LIVING LIFE ABUNDANTLY

The Sunday After Easter

2011-05-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

No, there’s no official name for the Sunday after Easter on the Christian calendar. But today sure seemed like a special day. Maybe we’ll call it “the first Sunday after Easter.” After a rich time of worship and prayer, we heard some powerful testimonies from the Columbus Teen Challenge ladies of how Christ has set them free, healed brokenness and given them new life! They told us fresh examples of signs, wonders and miracles like is mentioned at the end of Mark 16 … following the story of Christ’s resurrection. How appropriate, this first Sunday after Easter, to be reminded what it looks like to live out a life with resurrection power! If the same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us, He must have a purpose for that power beyond simply attending church and waiting for heaven. The end of Mark 16 (last Sunday’s text on Easter) tells us that purpose: Christ rose from the dead so that we could partner with His resurrection power to a) revive the church and b) reform the culture.

With the founder of Teen Challenge, David Wilkerson, passing away this week, we were reminded of what had been accomplished through one country preacher willing to walk out a life in the resurrection power of Christ. The ladies testified and sang, we cried, clapped, cheered then prayed together. We shared a meal among our missions committee and board and the Teen Challenge friends prepared by one of our members. What a rich time of fellowship.

Then I went (with our team pastor, Amber) to the Cleveland City Mission to participate in the Bible read-a-thon where the entire Bible will be read aloud from today through Thursday leading up to the National Day of Prayer. Why did I care about this? A few reasons… City Mission is one of our supported partners and it’s a joy to participate in anything they host. Reading the Bible aloud is significant even if there’s no audience because of how it impacts the unseen world. City-wide transformation is fed by unity among Christians so to participate in something bigger than us outside my “tribe” is important to me.

Today was one of the most satisfying Sunday’s I’ve experienced in a long time. I have a sense that God was pleased/glorified as people praised Him today and walked in Resurrection Power. This “first Sunday after Easter” was a special day. I think we should make it an official holiday!

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE LOST ART OF HUMAN BLOGGING

2010-12-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

I’ll admit my curiosity was piqued when the entertainment for our area ministers’ Christmas party this past Monday night was advertised as a story-teller, song-writer from Wyoming. We gathered around after the eats in the cozy overstuffed leather furniture, hot beverages in hand. Layton Howerton was his name. He had a book of one-page stories that were simple, yet powerful and delivered upon the platform of his warm personality. As I listened, I thought “it’s like he’s reading his blog to us”.

Unpretentious and engaging, Layton picked up his Gibson guitar darkened with age and began his first song, finger picking “Chet-Atkins style”, a style my Uncle Richard used to play, almost better than Chet himself. When he got to the chorus of his first song, that easy-gravel, booming male voice reminded me of my Uncle Dewey who would sing gospel songs with passion and what I later came to know as the “anointing” of God. It was just understood among our family that after a time of conversation, a guitar or two would come out and music began. No one asked. It just happened.

Layton’s next story was about an orange… the sole Christmas present received with deep appreciation, not too many decades back, not many miles from where we live … a story very similar to ones I’ve heard from my dad and his siblings. How did life get so materialistic so fast? My emotions were being bumped.

If I stop the noise and listen right now, my memory can surface the voices of the deep, slow southern draw of my dad and his brothers as they would tell stories. And we knew how to prod the stories. “Hey dad, didn’t your Uncle Lee test his Martin guitar for being water proof once?” That’s a great story (involving a river, a boat, a rope) that makes me lol right now. “Laugh out loud”? Oh, that was a contagious, rumbling reality among a room (without a T.V.) of present people who loved each, not just the push of three lower case letters on a cell phone.

A Christmas song with the mandolin, another story, then Layton reached for his “neck stand” that would hold his mouth organ a.k.a. harmonica so he could play it at the same time as his guitar. My dad had a large collection of harmonicas in various keys. But the most interesting was a double length silver harmonica, kept in a padded case, with a chromatic button on the end. He purchased it in Germany while in the Army during the Korean conflict and we knew not to play with it. Dad might have liked a neck stand like Layton’s to hold the harmonica, but he didn’t need one ... because he had me. As a child, I was just the right height to reach my dad's face with the harmonica when he sat holding his guitar. Wow, were we amazed he played two instruments at once.

My dad and his brothers have all passed away. But the stories? They’ve been replaying in my mind since Monday night’s party. It seems when the story being told intersects with OUR story, we are deeply moved as was I at the rich evening among colleagues enjoying the beautiful art of human blogging … or storytelling.

This Christmas, why not do some story telling of your own among your loved ones. And remember, the greatest story ever told is the story Christ is writing and He's written you into His story. May your stories intersect.

http://www.thestorytellersjournal.com/

2009-08-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

After delivering a powerful acceptance speech and receiving a standing ovation, the first woman elected to the office of executive presbyter at the national level of our denomination was congratulated by her ministry colleagues of the executive presbytery (pictured here). BETH GRANT lifted our gaze to the bigger picture of the needs of our world and the value of working together. This afternoon at that podium, BETH was an inspiration to every woman in ministry and a cheerleader to ever man who has ever used his influence to affirm and assist a woman called of God. I’m especially glad to see Beth on the Presbytery because, as a world missionary, she brings a global perspective and missional sensitivity to the table that will remind us of our roots as an organization and our assignment as believers.

Moments later, BRYAN JARRETT, age 35, was elected to the Executive Presbytery representing ordained pastors under 40 years of age. I hope today’s action rings a message out across our fellowship that the Assemblies of God values it’s younger ministers and needs their voice in places of influence. I had a chance to congratulate him, take his picture and visit for a few minutes. We are so much the better for inviting diversity to the table. I love it when we can identify what we want to change, design a plan, then execute the plan. What a great day and I had a front row seat to it all!

Ash Wednesday and FACEBOOK

2009-02-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

Today is Ash Wednesday. I saw one of my "friends" gave up FACEBOOK for Lent. It caused me to soberly think about where I put my time and affections and where the priority of my relationship with God fits into all of that.

For my time of personal reflection today, I'm looking over again the list of Strengths and Cautions about Facebook I shared with Rockside Church this past Sunday. This was compiled from feedback I received from friends when I asked how facebook impacted Biblical fellowship.

Strengths:
1) connections with life long friends across geographic/time barriers
2) Reminds us to pray for and support people
3) Creates a Christian community of presence
4) There’s a sense people are always watching (support/accountability)
5) Reinforces (but can’t replace) live connections (small group, church, get-togethers)
6) A sense of living life together/enjoying goodwill of the people Acts 2:47
7) Works against loneliness and isolation
8) Makes room for more thought-out responses (James 1:19; Proverbs 14:29)
9) When one is in need, the networking kicks in (Acts 2:45)
10) It’s fun. God likes us to have fun! (Nehemiah 8:10)

Cautions:
1) Addiction/time waster
2) Healthy emotional boundaries are easy to cross
3) Often tends to be shallow communication
4) Facebook has diluted forever the term “friend”
5) Selective sharing about ourselves
6) Bullying and rejection takes place
7) Exposure to porn and other inappropriate material
8) Miscommunications through the limitations of written words
9) Invades solitude that feeds our souls (Mark 1:35)

On this strategic day marking the start of the season leading up to Easter where we celebrate Christ's resurrection, I'm reminded that God wants us to redeem technology for His purpose responsibly (Luke 12:48), understand the times and know what to do, (I Chronicles 12;32) accomplish greater things than the first century church (John 14:12) while being wise to satan’s schemes too. (II Cor 2:11). God, help me honor you in all I am.

THREE MINUTES with Cuyahoga Valley Chamber of Commerce

2009-02-25T09:15:00.000-08:00

(2/25/09) Each month a different business/organization is a "sponsor" for the luncheon which means they get the chance to set up a display table, put literature at each plate and share about their "business" for 3 to 5 minutes. Today, ROCKSIDE CHURCH was the sponor of the luncheon. So what did I say when I was introduced

"Good afternoon. You might wonder why a church would join the Chamber of Commerce or why the pastor would attend the monthly luncheons and activities. I was asked that question when I joined the chamber 6 years ago and talked with Christine Coniglio. The truth is that as an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God, I often feel more comfortable among you, business men and women from the work place, than among minister colleagues. You see, being a pastor is my third career.

"My first career was working as a court stenographer in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas. Then I worked in a law office in Youngstown for 7 years as a paralegal. It was during that season in my life I lived with a huge tension between my work world and my personal faith in Jesus Christ. My church world didn’t seem to understand the culture of my life in the law office. And I interfaced with people Monday through Friday who could have benefited greatly from the God factor. But the gap between the two worlds was just too large.

"As a minister, I served as a youth pastor for 10 years at a church in Austintown just west of Youngstown. I came to the Cleveland area and was an associate pastor 7 years at a church in Parma. When the opportunity arose 6 years ago to start a new church, I knew part of that church’s dna would be to bridge the gap to the business community.

"Rockside Church believes the church is the people not the building. So we meet in a rented conference room in an office building. Rockside Church wants to be near and available to the 30,000 business people who work in this Rockside Road Corridor. So we are located at 4100 Rockside Road. We don’t measure the success of our church by how many people attend service on Sunday morning at 10:30 AM, although you are certainly welcome to attend if you don’t have a home church. Rather we value being a church of influence in the area and available to serve people Monday through Friday.

"For example, last Sunday afternoon we participated in the BEACH BLAST sponsored by the City of Independence. We are active in Twenty Five and Alive. We helped a few weeks ago with mock interviews for high school seniors. We are in the process right now of co-sponsoring an assembly speaker for the Middle School and the High School.

"You might be wondering, 'What can a Church do for my business? Well, if you are in human resources or have employees, you know that the success of your business is impacted by the care for the needs of your team.Here are some examples of ways we’ve been able to help.• When we offered personal budgeting classes using Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, of the 70 attendees, on 12 were from our church. We offered the 13 week course 2 more times after that.• When I taught a time management series at noon and again at 7 PM using Dr. Richard Swenson’s materials entitled “Margins”, 50% of the attendees were from this business community.• We can be a referral service to help you network. Recently a person called ready to get help with alcoholism. We not only referred them to a nearby support group, but were able to offer for one of our parishioners to attend the first meeting with them. They accepted, I followed up and it was a helpful connection.• We’ve were a drop off place for a person wanting to give clothing as a benevolent gift to a person in need.• Last week a professional stopped by asking for a referral for a counselor for a particular problem in another region of the city. I was able to give them contact information for someone who could help.

" Maybe it’s not you but a teenager in your home in need. We have a youth ministry that serves teenagers and children. FUSION is an open gym night we provide on the third Friday of each month where students can socialize in a positive environment, enjoy recreation, pizza and hear a 5 minute presentation about faith.• Prayer is a pretty big deal to us. You can e-mail prayer requests or stop by for prayer. We have a full time staff person, AMBER HELMS whose portfolio is to help in the areas of prayer, kids church and assist with teens.• We have a great relationship with the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and I’ll be giving the invocation and benediction at their upcoming graduation ceremony.• The next opportunity upcoming is DIVORCE CARE, a 13 week support seminar on Thursdays at 7:00 PM starting March 12. • We have a Bible study each Monday at 7:00.• A prayer hour each Wednesday at 7:00.• I’m available for pastoral counseling or prayer.Rockside Church is not here to proselytize people into our church or away from your church. We are here to serve people in the business community. So let us know if we can be of help to you or your business.

" Thank you very much.”

Some of the comments afterwards were, "we had no idea. Thanks for sharing." :-) It was fun!

Does FAMILY GUY know Jesus Christ accurately?

2008-12-22T21:03:00.000-08:00

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."

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

2008-11-29T16:50:00.000-08:00

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!

GRAB THE CAMERA, THE TABLE IS SET!

2008-11-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-21T22:39:00.000-08:00

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!

What IS our best work?

2008-09-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

“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!

A Special Day at Rockside Church!

2008-09-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

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..."

TAKING MY BOAT OUT ON LAKE ERIE

2008-07-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

“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?

The gift of ALONE

2008-06-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

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?

My Fathers' Day Thoughts

2008-06-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

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.

FRIENDS DAY at Rockside Church

2008-06-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

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!"

A TITLE OR A TOWEL

2008-05-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

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!

PHIL KEAGGY CONCERT

2008-05-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

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/

VOTING FOR A DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT IN OHIO

2008-04-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

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.

A salute to my dear friend, BOB SCHUH

2008-02-01T07:46:00.000-08:00

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!

Christmas Caroles through new eyes and ears

2008-01-18T16:57:00.000-08:00

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!

ROB BELL, LIVE IN CLEVELAND!

2007-12-01T22:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had the chance to hear ROB BELL www.marshill.org in person at the Allen Theater with a friend. I was impressed that it was a sell out crowd when I saw no advertising done for this event anywhere in Cleveland. There was nothing in the PLAIN DEALER, no mailer to area churches, nothing on the radio. It was all word of mouth. I stumbled across it on Rob Bell’s web site while downloading a service and checking out the NOOMA videos.

The event was so clean. There was no “opening act”, no announcements, no “preliminaries”. He just came out and started talking and captivated the audience for an hour and 48 minutes. What an excellent communicator. He started in Genesis and progressed through to Hebrews. His presentation was very authentic and inspiring, not religious or churchie or offensive, unless maybe to the churchie at times like when he jokingly said "flannelgraph that!". He wasted no time or words.

My take-away from the night? Hmmmm… I walked away challenged to look at any gods that might have crept into my life; challenged to embrace what God has done to redeem me rather than striving to get in His good favor. Rob shared that his friend kept saying throughout their visit at a restaurant (after he was pastoring a growing church), “you don’t have to live this way anymore”. That was a freeing statement and sometimes, even as Christians, we need to hear that.

One of the best treats was that out of the hundreds of people in the audience I turned to see that the people with tickets to the seats next to me were Bryan and Carolyn Karas (the newlyweds!). Bryan http://www.bryankaras.com/ was our worship leader and ministry intern at Rockside Church in our earlier days. He's now he’s the worship/arts pastor at 707 http://www.sevenoseven.com/ and is presenting the message next Sunday, December 9 at 7:00 PM. Check him out if you’re free. It was so great to see them and sit next them tonight. Love you guys!

The conclusion was so compelling and the presentation of the gospel had been so clearly presented. I only wondered what it would have hurt to turn the direction to the audience for a “what about you?” type of reflection. I know people are on a continuum toward Christ and many decisions are made after people leave. I’m sure Rob Bell has given careful thought to the entire presentation including his decision to NOT guide people toward a decision. No doubt there were people ready to say yes to Christ in one form or another if even privately. I just wonder if the searching listener could be better served one degree further on their journey toward Christ if given some sort of direction toward that end. If you have an opinion about that, I’d love to hear it.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2007-11-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

The shining light in the background isn’t anything spiritual. It’s the glare off the jumbo score board at the Quicken Loans Arena at Tuesday’s Cleveland Cavs game. They lost (needlessly) to the Milwaukee Bucks, but the day was a winner for me because I got to spend it with my mom. It was her first pro basketball game. She was a cheerleader in high school so understands the basics of the game and, well, still has quite a bit of “scream” in her I found out!

I’m proud of my mom for her willingness to try new things like getting her ears pierced, using a blue tooth and trying Indian food. When our dad passed away, my sisters and I saw Mom step up with courage to do a lot of things for the first time like writing checks (which she is really good at now), calling a plumber, driving to visit us by herself and so much more. I’m thankful for my mother, for the benevolent way she cares well for people, for her sense of humor, for the ways she has always made the holidays special, for her uncomplicated and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and for being my mom. I love you, Mom!

A DAY WITH DAN SMITH AND DA BAND!

2007-11-10T15:15:00.001-08:00

Yesterday our church merged with 6 other churches and 3 organizations to host DAN SMITH and MOMENTUM BAND. They did school assemblies in the day time then a CONCERT and COMEDY event in the evening at the Independence High School with free pizza and pop.

My takeaway from the day?

1) Well, I was reminded how much I love teenagers and love seeing them have a chance to make good choices and know God better.

2) I was so encouraged by the number of adults I met (pastors, principals, public servants, parents) who deeply care about students too and share that same desire.

3) Dan Smith http://whiteboydj.com/home.html is a really funny guy but more than that, he and his wife Shannon, and their team, James and Christine Fruits and the crew, have such great attitudes and humble hearts. I felt like a made a lot of really wonderful friends yesterday. It was an awesome day!

SOAK IT IN LIKE A SPONGE!

2007-11-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was a great day for me because my profession happens to have an “appreciation day” that was recognized. (I hope yours does, too). My leadership team led the way in passing the microphone around and letting people who wanted to say words of personal appreciation. At first, I’ll admit I was a bit uncomfortable with it, maybe a tad embarrassed. But as the first person began to talk, I thought, “no, I’m going to soak this in and enjoy it!” Is that a crazy thought or what? :-) As different ones shared, I felt like a dry sponge just soaking in a needed refreshing. Each person’s words were special because of who was speaking and the relationship I have with that particular person.

Most pain in life happens in the context of relationships. So doesn't it just makes sense that restoration and refreshing also happen in the context of relationship? May we all be more intentional to see the power of words of affirmation, both giving and receiving, work to restore and refresh. Thanks, guys, (you know who you are) for your kind words. I love you and appreciate you too!

Breakaway....

2007-10-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

In September, an e-mail invitation came from Rick Duncan, pastor at Cuyahoga Valley Church, to a group of pastors from the area inviting us to gather to pray together for an hour and invite other pastors. I was pleasingly surprised at the good turn-out and the joy that praying together brought. The group decided to meet monthly for an hour of prayer. When I think of the significance of this - unity among ministry leaders calling on the name of the Lord together -- it overwhelms my expectations.

At the most recent gathering, Rick prayed something like this... "Lord, remind us PRAYER is not PREPARATION for ministry. Prayer IS the ministry." I've been chewing on that all week.

This week I listened to the podcasts of Stan Tharp and Dave Thomas, pastors of two of the strongest Assembly of God Churches in Ohio, addressing the topic Lessons I've Learned Along the Journey from the FORUM (available at http://www.ohioag.org/). The over riding theme they both shared is that pastors and ministry leaders must get into the presence of God and hear from God for themselves, resisting the temptation to copy others and compare ourselves among ourselves. This week I've set aside time on my calendar this week to do just that... BE WITH JESUS. (Isaiah 30:18, Isaiah 64:4, Matthew 11:28-30)

MY NEW FRIENDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

2007-10-01T00:35:00.000-07:00

Deciding to volunteer at an English Second Language class in my apartment complex has turned out to be one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had. Our "class" has become very good friends over the months. We've taken field trips, hosted guest speakers, enjoyed being in one another's homes and had a fun summer picnic together. Believe me when I say that I receive more than I give and learn more than I teach. On my church's 4th anniversary, two families (one Muslim, one Hindu) honored me By attending church with me. Today I look forward to experiencing a first. I've been invited to a Ramadan dinner at sunset at the home of my friend who is a Muslim Turk. I'm so thankful for my new friends.

A Dream Come True

2007-09-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

I don't remember how old I was, but I remember having to stand on my tip toes to see over the counter to watch the cotton candy being made. Republic Steel (where our dad worked) sponsored a company picnic at Idora Park in Youngstown every summer my parents took my sisters and I for the day. Two thoughts went through my mind as I watched the cotton candy lady do her magic. "I would love to have that job when I grow up!" and "wouldn't it be fun to eat right out of the machine!"

I've grown up since then. But I haven't lost my love for cotton candy. And I never got to make the stuff .... until today that is.

For the July 4th event, our church sold cotton candy. But the line was non-stop and our team was focused and serious and, well, they were professionals. I watched in amazement from a distance and did get a huge bag to eat. Today the crowd was light and there was no line at our booth. Today was my day. At first, I politely offered. "Does anyone need a break?" "Need any help in there?" The three capable guys returned the politeness with a "no thanks".

I knew my approach would need to change so I humbled myself and begged. "Hey, John would it be okay if I gave that a try?" He passed me a cone, stepped aside and said, "Sure, help yourself."

For the next hour, I spun bubblegum, blueberry and cherry cotton candy. Was it all I had dreamed? Yes! and more. You can relax, because I assure you I did NOT eat right of the machine. But driving home, eating out of my personal bag of bubblegum flavored cotton candy propped up on the passenger's seat, a smile came over my face as I realized it had been a day of a fulfilled dream.. in a sweet and fluffy way.

MOONDOG, My Kinda Guy!

2007-09-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

"Hey, there goes MOONDOG across the parking lot! Let's go meet him."
"Wha...t?"
"Come on, hurry, he's leaving. Let's go!"
"Who...?
Here, take my phone I want a picture with him."

The mascot for the CLEVELAND CAVALIERS is a cross between an acrobat, an athlete and an entertainer and today, he made my day! Thanks, MOONDOG!

Ma'am, This is NOT a church.

2007-09-26T23:37:00.000-07:00

Since last November, I've been meeting monthly with a group of Christians from all walks of life (educators, social workers, clergy, concerned citizens) who want to pray and collaborate for a Greater Cleveland http://www.agreatercleveland.org/ through the power of Jesus Christ.

Today, we were honored to have Mayor Frank Jackson address the group and field questions. (Thanks to Channel 8 for covering the story). Knowing he was talking to people connected to the church, the Mayor shared a story about a day in the office at his newly opened campaign headquarters when he first ran for Ward 5 councilman years ago. A known neighborhood prostitute, in a moment of wanting to change and reach out for hope, wandered in to the building. He was dressed in a suit and the chairs were arranged in such a way that he resembled a preacher and the room a storefront church. As he listened to the lady speak, he realized that was the assumption she had made. Finally he said to the lady, "Ma'am, this is not a church." She hung her head, walked out, across the street and got in the car of a john and road away.

My involvement in church planting, both at Rockside Church and across Ohio, caused my heart to leap inside me to say, "God help us to plant more churches and especially inside the cities." But beyond the need for more churches, what if we were to see more Christian hairdressers, realtors, bankers, librarians, doctors and truck drivers who leave for work each day full of the Holy Spirit and understanding that WE ARE THE CHURCH. That lady didn't need to find a preacher nor a church building. She just needed to meet one Christian willing to hold out hope for her and show her the love of Christ. May God help us rewrite that story in Cleveland.

2007-09-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

September 14, 2007 - Friday
LAST NIGHT’S NICHOLE NORDEMAN CONCERT
.. "Hey Leann, I'm sitting in a Nichole Nordeman concert and couldn't help but think of you. How are you? Love you." (sent from portable device). What a surprise to hear from you! Is Nichole as wonderful as ever? How are you? I love you, too."
Leann moved from Cleveland to New Mexico about 9 years ago and we both have a deep appreciation for Nichole Nordeman's composing and ministry.
The answer is YES! She's as incredible as ever. Last night Cuyahoga Community Church sponsored Nichole in concert here in Cleveland. She is so comfortable on the stage and non pretentious. Her writing is deep, creative and moving. Her performance ... the same, really. Pure, clear, authentic, acoustic excellence. I only wish she would have kept going another hour. Highlights? Hmmm... Her song "I AM" hit me in a new way because of the series we're doing at Rockside Church right now looking at the various names of God. It's a perpetual pursuit to uncover all of God's qualities. The CONCEPT she shared that stuck with me the most is the funny story of buying suction bagging from an info-mercial, then wondering what would remain of our Christianity if we vacuumed all the space and hot air away and nothing remained but the substance of us and GOD and that connection. I've been rolling that thought around in my head all day today. Fantastic concert. Thanks Pastor Brian and CVC for Nichole Nordeman! Leann, let's swap an e-mail!