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Moments That Are Bigger Than Themselves
Every now and then, within the typically inane world of late night talk shows, there comes a moment of what Desmond Tutu would call ‘Transfiguration’. In these moments, the glory of grace, meaning, and transcendence is allowed to break thr0ugh into our living rooms. One such moment involved Desmond Tutu himself. Here is his Emmy Award winning appearance on Craig Ferguson’s show.
Drifting
Enjoying my vacation. Cabins and campuses last week. Bookstores and beaches this week.
Here’s a little Andy McKee to simultaneously help you relax and blow your mind this morning.
The Garden of Your Mind
Fred Rogers can hardly be called an “unsung” hero, but there are few who appreciate how deep were the roots of his wisdom and spirit. He was one of my predecessors in the Presbyterian ministry. He, more publicly than any other Presbyterian in recent memory, embodied the Reformed tradition’s commitments to worldly spirituality and the sacredness of all life. Shortly after his ordination, Mr. Rogers realized that he hated preaching, so he pursued his ministry in the TV studio rather than the church. His message was never explicitly religious, but he communicated the kind of universal spiritual values that continue to shape multiple generations of children. I’m proud to be his posthumous colleague in the Presbyterian Church.
Here’s a wonderfully autotuned video produced by PBS:
On the Road Again
Hey there, Superfriends and Blogofans,
For the next two weeks, I’ll be taking my first vacation in two years. I’ll try to keep the new posts and updates coming as frequently as possible, but alas, one is not always within mooching distance of a decent wireless connection.
I’ll be in NC for most of that time: first in the Charlotte area, then Durham, hopefully a brief excursion to Boone, and a trip to the beach. While I’m in the Triangle, you will probably be able to find me any time at the Bojangles on 15-501 or sitting on the floor of the religion section at The Bookshop on Franklin Street. Give a holla.
Barrett
Funny Quote of the Day
“When the Christian creeds speak of ‘the quick and the dead’, they are not describing the two kinds of pedestrians in New York City traffic…”
–John Shelby Spong, Eternal Life: A New Vision
Another sermon from my wife, Rev. Sarah Schmidt-Lee. I’m hoping that not too many of my congregants will read this, since she’s really a much much better preacher than I am. I don’t want them to know what they’re missing!
The text for this week’s sermon is John 15:9-17
A small girl, maybe a toddler, maybe a preschooler, stands still watching a group of older girls. Their bright laughter and whispers drew her attention and she is enamored. She begins moving a little closer to the big girls, hoping they will notice her. She smiles when they laugh—wants to be in on the joke. Her mother watches from a few feet away, proud that her daughter is taking initiative, making new friends.
Finally the older girls begin to notice their small observer. At least one of the girls is kind–whispers to her friends how cute the little girl is. But a couple of the oldest girls take a quick glance and then turn their shoulders, ignoring the small girl and blocking her out of the circle. The small girl stands, watching, for a few more minutes and then gets tired…
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How to Get Rid of Your Minister
This was adapted from Rev. John Roberts of First Baptist Church in Sterling, CO.
You can read the original version by clicking here.
Idea No. 1: During the Sunday morning message, listen closely and take notes. Look your minister straight in the eye, and occasionally nod your head and say, “Amen!” Begin to make serious efforts to apply the life lessons you learn from the sermons. In six months, she’ll preach herself to death.
Idea No. 2: Pat your minister on the back and brag on her good points two or three times a month. Make a bunch of phone calls to your friends and neighbors and tell them all the good things about your minister. In a little while, so many more people will start coming to your church, you’ll have to hire an associate minister, and your senior minister will be free to leave.
Idea No. 3: Next Sunday, in response to the sermon, dedicate yourself to something you believe in. Then make an appointment with your minister sometime next week. Ask her to give you some job you could do for the church. She’ll likely die of heart failure on the spot.
Idea No. 4: Get a whole bunch of the church members to unite in earnest prayer for your minister, her ministry and her family. Organize prayer meetings in which you pray for the growth of the church and the blessing of the community. Your minister may become so effective in ministry that some larger church will gladly take her off your hands.
One note of caution, however: if you try one of these methods, you may find that you don’t want to get rid of your minister after all.
The Shirt Off My Back
I don’t normally give a rip about where I buy my clothes, but I’m now considering shopping at JC Penney:
Hopping Hadrian's Wall 