in our world, in our lives, in the midst of tragedy, and in our hearts as we join in the mission that is ours—to Go and Make Disciples.  And too, we commit ourselves in the new year to grow—intentionally grow through the process of Sanctification as we, through study, mission, worship, devotion, and prayer, become more like JESUS.

I look forward to serving with you in 2013—and beyond.

First Church of the Waffle House, Lincolnton, NC

Ok, I admit it...I'm a Waffle House Junkie.  I eat there most every morning.  I just have grits and bacon, a cup of coffee, and my morning paper.  I sit at the bar, eat, read....and I watch and listen, interacting with both customers and employees.  And I learn about church...Yup, I sure do.  Everything I need to know about what a church should look like, I could learn at Waffle House--at least the one in Lincolnton, NC.  It's pretty amazing, too.

I see a couple of the cooks who are always willing to step up when someone needs something.  Somebody needs something fixed... "I'll stop by and look at it after work."  This doesn't just apply to employees, but to regulars as well.  There is a microcosm of the larger community there.  There are a core group of regulars, all with nicknames...Preacher (that's me), Cowboy, Santa Claus, and Uncle Eddie (plus the one they just call the Pecan Waffle Lady).  They all seem to know were the others live, crossing both ways over the counter--employees and customers.

I think it was this atmosphere that lead me to feel so compelled when one of the cooks had a fire at his house and everything in the house needed to be replaced due to smoke damage.  I rallied my church and a couple other churches to DO something and we did...but it wasn't just us. Don't get the impression that they NEEDED the church.  They already have that type of community within the walls of the ole Waffle House.

While we were supplying mostly money and gift cards, others (again, customers and employees) were offering rides, paint, furniture, TIME, and other items of need for the cook, his wife, and three teenage daughters.  And my God, they are soo appreciative.  And these are not "church folk" doing all of this stuff we consider to be "church work."  In fact, most of them are right there at the Waffle House while we are in church on Sundays...

What too many of us church folk don't realize is that we don't own the patent on helping others.  In fact, they seemed to do it more naturally than the church in most cases.

I watched this morning as they celebrated when one of them won $1000 in a scratch off.  I realized as I listened that Uncle Eddie and his wife had cooked a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and brought it to the Waffle House for those having to work.  Yup, he brought the servers Thanksgiving meals.  Today, he brought Red Velvet Cake (recipe's been in the family for 150 years).  The young employees all have his number so they can call for a ride if they find themselves in ANY situation where they feel they shouldn't drive, or they need a ride, or they need someone to bail them out of whatever trouble they might find themselves in.  Uncle Eddie's a Vietnam Vet with a big heart and a short temper ("I've got my issues, Preacher!"...Don't we all) but he protects those kids up there like they are his own.

Santa Claus is struggling with his own issues with aging and a wife that took a tumble and had a break.  Employees know right where he lives and go visit.  They take care of their own.  And, too, while they aren't perfect by any means, they genuinely try to share the love with all who enter their doors, whether they know them or not.  Today, there was a couple there and well, based on their accents, they "weren't from aroun' chere."

That sat at the bar with me and Uncle Eddie on a crowded morning and soon, they were laughing, and asking questions about the town.  Then she began to share.

We came down last weekend, me and my sisters and our families to visit our mom.  She got tangled up in her walker the first day we were here...she fell...she broke her hip...she just couldn't muster the strength to survive the surgery...we're taking her body to Florida...keep questioning if we did the right thing...tears, laughter, sadness, hope, fear, feelings of guilt...waffle house sharing...

Soon, the regulars and employees (no preacher needed) were offering comforting words of support and encouragement to these strangers passing through on a tragic journey.  They left as if they, too, were regulars--laughing, hollering above the noise--"Thanks everybody.  Really, thank you so much!  You guys have a great day!  We will be back!"

Yup, there's a lot to learn about church from Waffle House.  And if we could take those lessons back to church with us--there just might be hope for us yet...

Newsletter Nov Dec 2012 article

From the Pastor’s desk:

THE END IS NEAR!  REPENT!

It has been suggested that the Mayans predicted the world would come to an end in just a few weeks. 

The passage from James that I’m about to preach from (James 4: 13-17--last Sunday of October) seems to take on the same urgency.  In fact, most of the New Testament is written with an eye on the soon and sudden return of Christ.  Behold the End is Near!

Today I want to talk about the impending end of the year 2012.  The end, IS in fact, near.  Yes, we have lots of stuff still to do with November, Advent and Christmas.  (By the way, Christmas at McKendree will be a “drop in” communion.  We know how busy so many families are so here is a way that you can not only work around what you are doing with family, but you can bring them too.  Silent time of prayer and receive the elements—that’s all—then back to the festivities.  More to come on that).  But in reality, as we put Charge Conference forms and planning meetings behind us, the year is winding down.  Soon it will be 2013 and we will have new officers, new members, (you already have a new pastor), and hopefully the beginning of a new vision.

Today I challenge each of you to be in prayer.  Specifically, I want you to seek out God’s will for your involvement at McKendree AND for McKendree’s involvement in the community.  How are we (as individuals and as the church) going to make a difference for the Kingdom of God in 2013.  Then I want you to spend time doing something we almost never do.  Listen!  Meditate, be quiet, hum, sing, read scripture, whatever it takes for you to listen for that still small voice of God...Where is He leading us?  Where is He leading Me?

Blessings…

In His Service,

Pastor Tommy

WAFFLE HOUSE PORN! Life in the south.

Life in south often takes us places we didn't expect to be.  I like southern life.  I love that my kids have those southern accents, much thicker than either their momma or daddy do.  Trey sometimes reminds me of one of the Dewberry brothers from that cute little move, Because of Winn Dixie.  He has the ability to add syllables to just any ole word and I must admit, it's cute and he wears it well.  His sister, too--can turn on the southern charm and her accent kicks it up a notch when she does.

Then there's southern dining at it's finest.  And today, we decided together that we were going to have one of those southern cuisine experiences in a fine dining establishment.  We went to Waffle House.  Yeah, I know, but we went anyway.  If it means nothing to you to say that I like mine covered, not smothered, sometimes chunked, NEVER diced--then you won't understand.  It's a part of the southern charm to watch your server walk away from the cook and YELL your order to her in code.

The kids were good, the food was good (I had the grilled chicken--WOW--wonderful) and the service was surprisingly good (there were only 3 other people in there the whole time we ate)...The server talked me into splitting a piece of chocolate pie between us, which again, was excellent!  All in all a good time out to eat...

On the way home from supper, my kids were rambling about something while I phased out for a bit--thinking of how much I enjoyed our little trip--it's the little things in life that count.  Being together, sharing, laughing, talking about our day...that's what life is all about.  But suddenly I was interrupted mid-thought by my daughter, almost yelling, "PORN, PORN, PORN, PORN!"

Cautiously I said, "Emma what are you saying and why are you saying it?"

"I said, 'It's Porn!  Because-- it is!"

  

I waited a while before I just HAD to ask again, "What do you mean."

"It's raining very hard Daddy!  Why, it's PORN down out there!"

She was right, it was raining hard--PORN cats and dogs, in fact.

Bless her heart!

Dinner at Waffle House, $24.00.  Gas to get there and home, probably the same.  Talkin' Southern...Priceless...

Blessings

Pastor Tommy

Nobody likes a jerk.

Nobody

Don't let being a jerk be your witness for Christ...

If you are a recipient of God's grace 

That means you didn't deserve it...

So act like you know that...

It's important

Really

It is.

That is all

Blessings,

Pastor Tommy

Justice?

Today I met Wayne.  I'm the first to admit I went out on a limb.  But it's ok...

I was in my office at the church, by myself.  I've been fussed at for leaving the door unlocked, but hate the idea of this open hearts, open minds, open doors church being locked EVER, much less when there is someone here.

As I worked on Clergy Assessment forms, suddenly I realized there was someone standing at the door to my office.  When I looked up, a meek voice from a young man wearing a backpack said, "I'm sorry to bother you, but can I use your phone?"  "Sure," I said, "What's going on?"

"Well, it might sound sorta lame, but I just got out of jail and I'm hoping to call someone to come get me.  I walked all the way here so far, but I'm getting tired."  He had walked about 3-1/2 miles to get this far.

I asked his name and handed him the phone.  While he was dialing, I quietly typed his name into a search engine and his picture came up--a mug shot.  So I knew he was telling me the correct name and then I searched for his record.  What I found was a simple FAILURE TO APPEAR and an arrest date of August 3.

I listened as he talked to his grandmother on the phone, trying to give her information on where he was.  He kept asking me about road names as he talked.  He simply couldn't explain to her where he was.  In frustration, he finally asked her, "Grandma, is no one else there?"  I said, "Where are you trying to get to?"  He told me (it was 21 miles away) and I couldn't help myself.  I said, "Tell her you are on your way.  I'll take you."  I texted my wife and told her who I was with and what I was doing (still wanted to be cautious?)

He was grateful and shocked, kept saying over and over that he couldn't believe it.  As we drove, I asked him to tell me the story--how did he end up here.  I believe his story, lines up with what I saw and what I felt.

He is young--early 20's.  He and his girlfriend were trying hard to make it, she found herself pregnant and he lost his mechanic job of four years.  Within months of the baby boy's birth, his girlfriend decided she didn't want to be a mother (no drugs or alcohol, he said, she just couldn't do it)...so she simply left.  Around the time of his losing his job, he got two tickets, one for speeding and one for parking.  In his youth, he made a stupid mistake. He didn't think he deserved either ticket, so he chose not to pay them.

Wanting to do the right thing with his son, he planned to move to Florida to live with his dad, lined up a job and everything!  He took the baby to see his ex girlfriend's parents before he left.  They had a surprise for him in that they didn't want the baby to leave, so they tried to take the baby.  The police got called and when they ran his license, they discovered his failure to appear warrant and a arrested him.  Social Services placed the baby boy with Wayne's sister.  No one could afford bail, so he stayed.  A judge sentenced him to 45 days in jail.  He served the entire time in Lincoln County Detention.  This morning they released him.

Stunned to really get it that he had, in essence, spent a month and a half in jail for a speeding ticket, being kept away from his infant son, all while trying to do right, I had very little to say.  I know what he did was wrong, but really?  I took him to his grandmother's house and dropped him off with my business card.  "Call if you can think of something I might can help you with."  "Are you kidding?  I could never have asked for anyone to do this much for me.  I've never had a church and have been praying all the way I was walking for God to show me one.  I meant one to attend, but then I saw your church and thought...'maybe God still loves me.'"  I assured him that was the case and asked, "What will you do now?"  He said, "Well, I can't be worried about the past.  I've got a son that I love so much (he showed me a picture of the chubby little guy) and I have to take care of him.  I think I've learned I need to think about him before every little thing I do."




And that was it...I'm still stunned...I think of Jesus saying to visit those in jail and you know, he's not what comes to mind in our day, but he's exactly the one Jesus was talking about in his day.  Justice for those who have been treated unjustly.  It's so easy to forget that justice isn't always just.  How many more like him are there?  I don't know.  But then, does it even matter why or how they ended up in jail--we are called to be present...now what do we do with that?

It's been 11 years...and we HAVE forgotten

There's been this silly Feng Shui (did I spell that right?) post going around Facebook telling the world it's been 823 years since we had an October where the days lined up like the ones from this year's calendar or the December calendar, or whatever...  It's a lie.  (The really sad ones like the one above are just wrong as this year, it's simply not so for October!)  It's bothered me since I first saw this nonsense promising people massive windfalls if they repost the silliness, but this year it's particularly disturbing to me and I think I know why.

This year, once we got beyond Leap Day, all the dates of the year line up with the same days of the week as 11 years ago.  That was 2001--a big year!  I proposed to my wife on July 7, 2001--a Saturday, just like it was a Saturday this year.  I graduated from UNCC on December 15--a Saturday, just like it will be a Saturday this year.  We will celebrate our 11th anniversary on Dec 30, a Sunday just like it was in 2001.

And of course, September 11 will fall on a Tuesday, just like it did in 2001...

Lots of Facebook status updates, profile pictures, cover photos, etc., are being posted in remembrance of that horrible day and the thousands of lives lost in such horrific acts of violence.  I remember and it still leaves me unsettled, sad, melancholy.  The pain...the tears, the sadness all come back.  At times, it's even as though I'm still glued to the television, watching the events unfold over and over and over again.

But, you know, there are other memories from those dreadful days in September 2001.  The evening of September 11, like many of you, I was gathered with my church family for prayer at Bethel UMC in Salisbury.  The little church was packed.  Among those gathered were two families with loved ones unaccounted for in New York (both families were able to get good news in the next few days).  I remember as a pastor trying to find some words that would make sense and bring comfort, but only tears came.

We cried together and prayed together.  And we did something else...we committed anew to be in relationship with each other as we renewed our relationship with God.  We re-committed ourselves to living for God, loving each other, and were proud of our country.  There were no Democrats or Republicans, no Baptists or Methodists.  We were all Americans.  In the Christian church, we were all one body, committed to the faith--and to our respective churches.  Church attendance in our country saw rising numbers that stayed that way for months on end...I was so proud to be an American and proud to be a Christian in the aftermath of such devastation.

Today, those Facebook posts have a common theme..."We will never forget!"  Intended to convey that we will never forget those whose lives were lost that day, we remember, still with some tears, the people in the planes, the people working in the buildings and perhaps most poignantly, the public servants and ordinary heroes who gave their lives to try to save or protect others.  We will never forget.

But we have forgotten too much...

1. Partisan Politics is the ruler of the day and we are a country divided.  Shame on us for forgetting the unity we once felt.

2. We have forgotten our unconditional and over the top support for our local heroes, particularly our police officers and fire fighters, that still today work to keep us safe.

3. And we have forgotten our commitment to our faith.  Churches are no longer filled to the brim...attendance has not only returned to pre-9/11 levels, it has shrunk further.  Vacations, family outings, sports--all have found their way back to a priority level above our commitment to be together in worship, prayer, and praise, to be united in mission to help the least, the last, and the lost.

And so, while I am pleased that we have still committed to remember, at least once a year, those whose lives were lost on that day, I am hesitantly hopeful that we will at least try to put partisanship aside and show some respect to our fellow citizens.  And too--perhaps this year, when the 16th of September comes around, again on a Sunday this year--that we REMEMBER the commitments we made to be in our houses of worship, together, as one body.

9/11--We will never forget!  Let's see if we mean it this year...

Blessings

A Special Note to Our Youth...

I feel blessed to be the pastor of a GREAT youth group at McKendree UMC.  These kids are fun, smart, talented, and they love each other and love the church and love their Lord.  They've even shown me they love ME.

I also recognize that I only really see most of them when they are together as a group AND at the church or a church event.  I have a story for them tonight--a true story--happened just this week.  I am going to believe that I don't need to connect the dots for them on this and they can draw their own conclusions and life lessons from it.  People are watching...all the time.

I took my kids to McDonald's after they finished their homework.  We went to the McDonald's here on Main St in Lincolnton.  It wasn't very crowded, but we certainly weren't alone.

On the other side of the restaurant from where we sat, there were five young men from Lincolnton High School.  I cannot say for certain, but I believe they were on the football team.  Maybe Soccer, but definitely a team sport.

My kids noticed.  Trey likes to play football; Emma was a cheerleader last year.  They watched them off and on.  Soon, I was trying to distract my kids attention away from these young men.

One of them was standing about as far away from his team mates as possible--on the phone.  He hung up and shouted, "Sometimes she can be the biggest b**** I know!"  He then explained he was talking about his mother.  My kids heard that.  Everyone in the store heard it.

The young men settled into their conversation, laced throughout with language that I didn't want my kids listening to--especially from kids they looked up to.  I think by then my kids were distracted enough, they didn't notice.  The family with a small little girl sitting next to the Lincolnton High boys--well, they noticed.  From the looks of the faces in the room, a lot of folks noticed.  No matter how I tried to find some way to let these boys (notice, they don't seem like young men to me anymore) know they needed to settle down, I couldn't without drawing the attention of my kids back to the boys, so unfortunately, I said nothing.  No one else did either.  When these boys from Lincolnton High left, there was a sense of relief in the room as folks went back to enjoying time with their families.

Now, understand, I'm not foolish enough to NOT remember that sometimes a misguided part of growing up is the belief that to show maturity, we might just try using a few colorful metaphors sprinkled in our conversation..a mild form of rebellion, I guess.  So, to be fair, the language, in and of itself, was not the problem for me.

My issue was that they didn't seem to realize that they were not in the locker room!  My issue was with the lack of respect for those around them.  The boys certainly knew they were in a public, family place.  They should have had more respect.  Being ABLE to use more adult language does not mean that you SHOULD.  It certainly does not mean they shouldn't be aware of their surroundings and concerned about how their actions affect the others in the room.

Worst of all, for too many in the room, they now have an image in their minds that is (fairly or not) associated with Lincolnton High School Athletics.  Their language, their actions, their lack of restraint hurt more than just them, it hurt the team--it hurt the whole school.  These boys will be men when they can demonstrate some respect and concern--some awareness of their surroundings.

I guess I wasn't really surprised.  I was disappointed...AND I was disappointed that I wasn't surprised.  Oh well...

Just thought I'd share with you all.  Thanks for all you do.  Remember, people know who you are, whose you are, and they are watching.

Blessings

Pastor Tommy

When the darkness speaks

For my friends dealing with the shadows of this world...

It's when the light is apparently hidden that the darkness speaks the loudest.

Sometimes the answer is simply to uncover the light and let it shine.

Sometimes we have to simply tell ourselves over and over again:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  

I know far too many people right now who seem to be facing so much darkness...and at times the darkness, it appears, has won.  Wave after wave of darkness come crashing down and they crave some light--just a little--to bring some sort of hope.

But our hope is already present and so is the light.  We sometimes just need to remind the darkness that it cannot ultimately succeed or triumph.  The battle has already been won and darkness is on the losing side.  Its days are numbered.

So speak the light out of the shadows and proclaim the light.  It has not...It WILL not be overcome.

Be a light bearer into the world--it's what we do...well, it's what we are called to do.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.  And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances... 

Facebook Theology?

Disclaimer.  I know some of you posted these things.  I'm not picking on you.  It also may have nothing to do with you. Lots of folks post these things and thankfully, they all make me think...

I saw a post today (and yesterday, and last week, etc, etc.) that said, "What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?"

Great intentions.  Let's find a way to encourage folks to give thanks and to do so regularly!  Let's remind folks to be good stewards, for all good things come from God.  It is our Christian duty and responsibility to care for the things God has given us--to remember that even our very life is a gift from the Creator.

But still...

I type this as I look at my son, playing with our cat, Sam.  My daughter is in the other room, playing with the new kitten.  Each of them is dependent on me and my wife for their very survival.  We give them (all four of them): food, shelter, clothing, toys, entertainment, etc.  All good things come from us.  But they are not (any of them) at a maturity level yet to understand their full dependence.  OK, we'll ignore the cats for now as some may argue they aren't made in the image of God (others might disagree).  Imagine what you would think of me if I were to adopt this new policy with just my children.

Anything my kids don't thank us for today, we'll take away tomorrow.  My son didn't say thanks for his shoes (he's had them for a while, but still, he should remember to be thankful EVERY DAY.  Tomorrow, he goes to school barefoot.  My daughter forgets to thank us for rice--a staple in her diet.  Tomorrow, she goes hungry (yes, without rice, she just might).

I don't need to take the example any further as I'm guessing you know already what you would think of me.  Many of my dearest friends or family members would be calling the authorities to have the kids taken away and the kids would not have the absolute assurance that we will always be here for them.  They might not could put it into words, but they'd feel it... Mom and Dad are petty and small minded, uncaring and inhumane.

And so, while I appreciate the good intentions, I think God is a better parent than we will ever be.  I think God's children will not have the feeling of absolute assurance that God will always be there for us if we feel threatened that God might simply come and take away those things we were derelict in giving thanks for yesterday.  I think the idea, when you think about it, gives those on the margins the idea that God is petty, small minded, uncaring, and inhumane.

So, to answer the question..."What if I woke up this morning and the only things I have are the things I remembered to give thanks for yesterday?...Well, I think my God would have just gotten a lot smaller....

So what about you?  What are some others you've noticed.  Leave me a comment below with those questionable Facebook Theological posts you've seen.

Whatever you think of God or God's actions...God is bigger than that, too.

Blessings
Tommy

It's got to be all about something...

I am asked to write a newsletter article every other month.  I wanted to find a way to make a history of such things if someone were to come along and see, for example, what was said last publication.  So here it is--a new blog specifically for the family and friends of McKendree UMC in Lincolnton, NC.

The address is www.mckendreemcpastor.blogspot.com (yes, that's McKendree McPastor DOT COM...lol).  I will archive (from this post on) those newsletter articles as well as other thoughts, pictures, announcements, etc.  Please find the blog online and subscribe.  Every now and then, let me know someone is reading it by making a comment, posing a question, or just giving it a thumbs up.  You can also share it with your friends and family--a good way to encourage folks to come visit out church or some church event!

You're just now getting to know me a little better as I'm getting to you know all of you.  And while we have much to point to with pride in the goings on at McKendree, you and I have MUCH work to be done.  What do we do here at McKendree?  What's it all about anyway?

There's meetin' time--lots and lots of meetin's.  By God, we're Methodists and that's what we're good at. I sit here and overlook the calendar and you know, if it weren't for meetin's we might not have much to do at ALL.  Council on Ministries, Admin Board, Trustees, SPRC (?), Finance, Worship, etc, etc, etc.  We are all about meetings.

There's Food.  We eat a lot--I mean a LOT.  We Methodists know how to hold a fork.  We got 3rd Sunday meals, Women's meals, Men's meals, youth meals, and sometimes we meet over a meal just to decide what meal is next.  We love to eat.  We are all about eating!

There's worship and learning times.  These are meetin's with each other, and with God and it's for feedin' the soul, not the belly!  Good times. And we are faithful to keep them all!  God bless us!  We are all about Worship!

But when someone wants to know what we are all about, do we tell them meetings, food, worship and learning?  What's it all about anyway?  I borrow from my good friend, Donna Coone, and tell you it better be that we can say with integrity--IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVE.  Everything we do together, individually, as the church, as a family, as members of the body of Christ--if it's not about love--what is it about?  What possibly could be the point of all of this if there were no love?

Read that part of Corinthians that says we can speak, sing, preach 'til the cows come home, but if have no love, we're no more impressive than a clanging cow bell!

Invite your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors to come see us at McKendree and when they want to know what it's all about--what WE are all about at McK UMC?  Tell them It's all about LOVE.

And with that, let me say, I LOVE each and every one of you!  Really I do!

Blessings

Pastor Tommy
www.mckendreemcpastor.blogspot.com