It has now been a little over three years that I have been at Abiding Love and as we are anticipating the retirement of Pastor David Fetter, I have been thinking on the fun things about him!
1. He loves little hand written notes. On my desk, in my mailbox, in the Sacristy, you can find little notes from Pastor Fetter, “Ask Lynnae…”! On those notes, David always has a little, quickly drawn “†”. Even in his scribbles and little notes he has a cross.
2. Pastor Fetter loves the Armoire! He checks it constantly and then reminds people if they have little gifts or packages to pick up! David loves being in on the surprise!
And 3. Pastor Fetter has no use for the electric pencil sharpener! In fact, Cindy gave him an old fashioned sharpener that sits in our workroom right now!
Such are some of the fun things about Pastor Fetter that I will always remember! As this month goes by, let us be all about expressing our love and friendship to David and Mary as they celebrate their 30 years with Abiding Love. Let us lift up the many things about his ministry that have made him special and unforgettable! Let us give thanks to God!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Mystery of the Faith
The Mystery of the Faith.
Maybe we have lost the art of mystery. Maybe, we as Christians have become way too “easy button” – “right click” – “instant access” believers. It’s not that we are conspiracy theorists nor Sally Suspects, but maybe we are too concrete, too linear, too ‘just the facts please’.
Truthfully, maybe we need a little mystery and a little mysticism in our day to day believing. It is a part of our faith. Mystery and mysticism is part of the resurrection story, the Holy Communion ritual and the eschatological (heaven stuff) future.
I don’t like to explain everything. I think you should have to work at it in order to really get it. I think Jesus, too, likes to make you think! To be Christian you have to think! You can’t just sit around and wait for someone to tell you what to believe and how to do it. You are to take responsibility for your own faith journey. It all begins with trust. Trust that you won’t know all the answers. Trust that a little mysticism will complete your belief. Trust that there is a little mystery in everything Godly.
Maybe we have lost the art of mystery. Maybe, we as Christians have become way too “easy button” – “right click” – “instant access” believers. It’s not that we are conspiracy theorists nor Sally Suspects, but maybe we are too concrete, too linear, too ‘just the facts please’.
Truthfully, maybe we need a little mystery and a little mysticism in our day to day believing. It is a part of our faith. Mystery and mysticism is part of the resurrection story, the Holy Communion ritual and the eschatological (heaven stuff) future.
I don’t like to explain everything. I think you should have to work at it in order to really get it. I think Jesus, too, likes to make you think! To be Christian you have to think! You can’t just sit around and wait for someone to tell you what to believe and how to do it. You are to take responsibility for your own faith journey. It all begins with trust. Trust that you won’t know all the answers. Trust that a little mysticism will complete your belief. Trust that there is a little mystery in everything Godly.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Come.
Why do you look for the living among the dead?”
Our Lukan gospel has the two men in dazzling white ask the women this question. I believe we often try to hide among a great deal of dead stuff! When we need help, we turn to things instead of people. We probably do that out of fear of judgment or callousness. It’s just easier to avoid groups and stay home.
Jesus’ promise is that with him we are to be about the living. The ‘living’ are going through all sorts of pain, suffering and troubles. People are sick, families are splitting up and paychecks are short.
When troubles come, church is the place to be.
None of us are perfect. Instead, all of us are sinful and in need. This is where Jesus calls us to come and be strengthened. We don’t come to the altar with no need for forgiveness. We come – each of us – with a desperate need to know of the unconditional love and presence of Jesus. The worshipping community comes together, remembering that in Christ we are one.
When one suffers, we all suffer.
When one hurts, we all hurt.
We are the living body of Christ’s church. No matter what you are going through, you are invited and the mercy of Jesus comes to you through the membership of this community.
Don’t look for the living among the dead.
Abiding Love is alive and well.
Come.
Know the living Jesus Christ.
Our Lukan gospel has the two men in dazzling white ask the women this question. I believe we often try to hide among a great deal of dead stuff! When we need help, we turn to things instead of people. We probably do that out of fear of judgment or callousness. It’s just easier to avoid groups and stay home.
Jesus’ promise is that with him we are to be about the living. The ‘living’ are going through all sorts of pain, suffering and troubles. People are sick, families are splitting up and paychecks are short.
When troubles come, church is the place to be.
None of us are perfect. Instead, all of us are sinful and in need. This is where Jesus calls us to come and be strengthened. We don’t come to the altar with no need for forgiveness. We come – each of us – with a desperate need to know of the unconditional love and presence of Jesus. The worshipping community comes together, remembering that in Christ we are one.
When one suffers, we all suffer.
When one hurts, we all hurt.
We are the living body of Christ’s church. No matter what you are going through, you are invited and the mercy of Jesus comes to you through the membership of this community.
Don’t look for the living among the dead.
Abiding Love is alive and well.
Come.
Know the living Jesus Christ.
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