Monday, December 22, 2008

Does FAMILY GUY know Jesus Christ accurately?


As I read again the Christmas story from the Bible in Luke 2, it was verse 32 that jumped out at me when Simeon declared that “Jesus came as a LIGHT to reveal God to the nations”. God must have felt he wasn’t being known adequately and accurately to all the world that He needed to send Jesus to bridge the gap between humanity and deity. Two Thousand years later, I wonder if Jesus is known adequately and accurately. As I listen to my Muslim friends refer to Jesus as just a prophet, I long for them to know Jesus as the Son of God and the One whose acceptance can assure them of eternity in heaven. As I listen to a teacher of Cleveland Schools elementary students tell how Santa is better known than Jesus and a chocolate cross got mistaken for a “T”, I pray for those young students to personally know Jesus as the Friend who can stick closer than a brother and the LIGHT on their path of this journey through life. Last week while waiting for Fox Channel 8 news to begin, an episode of Family Guy caught my attention. My attention turned to grief and then a prayer. I pray for the creators of that blasphemous, inaccurate and disrespectful portrayal of Jesus and all those who saw it to encounter the reality that Jesus came to bind up a broken heart and set free every person locked in bondage. As we Christians busy ourselves with the traditions, gift involvement and even church activities that come with this holiday season, may we take time to lock our gaze on that Light of Luke 2:32, the person of Jesus Christ and give our heartfelt, personal focus to the Lover of our souls, the only One who can make us whole, who is still the Reason we celebrate Christmas. Possibly God can then use us as a light to point to "the LIGHT who came to reveal God to the nations."

Saturday, November 29, 2008

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

The first time I walked into The Log Cabin Gallery in Peninsula a few years ago, I felt like I was home. It’s one of those places that just refreshes my soul every time I visit. Maybe it’s the rustic log cabin with it’s earthy, warm feel. Or it might be the ever-changing creativity by local artists beautifully displayed by it’s director, Diane Seskes. This afternoon, I had the privilege of providing Christmas music with my travel size Martin guitar as part of their OVER THE RIVER WINTER 2008 EXHIBIT. Santa and his elves showed up as well as the Tin Soldier and a few customers hummed along.

I was able to select a charity of my choice for donations that came in. My friend, Cathy Monnin (a member of Rockside Church) helps lead a missions organization that, among other things, cares for orphans in Madagascar. So Worldview International was the charity of my choice. They are set up to accept donations online at www.worldviewinternational.org if you’re looking for some children in need of a Merry Christmas.

It was a very fun afternoon and, I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking …. it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

GRAB THE CAMERA, THE TABLE IS SET!


I was sharing with our church last Sunday that our family has this strange tradition. When we gather for holidays and special occasions, prior to saying the prayer over the meal, we grab a camera and take a picture… not of the people… of the food! I’m not exactly sure why we do that. Maybe it’s because we work so hard to prepare the meal and it’s really quite a culinary masterpiece that evokes a response of pausing to admire our collective efforts and to permanently capture a snapshot so we can remember.

Sharing this really DID have something to do with the sermon. We were talking about God creating for 6 days, then resting on the 7th day. (Genesis 2:2-3) Why did he do that? Maybe that seventh day was about God stepping back to admire his beautiful creation. So when we work 6 rest 1, when we remember the sabbath, we pause to admire God, to worship Him, and admire His handiwork saying, “yes, this is an incredible God of all creation!” It’s the only command with “remember” before it. (Exodus 20:9-11)

Today I had the privilege of hosting Thanksgiving dinner at my home. And in keeping with tradition, we reached for our cameras. So here’s a picture of our table, this time with people in the scene. (my sister, Debbie, brother-in-law, Rick and my mom). I'm very thankful. I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 21, 2008


The more I’m around the folks from CORNERSTONE OF HOPE here in Independence, the more I respect and appreciate this organization and what they represent. I’ve wanted the congregation at ROCKSIDE CHURCH to become acquainted with this organization, and vice versa, for some time now and it finally happened last Sunday! Author Henri Nouwen talks about the choice each of must make regarding what we do with PAIN in our lives. Will we take our pain under the curse of satan or under the BLESSINGS OF GOD? When Christi and Mark Tripodi (pictured here) lost their little boy sudden, they had a choice to make. They could have permitted their grief to envelop them. Many marriages do not even survive the death of a child. Instead, they took their pain under the BLESSINGS OF GOD and founded CORNERSTONE OF HOPE that is now a place of healing and restoration for others in the pain of grief. This past Sunday, Cornerstone of Hope’s spiritual director, Matt Williams, along with Bre and Megan, two interns, came to share at Rockside Church. I love this practical, entrepreneurial, local example of a Biblical theology of pain … and I love it when my friends meet my other friends!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

What IS our best work?

“Our greatest asset on earth is to touch Heaven in prayer” I heard a pastor say recently, while quoting another pastor. But pastors are busy people. Is it the best use of our time to drive across town to the City Mission to pray with a room of people from all over Cleveland?
http://agreatercleveland.org/
We’ve all been to prayer meetings before, some that disappoint us. What if they only talk about prayer, but don’t ever pray? What if it’s not lead well? What will I not get done while I’m at this prayer meeting?

Those are all legitimate questions. When I took my associate and attended the prayer meeting last month, I found a room full of loving people who care deeply about what God is doing in the city. The meeting was lead with excellence. We were given good direction for our prayer time. The meeting started and ended promptly, with helpful hand-outs (which I brought home) to guide us in prayer. To maximize our time, a boxed lunch was provided to either take with you or to fellowship and network for a few minutes before leaving.

I can’t tell you a month later what I didn’t get done in order to attend. What I can tell you is that I left there feeling like I did the most important “work” a pastor can do and that is join with other Christians to talk to the One who has the power to make a difference in this city we all love.

That’s why I’m signed up to attend the next prayer meeting on Friday, September 26. I might just be the “best work” I do all month! Everyone is welcome to attend. Hope to see YOU there!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

A Special Day at Rockside Church!

Today was our Fifth Anniversary at Rockside Church! Guest Speaker, Matt Anderson challenged us to celebrate what God alone can do, what God can do through me, and what God can do through us. We began by thanking God through worship with an incredible reunion band lead by (former staff) Lydia Travnik and Bryan Karas, (present worship leader) Dan O’Keefe, Brad Link, Londa Churchill and Jason Winkler. We saw a video of testimonies and enjoyed a great dinner complete with birthday cake.

At the end of the day, I want to solute a special group of people and that's the scores of hardworking volunteers, the laypeople. I celebrate the people who have hosted and lead Journey Groups, our volunteer youth director who has been faithful and hardworking from day one, the set up and tear down guys, those who process offerings, bake pastries, host missionary dinners and events, print bulletins, care for babies, work Kids Church, usher, come early for prayer, organize events, run sound, create PowerPoint and videos, make schedules, teach Bible studies, work city events, the list is endless. I celebrate the awesome laypeople that keep the Church of Jesus Christ moving forward. Happy Birthday, Rockside Church!

Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord..."

Friday, July 18, 2008

TAKING MY BOAT OUT ON LAKE ERIE




“I didn’t know you had a boat!” you say? Well, technically, I don't. I’ve heard it said that the two best days of owning a boat are the day you buy it and the day you sell it. How many times a year do you suppose a person could actually get out on their boat in Cleveland, Ohio when they’re working a full time job – maybe 5 times at best? It would cost quite a bit for those 5 trips when you add it all up. So I simply purchase a ticket about 5 times a year and take the GOODTIME III out on Lake Erie, head for the top deck with a good book and occasionally enjoy a box of popcorn and ginger ale. Yep, they even have a concession stand on “my boat”! Dr. Richard Dobbins said, "we don’t live with our reality but rather the story we tell ourselves about our reality.” So what’s the story you’re telling yourself about your reality?

Sunday, June 29, 2008

The gift of ALONE


I’ll admit, I was a little nervous snapping this picture with my cell phone. What if I drop it to the bottom of… oh, just don’t think about that. On my day off this week, I rented a kayak, one of my favorite “day off” things to do.

Paddling furiously across the open lake, I can get a great work out. Then moments later, I will put my feet up, lean back and sit very quietly, sort of becoming one with the water. I feel God’s presence in the wind, in the bounce of the water, the glow of the sunshine dancing on the water and the serenity of nature. In a single seated kayak in the middle of the lake, it’s a place where alone seems natural. It's a place where alone is wrapped as a beautiful gift that pulls my heart in close to Jesus in a way that just can’t happen quite the same amidst the noise of life, in the presence of people. When was the last time you experienced the gift of alone?

Sunday, June 15, 2008

My Fathers' Day Thoughts

It was a moment frozen in time but I didn't really stop. I thought of him this morning when I put my guitar back in the case at the end of the church service. He was meticulous about the gentle care of musical instruments, always positioning the guitar strap in the case in such a way to avoid pressure and fold overs.

I grinned to myself this afternoon when, during my shopping trip looking for hanging flower baskets, I bought a flame broiled burger and roasted ear of corn from an outside vendor at the farmer's market. "Now that's the kind of Fathers' Day 'dinner' my dad would have appreciated,” I thought to myself. Two reasons: It was inexpensive. When we'd take him to an upscale restaurant, he would comment on how we just "bought a whole lot of atmosphere". Secondly, I remember him comparing home grown, fresh corn on the cob to lobster. Not just because they both taste best dripping in butter. He said, "Corn tastes best when it's picked from the stalk and dropped right into the boiling water ... like a live lobster."

Those were some of the simple memories I treasure the most. What a guy! Gone but never forgotten. Happy Father's Day, Dad.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

FRIENDS DAY at Rockside Church


After a great concert with the vocal band, Praise-apella (http://www.praise-apella.com/), we spent the afternoon in picnic mode enjoying incredible food, a volleyball tournament, snow cones and games for kids. But by far, my favorite part of the day was what you see pictured here ... visiting with so many special people. Our regular attendees brought their parents and co-workers, neighbors and friends. I loved meeting each one of them. And I was especially honored when several of my neighbors I had invited showed up (pictured here). See their blog at clevelandrumi.org. They also brought some delicious Turkish and Indian food that was a huge hit. It was a good day of meeting one another's guests and making new friends. What a great "FRIENDS DAY!"



Thursday, May 22, 2008

A TITLE OR A TOWEL


This morning, I had a front row seat as the Honorable Mayor Gregory P. Kurtz presented the state of the city address to the people of Independence. He talked about his vision for reducing debt, the no place like home plan to assess the felt needs of senior citizens and the conversations taking place with neighboring communities about regionalization as far as sharing resources.
What really impressed me about the morning was that the Mayor and his leadership team, (council members, city employees, elected officials) served breakfast and poured coffee to the several hundred in attendance.

It reminded me of the words of Jesus Christ as recorded in the gospel of Luke 22:25-27 where Jesus responded to an argument about who was greatest.

In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called 'friends of the people'. But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be alike a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. (New Living Translation - Luke 22:25-27)
What a great example of men and women who carried the towel of service rather than the title of position. God bless our city leaders in the City of Independence!

Friday, May 2, 2008

PHIL KEAGGY CONCERT




Since we’re doing a study on HEAVEN at my church, it was nearly impossible to put all I’ve been hearing out of my mind as I stepped into the Phil Keaggy “Master and Musician” Concert last Saturday in Youngstown’s Powers Auditorium. philkeaggy.com The truth is, I was emotionally overwhelmed on a few occasions as my present experience interfaced with my newly uncovered reminders, and strong anticipation, for the HEAVEN that awaits those of us who follow Jesus.

We arrived to our 4th row seats early. The stage was exposed, so my nephew, Jimmy and I scurried forward to peer at the 18 guitars and other instruments waiting to be played by the band that would join Phil Keaggy. We leaned forward to point and gawk in amazement. “I think this is what Heaven’s going to be like,” I couldn’t hold back from saying. “Really, dya think so?” Jimmy responded. Just then a man on the other side of me said, to no one to everyone, “Wow, this is like guitar heaven!”. I looked over and smiled at him. “You got that right!”

So where could my God given imagination take me to define HEAVEN? Right up to the stage to sit between Phil and Jonathan (oh, yeah, now they are my good friends) to be IN the band! Of course, God would have to give me a heavenly skill level so I could play better than I do now. We would exchange glances of affirmation and smiles as we played, finishing the song with a big ending followed by hearty laughter because we’re all having so much fun and amazed at the collaboration.

Okay, so I have a big imagination! Let me hear from you. What does your God given imagination do to define heaven for you?

Learn more about HEAVEN at http://www.epm.org/

Friday, April 25, 2008

VOTING FOR A DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT IN OHIO

Last Sunday evening, I attended a banquet in my city attended by several hundred Muslims. It was the 6th annual gathering (report, fund-raiser, inspiration, maybe not too different than our upcoming District Council) of the Council on American Islamic Relations, Cleveland Chapter. One of the guest speakers, Imam Johari Abdul Malik, in his talk entitled Persevering in Difficult Times observed (and I paraphrase and summarize) that as individuals, Muslim people are intelligent, disciplined, moral, financially conservative then generous with the excess. I would agree with him based on the friends and neighbors I know who are Muslim and the gracious people with whom the 3 of us shared a table that evening. The Imam went on to relate that other organizations are stronger only because they have more institutional strength than the sum of their individual members. (He had my attention.) He then encouraged his listeners to unite and bring their individual strength together.

As I often do, I came away saying “search me, O God, and see… in me” (Psalm 129:34 from the Bible). I asked my Lord Christ Jesus what He wanted me to do as a result of what I heard. I was challenged to not only continue praying for our upcoming election of a new District Superintendent in our organization, but to be less concerned about the one man who gets elected, and more concerned about the 428 of us who don’t get elected.

It is good to discuss the qualities we want in our next leader. But what if 100% of ordained ministers in our organization in Ohio committed to these qualities over the next four years:

1) Lovingly care for and mentor our staff members and younger pastors in our circle; foster mentoring relationships for ourselves
2) Participate in a monthly peer group of colleagues for prayer, growth, accountability and personal health
3) Voluntarily stay current on our personal dues/tithe so no resources or resolutions are needed to collect them
4) Be a positive participant in our section and district (whether by elected position, influence, or just seeing the need)
5) Initiate hosting our district’s missionaries and aggressively lead our churches (and by personal example) in supporting missions.
6) Stay current on reports (if required) and quickly ask for help when needed so problems don’t compound
7) Pray regularly for our district leaders and show them grace as people with feet of clay.

After all, isn’t that what we long for from our own congregations? Maybe then, the District Superintendent could focus all of his energy and attention (with all of our help) on the “duties” described for him in our bylaws, Article III, Section 1. Paragraph a. (again I’ll paraphrase) which is to promote and coordinate efforts toward worshipping God, encouraging God’s followers and giving people around the world a chance to personally know The Lord Christ Jesus.

Friday, February 1, 2008

A salute to my dear friend, BOB SCHUH


This morning as I walked toward the door of my apartment to get the Plain Dealer, I began to tear up knowing that today's newspaper would contain the obituary of my dear friend, Bob Schuh.

Bob understood what it meant to live life abundantly (John 10:10). He knew how to have fun whether it was eating pie at Baker Square with a table full of teenagers, celebrating his 80th birthday party in his own backyard, or being the social butterfly at a wedding reception.

Bob would talk openly about his mistakes as a young man and how Christ changed his life when he became a Christian. Maybe that's what helped him to always exemplifying holiness, yet never be judgmental toward others. Bob was a friend to pastors over the years and a fan of women in ministry. It didn’t take much prodding to hear a story about the late Kathryn Kuhlman or his beloved late wife, Vera, who he often bragged about as an excellent youth director for years. (Wouldn’t you love to hear the conversations in heaven today!)

Bob knew what was worth crying over--missionaries, affirming teenagers who were living for Christ, prayer meetings, and being careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit. You could count on Bob to walk away from gossip, small thinking and pettiness yet speak the truth straight when needed. He was gentleman in every way and a great example of a man of God who loved his Lord and loved people generously.
Yesterday, I took down to read again the birthday card Bob sent me this past July. I've been carrying it in the sun visor of my car since July ... just as a reminder of the richness in my life. That card is now priceless. Im so grateful for the mantel of prayer Bob carried for me and for Rockside Church.

Our last visit together, I invited Bob to lunch to celebrate his 84th birthday, yes, at Baker Square, topped off with pie. It was September 13. We had to go early because his daughter, Lenora's family was coming in from Virginia for a visit and he wouldn't be available on his birthday. Bob was coaching me on how to welcome and foster the presence of the Holy Spirit in my church, but first in my life. The conversation lead to Bob singing four lines of an old song and both of us wiping our tears. The words were...

Shut in with God in a secret place
There in the spirit beholding His face
Gaining more power to run in life's race
I long to be shut in with God

I will cherish our times together and pray I can carry forward what Bob has has taught me, both by his words and his example. Bob, thank you for being such a great example of a Christian leader and a great friend to so many of us. We will miss you dearly! Can't you just hear him saying in his typical way, “I’ll miss ya too, love.” Heaven just got a little bit richer this week!

Friday, January 18, 2008

Christmas Caroles through new eyes and ears




Have you ever allowed something very precious to lose its value because of familiarity? I think I had done that with Christmas Carols. In our family, singing and guitar playing are regular parts of our gatherings, but sometimes so regular that we no longer bother. Around the church scene, carols can be a pain to musicians because they are so stinking difficult to play. This year, I was awakened to a fresh appreciation for Christmas carols and their rich content.

We spent time in our "English Second Language" class learning Christmas carols because our international friends wanted to learn American songs. I took my guitar to our Christmas party and you should have heard the singing and felt the joy of this group of singers. What a choir!

Then the Saturday following Christmas, I attended a friend's wedding at St. Stan’s on E. 65th Street in Cleveland. The program called for us to sing all four verses of several carols .... accompanied by a mammoth pipe organ surrounded by the most beautiful decorations I have seen. Majestic is the word that comes to mind.

Thank God for fresh eyes and ears and friends who help me see and hear!