Grace Notes – Vancouver First

Spiritual formation is a journey.  It is the journey of moving from verbal assent, to intellectual understanding, to heart transformation, and finally glorifying God or Christ through the way we live into the new life that has been given to us.

As I was preparing for this week’s sermon on “I am the resurrection and the life,” I was struck over and over again by how each character in the story makes a step in the journey of faith.  The Disciples are clueless and don’t understand why Christ would put himself in danger back in Bethany.  The clue comes in verse 11:15 when Jesus said, “I am glad that Lazarus is dead for I am going to give you new grounds on which to believe.” (The Message) They are still in the early stages of formation and are still trying to wrap their minds around this strange teacher.  As the story progresses their hearts will be tested.

Martha, Lazarus’ sister, is the one who brings the story to life.  While working in the kitchen in Bethany when Jesus and the boys have come to visit, she has overheard his lessons and can repeat some of the things he has said.  When asked questions about her faith she could spit out answers from her past or from listening in on those conversations in the living room of her home.  She is like one of the children who come before me during Children’s Moments at church.  When I ask a question, no matter what the question might be, they answer “Jesus” or “God.”

We smile because it is the first step in formation and we hope there will be more steps to come.

Martha is in the early stages.  She confronts Jesus and asks why he didn’t come earlier to save her brother, but then says, “I know that God will give you whatever you ask for.”  The tug-a-war of faith formation has begun.

Jesus declares that her brother will rise again and with those words Martha retreats back to what she learned in Sunday School 101 about resurrection.  Jesus pulls her out of her comfort zone of doctrines stored in her mind by saying I will raise him right now. Do you believe?

What comes first for us – belief or glory?  Do we need to see some miracle that glorifies God or Christ before we believe or do we believe and God’s glory is revealed because faith has opened our eyes?  What are some of the conditions you put on believing in something or someone?  Do the rules keep you in the “tomb” unable to receive new life that Christ has to offer?

These are some of the questions I am going to be dealing with this Sunday during my sermons.  Do me a favor before Sunday and read the story of Jesus raising Lazarus (John 11) and find a character with whom you can identify and “feel” Christ tugging at their faith.  We all have a place in this story.  See you Sunday.

I received a ton of get well cards over the past few weeks and the more I received the more I recognized a message starting to emerge.  It became overwhelmingly evident when I received cards that were identical – cards with turtles wrapped in a medical bandage and the words inside reading, “It’s not the speed that matters.  It’s getting there.”

But I confess that even though they were cute turtles I don’t grasp the message.  I was still going to push and push until I got better.  That is until the surgeon told me that harder I pushed the longer the recovery would be.  I explained that I didn’t need the sling for my shoulder that I had been doing well without it for the last four days, he responded, “You will now be in the sling four more weeks.”

Why is it so hard to slow down?  Why do we think being still is a waste of our time?

Four times last week I bumped into one scripture after another about “being still and being with God.”  As if that weren’t enough to get my attention, I then read this excerpt from a Christmas letter written by German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer to his fiancée as he was sitting in a German prison.

“These will be quiet days in our homes, but I have had the experience over and over again that the quieter it is around me, the clearer do I feel a connection to you. It is as though in solitude the soul develops senses, which we hardly know in everyday life. Therefore I have not felt lonely or abandoned for one moment.”

I find it so true that when we are quieter we are more aware.  When we are still we can hear the still, quiet voice of God.  When we are in solitude we can develop senses making us aware of the multitude around us in need of care.

In my days of recovery from my accident I also pray that I can recover from my addiction to going fast through life.  Help me O Lord to be still and know your love.

David

Carol and I felt like we were 8-year-old children going on a camp out in our backyard last night.  At midnight we gathered up a couple blankets, a few pillows and our trusty flashlight and hiked our way through the darkness (30 feet at the most).  We laid down the blanket, put the pillows in the best position to take advantage of the slope of the hill next to the fence, and lay down and stared upward.

The sky was perfect.  Not a cloud to be seen in any direction.  For the first few minutes we chuckled as we shifted from side to side trying get comfortable on the bumpy ground.  When we weren’t shifting we were pulling the blanket up around our faces to protect us from pesky mosquitoes.  Then in the middle of the chuckling, shifting, and pulling it happened.  Carol said, “There’s one!”

Meteor in Spain by Jorge Guerrero-AFP/Getty Images

Sure enough something had just streaked across the darkness above leaving a trail that lingered but a second or two.  It was the first of many and each time one scratched its way across the sky we responded with the enthusiasm of children.

This is the season for “shooting stars” or more precisely the Perseid Meteor Shower.  Every year at this time the earth passes through the orbit of the Comet Swift Tuttle and we delight in watching debris.  Now heavenly debris is really great stuff.  It catches on fire and burns up as it enters the earth’s atmosphere and provides a show.

As we laid there on the back lawn, I turned to Carol and said, “Don’t you feel small?”  Here we were looking at only a piece of the universe and we were dwarfed.  The debris particles were larger than our house and they were consumed in seconds.  What were we in comparison?

I started reciting verses from the Psalm 8, “O Lord, our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.  When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?

We spent the next thirty minutes being entertained by the “work of God’s fingers.”  It was delightful worship and I kept mixing my words of awe and wonder with questions.  Why O Lord, do you care for me?  Why O Lord with all the universe as vast as it is do you bother loving your creations on this remote planet?

Finally I asked, “Why O Lord did you create mosquitoes?”  And when I got no answer and two more bites we left the sanctuary of our backyard and itched our way to bed.

I was back on my bike this afternoon. Wind blowing through my helmet! My head back and as I enjoyed the afternoon rays of the sun. Not a care in the world as my legs churned and the pavement burned.

Okay, I will be honest. The closest I got to riding my bike on the open road today was to sit on it in the third bay in my garage and hook up an electric fan to give me the illusion of wind blowing in my face. I must be healing because I’m finally able to laugh at the events that took place a week ago.

I would like to thank all of you who made comments about my last posting, “Beware of the sign.” Laughter is good medicine.

While I have been healing I’ve also been thinking about how quickly we seek attention for our bodily injuries. In the case of my accident a passerby called 911, paramedics arrived immediately, an ambulance rushed me to the hospital, doctors and nurses surrounded me, I got CAT scans and x-rays by the bushel load, I was poked and probed, turned and twisted, examined and medicated, and kept in the hospital for further observation.

When our bodies are injured everything else around us comes to a screeching halt and all of our resources are focused on making us well. I get that, but what I don’t get is why we don’t do the same when our souls are injured. When a loved one dies, or friend disappoints, or the world is unfair, or a bad person prospers, or person of faith doesn’t walk his or her talk, or someone you trust betrays you, or someone who is wronged you does not ask for forgiveness, why don’t our critical care systems for our soul go on high alert?

How do we care for our souls? Where do we go when our souls are injured? Do you have a friend who you trust so much that you can risk being vulnerable in order to heal the soul? Do you know what questions to ask? As I have been healing my body from the injuries of my accident I am reminded over and over again how much I need to care for my soul.

When summer is over and our focus shifts from vacations and recreation to the reality of our busy schedules, I would like for you to consider the possibility of adding something to your schedules for the care of your souls. We are calling them Spiritual Formation Groups. They are not for everyone but will definitely be a place where we can be in journey together and care for each other soul.

Blessings, Pastor David

The last words I remember saying were to Dean Lookingbill as we were cruising side-by-side in the bike lane along Lower River Road.  “Wow, what a beautiful night.  We are truly blessed.”  The next thing I remember was a paramedic cutting my jersey off and telling me everything was going to be okay.

That is how fast life can change.  In seconds it can turn from basking in paradise to being confused in pain.  Accidents like this remind me that we need to always be thanking God for each gift of life and grab hold of each moment.

Let me tell you what happened.  I wish I had someone to blame it on, but all the blame is on me.  I had my tricycle in the shop getting tuned up for a major ride that Dean and I were going to be taking in two weeks.  I needed to stay in shape and it was too beautiful an evening not to ride so I took down one of my two-wheel cycles and called my biking buddy.  We were going to go to Lower River Road and just enjoy and that is what we did.  We sprinted for a while, experimented with drafting on each other, and then slowed our pace to about 17 or 18 mph to drink in the beauty of the ride and being companions on the road.

After saying my words, I must have wandered slightly to the right and caught some sand and it took my tire and my bike straight into the signpost.  You can track it all in the picture.  I even added an arrow so you can see my bike track in the sand heading straight into the sign.  Needless to say the sign didn’t move but I did.  I have no idea what hit first, since I blacked out, but when I was done I broke my collarbone again, and set the record on ribs with seven broken ones, and had a very serious concussion.

I will be preaching on the concept of being companions on the journey in life and I want everyone to know that I was a true companion to Dean.  Just so he would not miss out on my fun, I somehow launched my bike into his and knocked him down as well.  He got off with some road rash, stiff muscles, and a tetanus shot.

Let me address the most often asked questions.  First, how am I doing and when will I be back to work.  I am doing well.  I am slow moving and drugged up a bit but am back to doing some of my responsibilities.  In fact this afternoon (Saturday) I am doing a wedding for a wonderful couple David McIntosh and Karin Mattson.  I will cautiously work my way back to a full work schedule.

What about your ribs and shoulder?  As those of you who have had broken ribs know, there is nothing the doctors can do for them except tell you to endure.  So I am staying away from places where I would laugh too much.  I will be seeing a surgeon on Tuesday to determine when I can have my shoulder operated on.  Unfortunately, I ruined all the great work my previous surgeon did eight years ago.  My biggest pain is not in my upper body but in my leg.  I really pulled or tore my upper thigh muscles.

Is this the end to my biking?  If Carol had her way it would be but biking is a relief valve in my life and I love it.  I have made her the promise that I will never, EVER, no-not-ever, ride a two-wheeler again.  It will be the trinitarian transport system (or tricycle) for this boy.  I just have to be aware the sport I love so much is a dangerous one.

What can we do to help?  You can keep me in your prayers.  I covet your prayers for healing.  When I schedule my operation I will let you know so that you can lift Carol and me then.  I will be slowly getting back into the full schedule next week and will be preaching on Sunday, August 1 and doing Bob Thomas’ celebration of life service.  One thing you could all do that would be fantastic is to not hug me or pat me on the back.  The ribs are still very sore.

Finally, we could have some fun with the picture of my accident together.  I sent this off to some friends and they wrote some crazy captions.  So to keep the moment light and to add humor, which is always a way to bring healing, I ask for your ideas for crazy captions for the ruthless sign that attacked me.  Put them in caption block and we will show them next Sunday.

Thanks for all your prayers.

David

This past Sunday I  preached on Jesus’ statement, “I am the light of the world, those who follow me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” During the sermon I asked the congregation to look up at the Christ window in the sanctuary and to imagine the light shining through the window was also shining into their hearts and revealing those areas that needed transformation. I received many comments about how powerful that moment was.

One person referred me to a book written by Parker Palmer entitled, “A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life.” Very early in the book the author describes the painful gap between who we most truly are and the roles we play in the so-called real world.  We become obsessed with succeeding, or at least surviving and we lose touch of our souls. Here are some of the warning signs that indicate the break between our souls and our roles in life:

• We sense that something is missing in our lives and search the world for it, not understanding what is missing is us.
• We feel fraudulent, even invisible, because we are not in the world as who we really are.
• The light that is within us cannot illuminate the world’s darkness.
• The darkness that is within us cannot be eliminated by the world’s light.
• We project our inner darkness on others making “enemies” of them and making the world a more dangerous place.
• Our inauthenticity and projections make real relationships impossible, leading to loneliness.
• Our contributions to the world – especially through the work we do – are tainted by duplicity and deprived of the life-giving energies of true self.

Can you relate to any of these descriptions?  They are powerful indicators that not only make us aware of our disconnection with our souls but also invite us to a journey of spiritual formation where the repair work can be done.  This is where the “I am statement” of Christ really explodes with power.  When he says if we follow his light we will no longer walk in darkness but will have the “light of life” he is offering a life that is not divided.  He is offering a life where our souls and our roles are united.

David

This Sunday I am continuing my sermon series by preaching on Jesus’ statement, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

For two decades light was something I learned to control, use, enhance, and convert into images.  As a professional photographer I learned the difference between the warmth of morning and evening light and the coolness of midday brightness.  I learned the power of edge lighting to emphasize textures and bring out details that the eye would normally miss.  I learned how to use backlighting to create silhouettes or to emphasize the power of the sun as it was swallowed by the horizon.  “In the old days” we spent a lot of time pushing our film to higher ASAs (film speeds) and we sacrificed quality for grainier photos that were more truthful and more expressive.

For the last two decades I have been learning about a different kind of light – one that I cannot control.  There are so many similarities between the light I used to use and the “Light of the World” but the similarities stop when it comes to control.  I surrender control to this light and then it guides me.  I surrender my need to manipulate, convert, or change this light and it transforms me. This is a light that breaks through the darkest areas of my life and brings me hope.  It is a light that shines on my path and shows me which way to go.

As I prepare this sermon I would love to know your stories of light.  If you have no stories of light then consider sharing your response to the question, what does it mean to you to have Christ be the light in your world.  How does his invitation to be the light change the way you live your life?

Thanks for being a companion on the journey of faith.  Pastor David

This Sunday I am beginning a new sermon series that I pray will engage your minds and tickle your hearts.  We will be looking at the “I AM” statements in John’s gospel as metaphors that reveal the nature and character of our Lord but also invite us to a deeper relationship.

There are seven statements in John that include: “I am the light; the good shepherd; the way, the truth and the light; the bread; the resurrection and the life; the gate, and the vine.”  Each Sunday we will be exploring the powerful imagery of each statement and then how Christ is really inviting us into a deeper spiritual relationship.

The words “I AM” are not new to Christ or to the gospel of John.  They were first spoken by God when Moses stood by the burning bush and asked, “What is your name?”  God responded, “I AM WHO I AM.  Tell the Israelites I AM sent you.” (Exodus 3:14)  I AM has been inviting us to a relationship since the beginning of time and in the book of John moves from being a mysterious external presence to an incarnational presence seeking even greater intimacy.

In his book, “Life with God,” Richard Foster writes the overarching question of the Bible is God’s divine invitation, “I AM with you.  Will you be with me?”  The “I AM” statements are powerful invitations to be with God.

This Sunday I will be preaching about Jesus walking on water.  Between now and Sunday read the sixth chapter of John and put yourself in the place of the Disciples.  Put yourself on the stormy sea and reflect upon the stormy times of your life.  Where do you put your trust?  Where do you turn when the storms of life churn?  Read the words in John 6:20 the way they were supposed to be translated, “I AM, do not be afraid.”  As we begin this summer series I ask that you join me in exploring what it means to put our trust in the great I AM.

As many of you know I am ending a two-week vacation that has been excellent. During the first week Carol and I journeyed to the San Juan Islands and were blessed by great weather and even better scenery.  One of highlights of the trip was hiring a guide to take us to see orca whales.  Here is one of the shots of a pod going through.

We were fortunate enough to watch this group of whales for more than two hours and in that time we witnessed them spyhopping, diving, splashing, and protecting each other.  Our young captain described with great reverence how J-2 (also known as grandma) was 90 years old and was swimming right along with the youngest baby.  The slightly younger J-1 (also known as Ruffles) was the male on the left side with a dorsal fin that stood more than six feet out of the water and had the serrated edge. He was the protector of the pod.

As I watched the family, I started imagining the journeys they had taken together. Can you imagine the lessons that J-1 and J-2 have passed along?  In many ways this pod is like our church where we are blessed with intergenerational lessons and wisdom.  In the days ahead I would encourage you to think about the blessings you have received from those who have guided you along your journey.  Each relationship, each lesson, and each companion is a blessing to treasure.

David

I love the opening phrase of our church’s mission statement – “we are companions in a spiritual journey.”  As a cyclist I understand the need for a companion to give me encouragement when the miles seem too boring or too grueling to face.  On those days when it is easier to sink into my soft couch and watch television, I need a companion to push me and hold me accountable to my commitments.  When the ride is done and I want to reflect on what was just accomplished, I need a companion to talk with who has traveled similar roads.

Spiritual journey is very similar. We all need companions to encourage, guide, and reflect on our walks with Christ.  With that in mind I am trying a new thing.  I am using the power of high tech to widen my ability to reach out and touch more people on a regular basis.  I am creating this blog for those who would like to join me in a spiritual journey and would be courageous enough to share their feelings, insights, successes, failures, and joys.

I will use this space to ask questions that might shape next Sunday’s sermon, or get input for future series, or simply ask if last Sunday’s sermon made any sense.  Sometimes I will post a thought that arose from my daily reading and meditation and ask for your insights.  Sometimes I will let my photography do my talking for me as I get back into the rhythm of shooting and share.

This blog is targeted for the extended-family of Vancouver First but is open for all you would like to listen in. In this initial stage I am working out the kinks.  Soon I will create an RSS feed and have  an easier way of inviting people to the blog.  For now you can just copy the link and pass it along to whomever you feel might benefit. I would enjoy your feedback and I will post them as they come in but I will reserve the right to nix any that I feel are not in keeping with the graceful conversation that I hope to create.

I pray that this blog may find a place in your weekly journey with our Lord.

David