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.

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

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