ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 31, 2024
Yes, it is Halloween, but more importantly, it is All Hallow’s Eve. Ok, I think we all know that the kids are much more excited about Halloween, but All Hallow’s Eve is the day before All Saints’ Day, November 1. We always celebrate it the following Sunday, so this year, we will be celebrating All Saints’ Day this Sunday, November 3. We will do so with a time of remembrance in each worship service, including the naming of those church members and friends who have died in the last year. It is always a meaningful moment in the life of the church. 

But as for Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, this is an equally ancient practice, more so in some cultures than others. All Hallows Eve sometimes included time spent in the graveyard; some people even sleep on the graves of family members. There would be plenty of people who would find this practice strange at best. But in the life of the church, at least until recently, there has been a desire to create a sense of normalcy around death. That’s not to say it should be treated casually, but too many people are so bothered by death that they will not attend the funeral of a friend or family member. There was a time when the body of a recently deceased person would be washed and dressed in a home by family and friends, and the body would lie in state there in the home as well—not in the funeral home or at the church. I don’t know if I am ready to return to this practice, but it allowed for death to be seen and discussed, reducing the mystery and anxiety associated with it. Since home preparation is probably not returning, what are things we can do to create a safe space around death where questions can be asked, where the shroud of secrecy is lifted, and people are able to more comfortably do the good and necessary work of grieving?

Between visits from ghosts, goblins, and superheroes, provide us with opportunities to seriously talk about death, O Lord, for it is in conversations about death that we are often able to open ourselves to a greater understanding of life. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 30, 2024
I was sitting in the airport early Monday morning, catching a flight from Amarillo to Phoenix via Denver. The size and amount of luggage that people attempted to bring on as “carry-on” was rather laughable. I understand that business people need to keep their belongings close, often making multiple stops in a span of a couple of days. Others have had a bad experience with lost luggage, yet there was one couple who carried onto the plane so much luggage that I couldn’t imagine there was anything left in their closets at home. Or maybe they were trying to save money by packing their children inside their multiple bags. Now being completely transparent, I do tend to take one too many outfits when I travel, no matter the duration of my trip, but I only carry-on my backpack while checking my other bag. 

Seeing all the carry-on luggage sort of served as a metaphor for all the excessive “stuff” we carry with us in life. How good are we at relinquishing, letting go, setting down, giving away, or imposing limits on ourselves when it comes to the things we no longer need or might never have actually needed? Learning to live with less would serve many of us well, but today, let’s ponder the unhealthy emotional baggage we carry with us. Please understand that I am NOT suggesting to just get over something that was painful, such as a significant loss or trauma. Thinking that some deeply painful event can or should be overcome quickly has never ended well. Those who believe they have quickly moved on are usually the folks who discover that what they thought was left behind was, in fact, taking a free ride in the backseat of their subconscious. And like the couple who brought on the multiple carry-ons, not only were they exhausted trying to navigate the aisle, but they indirectly caused problems for others. Thank goodness a flight attendant stepped in and took two of the bags as there was no longer any spare room in the overhead compartments. Of course, the flight attendant only provided a reprieve from the access baggage. 

The question becomes: How do we do the intentional work to carry less with us? It begins with two things mentioned in that question. First, the “we” is amazingly helpful, whether that is a support group, therapist, trusted friend, or maybe a Sunday School class. Second, we must be “intentional” in this work, recognizing that letting go of the painful stuff happens only if we approach it deliberately and consistently. Question: What’s the heavy experience from your past that you continue to carry as if it is a must-have, when in fact, it is not what God hopes for you or your health?

Bless and strengthen me, O Kind and Merciful God, as I invite others to help me in this important and purposeful work of letting go of the unnecessary and unhealthy stuff that I find myself carrying. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 29, 2024
During the Regional Assembly in Amarillo, I attended a Workshop on Christian Nationalism. This remains an ongoing threat, not only to democracy but to how people perceive the Christian faith. During the presentation, the convener talked about Motivation and Justification. Often, people are not honest about their motivations when making a decision, and later, when they are forced to own the decision, they create a justification for the decision that has nothing to do with the real motivation. They often make decisions out of fear or an underlying anxiety. Later, because they do not wish to be outed for the real motivation, they reach for a justification that hides their anxiety and insecurity. Lots of folks justify by scapegoating the powerless and voiceless. Others join the false justification because they too want to look justified for their fear-induced rhetoric or hateful actions. The interesting thing is that most discerning people can see through smokescreen motivation in real time. But even if only a few see it in the moment, history has never remembered well those who blame the innocent as a justification to hide their real motivation. It takes both humility and strength of character to acknowledge and own our true motivations, but when we do, we live a more healthy life and don’t bring injury to the innocent. In Ephesians 4:25, we read: “So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another.”

We honor and serve you, Lord God, in so many ways, but among them is choosing to be honest with ourselves about who we are, what our true motivations are, and the fears that remain embedded deep within us. Remind us of how Jesus revealed great strength in humility and weakness, and in living the way of self-giving love, he participated in fulfilling your dream for this world. May it be the same for those of us who take his name, calling ourselves Christians. Amen. 

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 28, 2024
Prayer for the Week:
A step in faith
Not always a safe path
A step in faith
Not always a known path
A step in faith
Not always with confidence
A step in faith
Not made alone
A step in faith
Trusting you, Holy God
A step in faith
Trusting in your dream
A step in faith
I will take a step in faith
Hoping to find the strength
To take a second step
Amen

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 27, 2024
At the Regional Assembly in Amarillo, which concluded last night, I heard two exceptional sermons. Our General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Terri Hord Owens, preached Friday night, and her sermon set the tone for our theme: Faithful Steps Forward. Yesterday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, the new President of Brite Divinity School, offered one of the better sermons I have heard in quite some time. The worship service included the installation of the new Regional Youth Ministry Commission. Cypress Creek’s own Ellie Steves was one of the youth installed on the RYMC, and she offered leadership in the worship service as well. Great job, Ellie!

On Friday night, our GMP, Rev. Owens, told some of her own story, and what I really appreciated was an acknowledgement of all the small steps that brought her to where she is. We often question why it took so long for something to happen or for something to come to fruition. But Terri reminded us of how these little steps are where we are shaped for whatever it is that God is seeking to bring to completion. In Proverbs 3:5, we read: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence.” I don’t believe those words are suggesting we ignore intelligence or life experiences, but there are times when faith invites us to do things that do not make sense. When weighing what steps to take, we often allow safe and simple to influence our decision. Even if it is a small step toward risk, if the invitation appears to come from God, is there trust enough to move in the direction of the unknown? 

Holy God, when your invite into newness carries with it some hint of trepidation, I pray for both trust and strength of spirit to take the first step… and then the next. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 26, 2024
Yesterday, I wrote about grief and the need for us to hold a very expansive understanding of grief—the necessary and healthy God-given tool for us to use as we move from loss to wholeness. In a recent conversation, I was reminded that the pathway is neither straight nor smooth. And one person’s journey is not going to look like the next person's. Yesterday, I flew to Amarillo for the Regional Assembly. I caught my flight at Bush Intercontinental Airport. Another church member flew a different airline out of Hobby. On Facebook, I noticed folks driving to Amarillo for the Regional Assembly, though most of them live a little closer than Houston. Rarely is there one way of getting to a destination, and the many pathways are determined by a long list of unique needs and circumstances. The pathway from loss to wholeness is determined by another very long list of unique needs and circumstances. We can learn from others, but we can never assume that their path can be our path. A previous loss might have paved the way, making the path easier. Or, some unresolved grief from a previous loss, might have created numerous obstacles along the journey. Most importantly, be patient with yourself, ask for help along the way, and do not be hard on yourself when you need to take a little break. And of course, remember that you have a partner in the journey, even when you go down a path that is not helpful. God will remain faithful to you with love and mercy, gifts that will be essential in finding the destination.

You are merciful and kind, O Holy Guide and Friend. Thank you for your faithfulness even when I am frustrated and feeling as if I am going nowhere. Nudge me when I need a nudge, and hold me when I simply need to feel your comforting Spirit wrapped around me. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 25, 2024
What does it mean when someone says, “It is important to grieve in a healthy way?” When we go through a time of loss, whether that is the death of someone we love, the death of a beloved pet, a dramatic change in a relationship, or even a change in our life circumstances, it is important to know that we need to grieve. So often, we associate grief with a funeral, and that is part of the process of grieving, but what happens when we lose a job? There is not a ritual, like a funeral, to help us along the way. What about a divorce? It feels like a death, but you often have to see the reminder of that loss on a regular basis, especially if children are involved. Life is complicated, and how we deal with change or an unexpected goodbye defines how we navigate the loss. A friend went through a divorce, and she talked about how important the church was in her healing, but she was a teacher, and her colleagues planned third Fridays for her. On the third Friday of the month, a bunch of teachers would go out for dinner, and they would laugh and cry late into the evening. One of those teachers would drop her a card of encouragement in the mail every two weeks or so. It usually said something as simple as, “You’ve got this because you’ve got friends.” When a friend or family member is going through a challenging time, we convince ourselves that we must have the right words to help them in the grief. More often than not, it is our presence and a little gesture that communicates, “I will be here no matter what might come your way.”

Continue to encourage me to honor the process of grief, O Merciful and Healing God, whether that be my own grief or the grief of someone I call a friend. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 24, 2024
Back in the mid-80’s, I was taking my first religion classes, and among the diverse writers I was encountering was a group often referred to as Liberation Theologians. I read Rosemary Ruether and James Cone, and then we learned that Gustavo Gutiérrez was going to be visiting our small university in Enid, Oklahoma. I had not yet read anything he had written, but he was the father of the Liberation Theology born in South and Central America. I had heard his name and was actually waiting for some more money so I could buy the book, “A Theology of Liberation.” His lecture was not very well attended, but I was mesmerized by the experience, and even after the lecture, I had a few moments to chat with him. I don’t remember what I said, but I can guarantee you that I probably came off as a goofy and star-struck undergraduate who probably needed to do a lot more reading before actually speaking to him. Nonetheless, he was very kind.

Gustavo Gutiérrez died two days ago in his home country of Peru at the age of 96. Over the years, I have continued to follow him as much as I could. Pope Benedict XVI was not a fan of Gustavo Gutiérrez or Liberation Theology, but there are those who believe that Benedict did not fully understand Liberation Theology. The current Pope, Francis, has a very different take on Liberation Theology, and, in fact, wrote Gustavo Gutiérrez a letter in which the Pope thanked him for his contributions to “the Church and to humanity, through your theological service and your preferential love for the poor and the discarded of society.”

One of my favorite quotes from Gutiérrez is, “…the poor person does not exist as an inescapable fact of destiny. His or her existence is not politically neutral, and it is not ethically innocent. The poor are a by-product of the system in which we live and for which we are responsible.” Gutiérrez always believed that with true empathy, love, and hope, the systems of injustice could be transformed. I want to believe as he believed.

For the saints who have challenged us and even brought a bit of discomfort to our lives, we hesitantly say, “Thank you!” Holy God, you continue to call forth those who give voice to the voiceless, while not allowing for the marginalized to be forgotten. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 23, 2024
Peter Drucker is a name you probably know. He was an author and consultant in all things business, but a lot of his writings extended well beyond how corporations should work. In fact, he gave a lot of good advice for life. One of the quotes I like is: “Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes… but no plans.” We’ve all known someone who talks a good game but chooses to not show up for the game. Or the old saying, “All hat, no cattle.” The church is built on commitment, but the commitment is not to an institution. It is to a vision of human existence and interaction put forth in the life and teachings of Jesus. When commitment is to an institution, it almost always becomes about protecting sacred cows and beloved rituals. When people are committed to the ways of Jesus, there is a willingness to let go of certain ‘personal likes’ for the sake of participating in what God through the Holy Spirit is doing in the moment. I’m not pretending this is easy. In fact, I would suggest it is for most of us a daily challenge that must include reflection, confession, and repentance. In my own life, I have been confronted with a number of things that clearly were not of God, but I sure had made them into inescapable attributes of the faith. Personally, the communion table is an event that often calls me back, centering me in the unconditional and limitless love of God. There I remember Jesus who said to his followers, and thus said to me, “Love others as I have taught you to love.” I want to be committed to that above all other things, but I have a feeling I’ll notice something in the days ahead that has slipped above it and become a distraction.

Through your gracious and empowering Spirit, God, I pray for the capacity to continue to grow in my commitment to you and the ways of Jesus. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
October 22, 2024
I am leaving for the Regional Assembly in a couple of days, and Donna said to me, “I’ll miss you. Please don’t runaway and join the circus.” There was a pause, and we both said basically the same thing: “Oh, why trade one circus for another?” As a kid, I loved the circus. It was a wonderful, crazy, surprise-filled, funny, joyful, and, at times, awe-inspiring experience. The strange thing is that I might use that same list of adjectives to describe the church. And in the same way I loved the circus, I can say that I love the church. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11 said, “I repeat, no one should take me for a fool. But if you do, then allow me to be a fool so that I can brag like a fool for a bit” (11:16). I enjoy bragging about what we are doing at Cypress Creek Christian Church, and though a lot of what we do appears foolish to the world, we gladly accept their conclusion as the Gospel has always been turning the world on its head and, in doing so, transforming mourning into laughter.

You must have a good sense of humor, O God of this wonderfully crazy world, for you are the One who invited me to join a clown show that is willing to speak and do the absurd for the sake of those who are hurting, afraid, and experiencing the pain of injustice. Amen.