Bishop Robert Schnase wrote: “Churches practicing Radical Hospitality … surprise newcomers with a glimpse of the unmerited gracious love of God that they see in Christ.”
“Radical Hospitality describes churches that strive without ceasing to exceed expectations to accommodate and include others” (pg 21; Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations ©2007).
Many people and congregations are more generous and gracious at Christmas than at any other time of year. Primrose United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas is also very generous.
Every year we put out a Christmas tree or an Angel tree, which carries pertinent information about children’s needs for Christmas. We buy clothes, toys and sometimes food so that the children will not do without Christmas celebrations. Often times the children that we help are those we have encountered through some function, activity or event that happened at our church facilities. Some years we have helped the residents of the nursing home across the street – most of whom are quite elderly.
This year we did all of the above! As of this writing we have helped more than 27 children (and their parents), 3 nursing home residents and several adults have gifts under their Christmas trees this year. For a couple of families we even provided the Christmas tree. For quite a few families we provided Christmas dinner. That’s hospitality – sharing “the unmerited gracious love of God” with others that have come to us. We may be demonstrating the abundance of God’s grace and power as well.
But, with Bishop Schnase, I believe God is calling us to Radical Hospitality. God wants us to surprise our neighbors with a generous measure of God’s grace and love. Many people anticipate or expect churches to give something extra during the Christmas season. But, what if we gave clothes, toys, and/or food during the week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January? Or on St Valentine’s Day in February? Or at Easter? Or at St Patrick’s Day? Would that be the radical hospitality that strives “without ceasing to exceed expectations … to include others”?
http://www.blogcatalog.com
My blog is also at Blog Catalogue where great blogs are shared!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
November 17, 2008
A cold start to the day. We have not been able to get the heater fixed in the camper trailer. The two little electric heaters do not do enough all night long.
Today we are going to Branson. Dad and Mom are supposed to experience a "resort condominium" and the accompanying 90-minute sales pitch. We expect to have fun.
We had lunch at the Grand Country Buffet and fully enjoyed it. The food is tasty and the service is above average.
We drove through the Christmas lights at Shepherd of the Hills, Indian Point (near Silver Dollar City) and Branson. The lights at Shepherd of the Hills included scenes of Christmas in the Ozarks and Santa's workshop as well as reindeer and church scenes. It was absolutely fabulous!
The lights at Indian Point, which is a Corps of Engineers Park, were very nice.
The lights at Branson were above average. Some depicted Jesus and family being visited by shepherds while other lights portrayed the 12 days of Christmas. It was longer (that is, more lights) but not necessarily better than Indian Point. The light display at Shepherd of the Hills was definitely the best (and included a cup of cocoa).
Today we are going to Branson. Dad and Mom are supposed to experience a "resort condominium" and the accompanying 90-minute sales pitch. We expect to have fun.
We had lunch at the Grand Country Buffet and fully enjoyed it. The food is tasty and the service is above average.
We drove through the Christmas lights at Shepherd of the Hills, Indian Point (near Silver Dollar City) and Branson. The lights at Shepherd of the Hills included scenes of Christmas in the Ozarks and Santa's workshop as well as reindeer and church scenes. It was absolutely fabulous!
The lights at Indian Point, which is a Corps of Engineers Park, were very nice.
The lights at Branson were above average. Some depicted Jesus and family being visited by shepherds while other lights portrayed the 12 days of Christmas. It was longer (that is, more lights) but not necessarily better than Indian Point. The light display at Shepherd of the Hills was definitely the best (and included a cup of cocoa).
November 16, 2008
Off to church services this morning at the Church of Christ in Big Flat, Arkansas. The preacher/pastor taught the adult Sunday school class and preached the sermon afterwards. Interesting.
I wasn't (maybe still not) sure what point he was trying to make in the sermon. He seemed to ramble all through the Bible, quoting scripture verse after another. He told us that we needed to accept Christ's saving grace before it was too late. He told us that we needed to examine ourselves before taking the Lord's Supper. But, the sermon seemed so disjointed.
Dad and Mom's camper trailer (in which we are staying) has a malfunctioning heating system. First it was a propane leak, but now the burner for the heating system will not ignite. It is gonna be cold.
I wasn't (maybe still not) sure what point he was trying to make in the sermon. He seemed to ramble all through the Bible, quoting scripture verse after another. He told us that we needed to accept Christ's saving grace before it was too late. He told us that we needed to examine ourselves before taking the Lord's Supper. But, the sermon seemed so disjointed.
Dad and Mom's camper trailer (in which we are staying) has a malfunctioning heating system. First it was a propane leak, but now the burner for the heating system will not ignite. It is gonna be cold.
November 15, 2008
We're off on vacation! The plan is to spend a few days in Mt View, Arkansas and then go to Branson, Missouri and then go back to Mt View. That will take up a week and will be loads of fun for my wife, my parents and me.
On the way to Mt View today we stopped at the Rozark Hills coffee roasters in Rose Bud, Arkansas. I think their coffee is a most excellent roast.
Dad had told me that the coffee he drank in Costa Rica was great, so I asked the folks at Rozark Hills if they roasted any Costa Rican coffee beans. It just so happens that they had roasted fresh beans this morning! I bought two pounds - one for Dad and one for me. It tasted great tonight!
On the way to Mt View today we stopped at the Rozark Hills coffee roasters in Rose Bud, Arkansas. I think their coffee is a most excellent roast.
Dad had told me that the coffee he drank in Costa Rica was great, so I asked the folks at Rozark Hills if they roasted any Costa Rican coffee beans. It just so happens that they had roasted fresh beans this morning! I bought two pounds - one for Dad and one for me. It tasted great tonight!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
2 of 3 Simple Rules
The Second General Rule reads in part: "By doing good; by being in every kind merciful ... as they have opportunity, doing good of every sort, and, as far as possible, to all ..."
Jesus said, "I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you" (Luke 6:27-28).
Bishop Rueben Job writes: "That is, doing good is not limited to those like me or those who like me. Doing good is directed at everyone, even those who do not fit my category of 'worthy' to receive any good ..." (pg 37).
The admonition to do no harm, but do good did not stop with Jesus - praise God. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse ... as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:14, 18). This will not be easy as you can imagine. It seems we all have our prejudices. Some folks, especially those of the World War II era, despise Germans and others feel that Japanese deserve none of their "good deeds." We have derogatory nicknames for almost every race, nationality, religion, and cultural group. But we are designed to do good! Jesus said, "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good [deeds] and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Regardless of what another nation(ality) has done to you or your family, you are intended and expected to do good. Try it; you just might like it!
Bishop Rueben Job writes: "These first two rules are important and bring immediate results; but without the third rule, the first two become increasingly impossible" (pg 48).
Until next time, practice the first two rules and let me know what "immediate results" you experience.
Jesus said, "I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you" (Luke 6:27-28).
Bishop Rueben Job writes: "That is, doing good is not limited to those like me or those who like me. Doing good is directed at everyone, even those who do not fit my category of 'worthy' to receive any good ..." (pg 37).
The admonition to do no harm, but do good did not stop with Jesus - praise God. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse ... as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:14, 18). This will not be easy as you can imagine. It seems we all have our prejudices. Some folks, especially those of the World War II era, despise Germans and others feel that Japanese deserve none of their "good deeds." We have derogatory nicknames for almost every race, nationality, religion, and cultural group. But we are designed to do good! Jesus said, "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good [deeds] and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Regardless of what another nation(ality) has done to you or your family, you are intended and expected to do good. Try it; you just might like it!
Bishop Rueben Job writes: "These first two rules are important and bring immediate results; but without the third rule, the first two become increasingly impossible" (pg 48).
Until next time, practice the first two rules and let me know what "immediate results" you experience.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
1 of 3 Simple Rules
On Wednesday evenings we have been studying Bishop Rueben Job's book Three Simple Rules. The rules are: Do no harm; do good; stay in love with God. They are a paraphrasing of Wesley's General Rules of Methodist Societies.
Bishop Job wrote: "To do no harm means that I will be on guard so that all my actions and even my silence will not add injury to another of God's children or to any part of God's creation" (pg 31). At first glance, this General Rule of the Methodist Society did indeed seem simple - do no harm. But after pondering the boundaries of the rule I realized that I must constantly be aware of my actions, words, and "even my silence" to keep from doing NO harm.
I have lived by the rules of conduct and generally accepted standards of our culture for so long that when I tried to abide by one simple rule I encountered challenge. I was not challenged so much by others but my own since of right or wrong. To obey and live by the rule means that I must learn to live by Jesus' standards rather than society's standards (which seem to change often).
Jesus' standards sometimes seem so contrary to our ways that we must seriously consider practicing what we read in the Gospels. For example, Jesus said, "... unless your righteousness surpasses that of the ... teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20). Now to be obedient to Jesus' standards, then I must be righteous in my actions.
Jesus also said, "I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment [condemnation or damnation]" (Matthew 5:22). Woe to me because I have been angry many times, like when other drivers don't do what I think they should. Or like when the server at the fast food restaurant was rude. The rule is "DO NO HARM." It is not "do no harm unless somebody does it to you first." That is a challenge!
As Bishop Job wrote, "when I commit myself to this way, I must see each person as a child of God - a recipient of love ... undeserved - just like myself" (pg 31). Maybe, just maybe, as I try to do no harm, then I will live more and more like Jesus. That is my prayer.
Bishop Job wrote: "To do no harm means that I will be on guard so that all my actions and even my silence will not add injury to another of God's children or to any part of God's creation" (pg 31). At first glance, this General Rule of the Methodist Society did indeed seem simple - do no harm. But after pondering the boundaries of the rule I realized that I must constantly be aware of my actions, words, and "even my silence" to keep from doing NO harm.
I have lived by the rules of conduct and generally accepted standards of our culture for so long that when I tried to abide by one simple rule I encountered challenge. I was not challenged so much by others but my own since of right or wrong. To obey and live by the rule means that I must learn to live by Jesus' standards rather than society's standards (which seem to change often).
Jesus' standards sometimes seem so contrary to our ways that we must seriously consider practicing what we read in the Gospels. For example, Jesus said, "... unless your righteousness surpasses that of the ... teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20). Now to be obedient to Jesus' standards, then I must be righteous in my actions.
Jesus also said, "I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment [condemnation or damnation]" (Matthew 5:22). Woe to me because I have been angry many times, like when other drivers don't do what I think they should. Or like when the server at the fast food restaurant was rude. The rule is "DO NO HARM." It is not "do no harm unless somebody does it to you first." That is a challenge!
As Bishop Job wrote, "when I commit myself to this way, I must see each person as a child of God - a recipient of love ... undeserved - just like myself" (pg 31). Maybe, just maybe, as I try to do no harm, then I will live more and more like Jesus. That is my prayer.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Fruitful Congregations
At Primrose United Methodist Church today we start a study called Radical Hospitality. It comes from Bishop Robert Schnase's book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. In the book he quotes Jesus saying, "Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40).
Bishop Schnase defines hospitality as "seeing people as Jesus sees them and seeing Jesus in the people God brings before us" (pg 13). "Christian hospitality refers to the active desire to invite, welcome, receive and care for those who are strangers so that they find a spiritual home and discover for themselves the unending richness of life in Christ" (pg 11).
So, if we are going to be hospitable (and maybe entertain angels unawares), what are we going to do?
I think first we must consider the needs and place of others. That is, where is the "not-yet-Christians" in his or her spiritual journey? What does he or she know about how we worship God?
I think that many members of congregations feel like the "church" should meet the needs (and maybe wants) of its members. And that may fit into Jesus' that "just as you did [what you did] to one of the least of these who are my family members, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40, my paraphrase). Church folk sometimes think they are members of a family of faith when they join a congregation. That's why they want to call each other "brother" or "sister" and sing "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family ..." What those church folk often forget is that the family is supposed to grow. Jesus commissioned his disciples (members of his family) to "go and make disciples" (more family members) and teach them (Matthew 28:19). To accomplish that goal or mission of disciple-making, we must practice RADICAL hospitality. Therefore, we church folk practicing RADICAL hospitality "pray, plan, and work to invite others and ... to support them in their faith journey."
Bishop Schnase defines hospitality as "seeing people as Jesus sees them and seeing Jesus in the people God brings before us" (pg 13). "Christian hospitality refers to the active desire to invite, welcome, receive and care for those who are strangers so that they find a spiritual home and discover for themselves the unending richness of life in Christ" (pg 11).
So, if we are going to be hospitable (and maybe entertain angels unawares), what are we going to do?
I think first we must consider the needs and place of others. That is, where is the "not-yet-Christians" in his or her spiritual journey? What does he or she know about how we worship God?
I think that many members of congregations feel like the "church" should meet the needs (and maybe wants) of its members. And that may fit into Jesus' that "just as you did [what you did] to one of the least of these who are my family members, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40, my paraphrase). Church folk sometimes think they are members of a family of faith when they join a congregation. That's why they want to call each other "brother" or "sister" and sing "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family ..." What those church folk often forget is that the family is supposed to grow. Jesus commissioned his disciples (members of his family) to "go and make disciples" (more family members) and teach them (Matthew 28:19). To accomplish that goal or mission of disciple-making, we must practice RADICAL hospitality. Therefore, we church folk practicing RADICAL hospitality "pray, plan, and work to invite others and ... to support them in their faith journey."
Friday, October 24, 2008
Methodist Religion
According to John Wesley's Works, He was asked "Who is a Methodist?" His reply was, "A Methodist is one who has 'the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost given unto him;' one who 'loves the Lord his God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind, and with all his strength.'" Now that quotes Jesus declaring what is the greatest command in all the law.
A group of us at church have been reading/studying Bishop Rueben Job's book "Three Simple Rules," which reflects on The General Rules of the Methodist Societies. Referring to Jesus' "Great Commandment," Job writes, "Here we have the foundation and instruction for the faithful and good life in every age. ... And it remains a guide to the highest form of faithfulness ... that is both rewarding and fruitful in furthering God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven." (p. 9)
Suppose life is all about these 2 commands - love God and love your neighbor. What if?
A group of us at church have been reading/studying Bishop Rueben Job's book "Three Simple Rules," which reflects on The General Rules of the Methodist Societies. Referring to Jesus' "Great Commandment," Job writes, "Here we have the foundation and instruction for the faithful and good life in every age. ... And it remains a guide to the highest form of faithfulness ... that is both rewarding and fruitful in furthering God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven." (p. 9)
Suppose life is all about these 2 commands - love God and love your neighbor. What if?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
BLACKCOVER NOTEBOOK
Okay, this will be different from my intent and different from my usual posts. But, since I think of a blog as a kind of journal (in fact one weblog site is called LiveJournal), then this is my opportunity to win a set of journaling notebooks.
“Check out this site which is dedicated to finding Moleskine alternatives. I’m shilling to win a contest, so please check them out!”
You may learn to enjoy writing when you purchase a Piccadilly Notebook!
“Check out this site which is dedicated to finding Moleskine alternatives. I’m shilling to win a contest, so please check them out!”
You may learn to enjoy writing when you purchase a Piccadilly Notebook!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
President and Religion
"I can express no better hope for my country than that the kind Providence which smiled upon our fathers may enable their children to preserve the blessings they have inherited."
—President Franklin Pierce, 1853 Inaugural Address (quoted from Christian History web site)
So let me think - as a nation, what blessings have we inherited? We still are able to grow our own food. I know, we like to import many foods, but we do not have to import any to have a balanced diet. Many places (like Arkansas) can grow many, many foods while Alaska and Hawaii may only grow a few foods.
Another blessing I claim is the blessing of our freedom to practice our religion. To a great extent, we have little interference from the federal government with the way we practice our religion. I know there are exceptions.
What other blessings have we inherited?
How will we preserve them?
—President Franklin Pierce, 1853 Inaugural Address (quoted from Christian History web site)
So let me think - as a nation, what blessings have we inherited? We still are able to grow our own food. I know, we like to import many foods, but we do not have to import any to have a balanced diet. Many places (like Arkansas) can grow many, many foods while Alaska and Hawaii may only grow a few foods.
Another blessing I claim is the blessing of our freedom to practice our religion. To a great extent, we have little interference from the federal government with the way we practice our religion. I know there are exceptions.
What other blessings have we inherited?
How will we preserve them?
Friday, October 17, 2008
A night at the movies
Friday October 10, '08 my wife and I went to see a new movie entitled "Fireproof." We like to go to the Rave theaters on Colonel Glenn Road. They have seats that fit just right for wide-bottomed fellers like me. We usually get the "all-you-can-eat" deal on popcorn and cold drink. I like to eat popcorn when I watch a movie even if I am watching a video at home.
We had anticipated the release of this film for quite some time. The movie is produced by Sherwood Pictures, which is a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany Georgia. The ministry also produced "Facing the Giants" and "Flywheel." Since my wife and I have watched (and now own) DVDs of each of those films, we thought we had to watch this newest project - "Fireproof." You can learn a bit more about the film at http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/
The movie features Kirk Cameron, a Hollywood actor who starred in the "Left Behind" movie, which was based on a book by Tim LaHaye. On the other hand, Cameron may be best-known for his role as Mike Seaver on the television program "Growing Pains."
Co-author Stephen Kendrick said, "We’ve never claimed that our movies are Academy Award winning [...] But we are trying to pursue excellence." I think they did a fine job. My wife thinks it may be their best effort yet. And they did it all for $500,00, which was up from the $100,000 they spent to make "Facing the Giants"!
It is a great film about how a couple go through marital trouble (dare I say "marital warfare"?) to renewing their marriage vows before "God and these witnesses." The Love Dare a book written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, is a major topic in the film, being one of the main points of the plot. Alex Kendrick said in an interview that this film would be "a drama/romance about marriage. Our goal is to reinforce God's intention for marriage."
My wife and I loved the movie. We immediately left the theater and found Lifeway Christian Bookstore and bought the book The Love Dare and the video study to go with it. I encourage you to go see the film! It is good for those who are not married, too.
We had anticipated the release of this film for quite some time. The movie is produced by Sherwood Pictures, which is a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany Georgia. The ministry also produced "Facing the Giants" and "Flywheel." Since my wife and I have watched (and now own) DVDs of each of those films, we thought we had to watch this newest project - "Fireproof." You can learn a bit more about the film at http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/
The movie features Kirk Cameron, a Hollywood actor who starred in the "Left Behind" movie, which was based on a book by Tim LaHaye. On the other hand, Cameron may be best-known for his role as Mike Seaver on the television program "Growing Pains."
Co-author Stephen Kendrick said, "We’ve never claimed that our movies are Academy Award winning [...] But we are trying to pursue excellence." I think they did a fine job. My wife thinks it may be their best effort yet. And they did it all for $500,00, which was up from the $100,000 they spent to make "Facing the Giants"!
It is a great film about how a couple go through marital trouble (dare I say "marital warfare"?) to renewing their marriage vows before "God and these witnesses." The Love Dare a book written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, is a major topic in the film, being one of the main points of the plot. Alex Kendrick said in an interview that this film would be "a drama/romance about marriage. Our goal is to reinforce God's intention for marriage."
My wife and I loved the movie. We immediately left the theater and found Lifeway Christian Bookstore and bought the book The Love Dare and the video study to go with it. I encourage you to go see the film! It is good for those who are not married, too.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Playing music
Well, I have been practicing that harmonica. I'm barely learning to breathe through the reeds. Who woulda thought that breathing could be difficult?! I discovered that I was blowing too hard through the harmonica. Now when I think about just breathing through the instrument I am able to make musical notes rather than just noise.
I had better keep practicing the Mountain Dulcimer too. I have been told that practicing just 15 minutes each day will improve one's skill at playing a musical instrument. I am certain that not practicing at all will cause one's skill to deteriorate to nearly nothing. You know the saying, "use it or lose it."
What kind of instrument do you play? Do you like harmonica music?
I had better keep practicing the Mountain Dulcimer too. I have been told that practicing just 15 minutes each day will improve one's skill at playing a musical instrument. I am certain that not practicing at all will cause one's skill to deteriorate to nearly nothing. You know the saying, "use it or lose it."
What kind of instrument do you play? Do you like harmonica music?
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Music
You may not know this, but I play the Mountain Dulcimer. I was taught that I could play music while visiting Mt View, Arkansas one weekend. A lady that worked in the Dulcimer Shoppe sat me down and taught me to play a tune within 15 minutes. It was incredible! That was maybe 8 years ago now and I still enjoy playing my McSpadden Mountain Dulcimer.
Wednesday night (October 8, 08) I went over to a local restaurant because I wanted to meet and listen to a harmonica player. I think I can play that instrument. It is a diatonic instrument like the Mountain Dulcimer. It is a sound (or kind of music) that I enjoy listening to. And, I bought a set of 6 Piedmont harmonicas one day when a local music store had a "going out of business" sale. Now that I own them, I got to learn to play them - right.
So, like I was saying, I went to this local restaurant where Jon (not necessarily his real name) was going to show me a few things about playing. He got up to play with the duet (guitar and keyboard) on stage. He could sing fairly well, but he could play the harmonica great! I couldn't understand how he could draw in air through that harmonica for that long without exhaling! And then he said I could do that with some practice. Can you believe that? I can barely believe it myself! But I did learn to play the Mountain Dulcimer, even after telling that lady I could never play music. I think I can play that instrument - that harmonica. Maybe some of Bob Dylan's tunes.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
08 Presidential Election
I suppose many people have blogged about the elections and debates, but I feel the urge to express my opinion. Just so you'll know - my opinion and a few dollars more will get you a cup of coffee in Conway, Arkansas.
I have noticed that the primary presidential candidates - McCain and Obama - tend to exaggerate facts or to create "facts" from nothing at all. Sometimes they simply express an opinion as if it were the truth (or fact) when actually it is not fact at all. For example, the Fact Checker by Michael Dobbs points out that McCain accuses the U.S.A. of sending "$700 billion" to buy oil from countries who "don't like us very much." The context of Tuesday (October 7) debate seemed to indicate that he had no part of such expenditures. Yet, he has served as a Senator for years! By the way, we import more oil from Canada than any other single country.
I don't like either of the men for president. I feel like voting against them and doing my best to make them know why I did not vote for either of them. They both are only wanting to be president, which is not the same as leading this country towards the "common good."
I have noticed that the primary presidential candidates - McCain and Obama - tend to exaggerate facts or to create "facts" from nothing at all. Sometimes they simply express an opinion as if it were the truth (or fact) when actually it is not fact at all. For example, the Fact Checker by Michael Dobbs points out that McCain accuses the U.S.A. of sending "$700 billion" to buy oil from countries who "don't like us very much." The context of Tuesday (October 7) debate seemed to indicate that he had no part of such expenditures. Yet, he has served as a Senator for years! By the way, we import more oil from Canada than any other single country.
I don't like either of the men for president. I feel like voting against them and doing my best to make them know why I did not vote for either of them. They both are only wanting to be president, which is not the same as leading this country towards the "common good."
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)