A
Listening Heart --
April 9, 2008
Sharing is caring. The
compassion God has bestowed on us, the mercy out of which life
is lived and the grace of forgiveness is the impetus for our
sharing. We share because we care. We care that family,
friends, neighbors and acquaintances know the love of God given
freely and abundantly in Jesus Christ is experienced by all.
What does it mean to you to be
a Christian? What is the story of God’s love that you
experience in your own life? Do you or can you share that story
with others? Do you or will you listen to another’s faith story
and appreciate the journey revealed?
Sharing is caring. Your
ability to care is witnessed in and through the ministries
of First Christian Church on a regular basis. Your hospitality
and support of one another is a living testimony to the depth of
the community of faith. Based on the ability to care it is a
natural jump to recognize the grace-filled ability to share the
Good News with others.
We care. Let’s share what we care
so deeply for: God’s love and redemption in Jesus Christ.
God is alive and at work in our
midst, calling us to love and serve.
I look forward to worshipping
with you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Liz
˙
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A
Listening Heart --
March 19, 2008
As a
way to stay connected with our sisters and
brothers in Christ at
Central Christian Church
in Waterloo, every other “Spirit” will contain an article from
“The Connector.” This week I share Dr. L.
Brent Cantrell’s message as it fits beautifully with our
prayer for reaching out to touch this community with the Good
News of Jesus Christ.
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The Message—John 15:12 - 15
12This is my command: Love one another the way I
loved you. 13This is the very best way to love.
Put your life on the line for your friends.
14You are my friends when you do the things I
command you. 15I’m no longer calling you
servants because servants don’t understand what
their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve
name you friends…
The
statistic is timeless and true most people come to
church because a friend invites them. When
researchers asked new converts, “What was the major
influence in leading you to Christ and the Church?”
they responded:
The point is clear and timeless. When you invite
someone to church or a church activity they will
respond affirmatively.
Church Growth experts are clear: “Friendship
evangelism is the most effective and the simplest
way for every Christian to bring people to the Lord.
If we were to take a survey in most congregations,
75% to 90% would say a friend or relative led them
to Christ.”
Let’s
us one and all practice what we preach. Invite
someone to join Jesus Christ by inviting them to
church or a church activity.
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God is alive
and at work in our midst, calling us to love and serve. I
believe we are being readied to step out in faith for the
telling of God’s Good News: God loves us, one and all!
I look forward to worshipping with you
this Sunday.
Blessings,
Liz
˙
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A
Listening Heart --
March 5, 2008
Thank you
again for the gift of a beautiful new pulpit robe. It was a
delight as well as a privilege to wear it for the first time
this past Sunday.
Matthew 21 begins the story of
Holy Week. The week begins with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and
the action mounts with each ensuing day. The morning following
the “triumphal entry” Jesus returns to Jerusalem because as
Matthew says, he was hungry. On the way back into the city,
Jesus and his disciples pass by a fig tree without fruit. The
fruitless fig tree becomes a lesson in prayer for the
disciples. Jesus says, “Whatever you ask for in prayer with
faith, you will receive.”(Matthew 21:22)
Those are bold and powerful words
“in prayer with faith.” I have been praying for God’s
cultivating nature to be at work in our midst. I know you have
been praying as well. I believe as we continue to pray in faith
for opportunities to witness to God’s amazing grace, God will do
exactly what we ask. Witnessing to God’s merciful and tender
acts of grace is our responsibility as well as an opportunity to
participate in the growth of God’s kingdom.
A sign up
sheet will be posted this Sunday, March 9th for you
to indicate your participation in learning the nuts and bolts of
“how to present your witness.” The months of April and May will
build our collective enthusiasm for sharing Christ. We will
learn to share our story first with one another, we will
celebrate the unique ways God touches lives, and we will take
responsibility for wearing the name of Christ. We will “unbind
the Gospel” in the Cedar Valley.
God is alive and at work in our
midst, calling us to love and serve. I believe you are being
readied to step out in faith for the telling of God’s Good
News: God loves us, one and all!
I look forward to worshipping with
you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Liz
˙
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A
Listening Heart --
February
20, 2008
I believe
the following statements: The
Christian faith is contagious. We have a remarkable
story to share. God has touched
each one of us in unique and miraculous ways. Sharing our stories
builds community and encourages
the sharing
of our story with
others.
Reading
the book Unbinding the Gospel was a
preliminary step for an
exciting and
challenging ministry in evangelism. Listed again in this Spirit
are the “steps” of a congregational invitation to the ministry of evangelism.
Today I confess to you
that step one “praying” doesn’t seem like we are “doing”
enough. And yet even as I write those words of confession, I am
convicted by the lack of faith in the statement. Praying is
foundational to listening for God’s direction as well as being
God’s witnesses. So, I extend the following invitation: will
you join me daily for prayer? While we cannot be in the same
physical space, we can be in the same time space. I will
covenant to be in prayer for this congregation at 7 AM and 10
PM. Please join me at one of those times each day through
February and all of March. I am convinced God is at work in our
midst. Please pray with me.
The
following proposal is again offered to this congregation:
Step
One: Prayer.
It is the first step in entering the “ministry” of
evangelism.
Everyone, young and
old, is invited to join in a season of prayer and preparation.
The six weeks of Lent will be spent in intentional prayer for
God’s cultivating and tending the “soil of our hearts” in
preparation for a time of study for all interested members and
friends of First Christian Church. Allowing time to nurture our
listening skills will empower our faithful response to God’s
invitation to share the wondrous story of faith.
Step
Two: During the months of April and May, Rev.
Reese’s book Unbinding the Gospel will be read in small
groups. Congregational members will be encouraged to
participate in groups encountering the book and one another.
This is an important second step of the journey to “unbind the
Gospel” in our hearts and shared life. Sign up sheets will be
posted in March for indicating your willing participation.
Allow the weeks of prayer to prepare your heart to participate
in this exciting and faithful response to God’s call to tell the
Good News of Jesus Christ.
Step
Three: to be determined by those willing to pray, to
study and participate in the small reading groups in April and
May.
God is alive and at work in our
midst, calling us to love and serve. I hope you will step out
in faith and allow God to prepare your heart for the telling of
God’s Good News: God loves us, one and all!
I look forward to worshipping with
you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Liz
˙
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A
Listening Heart --
February
7, 2008
The trip to
Columbia, Missouri with Gary Chambers, Dotta Hassman and Matt
Reisetter was grand. It is a blessing to share conversation
filled with hope and dreams for the ministry of First Christian
Church. We had plenty of time to dream on the trip down, over an
evening meal and breakfast. Participation in the workshop led by
Martha Grace (Gay) Reese on Unbinding the Gospel was encouraging
as well as challenging. Rev. Reese is convincing regarding the
heart of evangelism. The Christian faith is contagious. She
believes we have a remarkable story to share. God has touched
each one of us in unique and miraculous ways. Sharing our
stories builds com-munity and encourages the sharing of our
story with others.
Attending the seminar, and reading the book Unbinding the Gospel
are preliminary steps for an exciting and challenging ministry
in evangelism. The following proposal is offered to this
congregation:
STEP ONE: Prayer. It is the first step in entering the
“ministry” of evangelism. Everyone, young and old, is invited to
join in a season of prayer and preparation. The six weeks of
Lent will be spent in intentional prayer for God’s cultivating
and tending the “soil of our hearts” in preparation for a time
of study for all interested members and friends of First
Christian Church. Allowing time to nurture our listening skills
will empower our faithful response to God’s invitation to share
the wondrous story of faith.
STEP TWO: During the months of April and May, Rev. Reese’s
book Unbinding the Gospel will be read in small groups.
Congregational members will be encouraged to participate in
groups encountering the book and one another. This is an
important second step of the journey to “unbind the Gospel” in
our hearts and shared life. Sign up sheets will be posted in
March for indicating your willing participation. Allow the weeks
of prayer to prepare your heart to participate in this exciting
and faithful response to God’s call to tell the Good News of
Jesus Christ.
STEP THREE: to be determined by those willing to pray, to
study and participate in the small reading groups in April and
May.
The trip to Columbia was just the beginning of a grand and
wonderful journey. God is alive and at work in our midst,
calling us to love and serve. I hope you will step out in faith
and allow God to prepare your heart for the telling of God’s
Good News: God loves us, one and all!
I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Liz
˙
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January
9, 2008
On January 25, Gary Chambers,
Dotta Hassman, and Matt Reisetter will join me in participating
in an evangelism workshop on “Unbinding the Gospel” with Martha
Grace Reese held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Columbia MO.
Ms. Reese has written a trio of books regarding “real life
evangelism.” It is our hope to gain insight to inform the
development of a plan for effective evangelism within this
congregation.
Ms. Reese states in her book
“Unbinding the Gospel” that her book, and the workshops on the
book, is about breaking the curse. It’s about untying the knots
that keep us from living exciting lives in the Spirit. It’s
about unbinding the Good News that God adores us and everyone
else that God has shown this to us through Jesus Christ. This
book, and the workshop, is unabashedly about evangelism: faith
sharing.
As people of faith, you have a wonderful and amazing story to
tell of God’s love and grace. As we listen to the Spirit and
respond in faith to God’s call to share our story, we will find
ourselves engaged in evangelism.
One story shared, one life changed, one step at a time we will
continue witnessing to God’s Good News.
It is profoundly true: God loves, yes adores, each of us. What a
marvelous story to share!
I look forward to worshipping with
you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Liz
˙
December
5, 2007
For the Advent season a version of Psalm 23 from Japan,
reprinted in Mother Teresa, Life in the Spirit: Reflections,
Meditations, Prayers edited by Kathryn Spink:
The Lord is my pace setter…I shall not rush; He makes me
stop for quiet intervals, He provides me with images of
stillness which restore my serenity. He leads me in the way
of efficiency through calmness of minds and his guidance is
peace. Even though I have a great many things to accomplish
each day, I will not fret, for his presence is here. His
timelessness, his all importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my
activity by anointing my mind with his oils of tranquility.
My cup of joyous energy overflows. Truly harmony and
effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours for I shall
walk in the pace of my Lord and dwell in his house for
ever. Amen.
What a wonderful image, not rushing but enjoying each and every
moment of this holy season of Advent. My prayer for each of you
is to live this Psalm fully and faithfully this season.
I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Liz
˙
October 31,
2007
Friendship affords us
opportunities to share insights, thoughts, joys, concerns,
questions as well as support and nurture. It is a gift we
embrace and give thanks for on a daily basis. Evangelism seems
to be an action many of us want to avoid because we are
uncomfortable by what we think it means. I believe I have an
example of evangelism that is not threatening.
On most Sunday mornings we
might see around the building a half dozen high school
students. On Wednesday evening during LOGOS there are at least
double that number engaged in ministry. On one night there were
15 high school students filling the building with energy. Now,
how is it that there are that many kinds around here on
Wednesday. It is simple. Kids invited their friends to join
them, they came and were welcomed to explore and witness their
growing faith.
Friendship opens many a door to
deep and meaningful conversation. Consider the opportunities
you have to witness to your faith in meaningful chats with
friends. Prayerfully listen to your friends you might be
surprised by someone looking for a church to call home.
Let’s live boldly and joyfully
in this world as God’s beloved children aware of our friends who
would benefit from the nature of this community of faith.
“Buen Camino”…good walk to you
my friends and fellow pilgrims!
Blessings, Liz
˙
September
19,
2007
What is the
church's mission in today's world? As a community of faith
we have gathered around tables in various settings to
explore and plumb the depths of what we think we ought to be
doing to grow the church, to increase membership, and to
secure the congregation's long life. The conversations have
been stimulating and challenging. Wonderful and remarkable
ideas have been shared, and new, creative ways of ministry
have emerged. Yet, today, I ask the same question, what is
the church's mission in today's world?
Matt preached this past Sunday on "Lost and Found." Using
the parables found in Luke 15, he explored with us our task
of witnessing to our "found-ness" in Christ to a world where
"lost-ness" is palpable.
The mission of the church remains the same as always. Jesus
gave the command to the disciples at his ascension, and it
is still the same today: "Go, therefore and make disciples
of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am
with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)
I have been reading a book Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life
Evangelism, by Martha Grace Reese. It has been a powerful
reminder of the mission of the church. It is time, my
friends, for us to reclaim our task of evangelism. Are you
interested in reading Ms. Reese's book? Are you willing to
explore ways we can tune our hearts to the church's mission
in evangelism? Evangelism is faith sharing. To be an
evangelist is to share your story of God's redemption and
grace. It's time to take Jesus' command to heart. I'd love
to talk with you about this. Please tell me what you think.
Let's live boldly and joyfully in this world as God's
beloved children proclaiming the message of God's love to a
hurting and bruised world. Until Sunday, "Buen Camino" ...
good walk to you my friends and fellow pilgrims!
Blessings, Liz
˙
September
6,
2007
Do It Anyway!
People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered. Forgive
them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some
unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people
may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What
you spend years
creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some
may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be
forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will
never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final
analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between
you and them anyway.
(Version attributed to Mother
Teresa of Calcutta)
One important lesson
from my sabbatical pilgrimage is to “walk in a relaxed manner –
to slow down, breath deeply of God’s grace, and pay attention to
the glimpses of God in everyday life.” That learning is not
easily lived out in the busyness of the world. “Do it anyway”
is a reminder to keep applying les-sons until they become a part
of a lifestyle.
Let’s “do it anyway”…live boldly and
joy-fully in this world as God’s beloved children. Until
Sunday, “Buen Camino”…good walk to you my friends and fellow
pilgrims!
Blessings, Liz
˙
August 8,
2007
It was a joy and a blessing to return to worship and
fellowship with the members and friends of First Christian
Church this past Sunday, August 5. The spirit in worship
was joy-filled and the fellowship after worship was just
what had been ordered…a time to express gratitude and a time
to welcome back over a tasty bowl of home-made ice cream
served with pie!
Words of appreciation and gratitude for the fine ministry
shared by this congregation with Brandon Johnson seem
inadequate. Brandon’s caring and compassionate spirit was a
gift recognized and received by all. My heart rested
peacefully in trust and security knowing that this
congregation was in “good hands.”
There will be much to share with you regarding the three
months of sabbatical. It was a remarkable and grace-filled
time. I will share the best of the pictures. The stories
and lessons will unfold over the coming weeks and months.
The Lilly Grant was truly a blessing for me and this
congregation.
Things are different after three months. An exciting
change is an additional staff member. Sharing minister with
Matt Reisetter will be energizing and faith-expanding for
all of us.
There is much for us to share and explore as a
congregation. I am excited to be back in this ministry with
you. It will be good to worship with you this Sunday.
“Buen Camino” is the expression shared by pilgrims
walking the Camino. It means “good walk!” We walk together
in faith, in God’s kingdom, wrapped in God’s love and
grace. So, “Buen Camino”… good walk, friends! What a joy
to walk this journey of faith with you!
Blessings, Liz
˙
May
9, 2007
I cannot find the words to express my deep gratitude and
thanksgiving for all the kind expression of support for the
sabbatical adventure. Each day will provide
opportunity to rest, walk, listen and abandon myself into
God’s loving, creative hands. I am so incredibly
blessed to have this opportunity that is before me…well,
actually here now!
Thank you for the fun “stepping out party.” It was
great fun to play “deal or no deal” and win such marvelous
gifts. They will fit easily into the duffel bag and
will prove useful on the pilgrimage across Spain. The
fellowship around the potluck tables was wonderful.
The food was delicious. You are great cooks! The
tables were beautifully decorated with representations of
the Cruz de Ferro (the cross with prayer stones.)
The walking staff is wonderful. It will help me each
step of the Camino trek in more than one way. It will
be a constant reminder of the prayers and encouragement that
wrap me each day. It will keep me going when the way
is long and difficult. It will be a joyous reminder
that I do not walk alone!
The book of letters is so kind and loving. To have
included family and friends from a distance along with so
many of you touches my heart. I will take the book to
Duluth and allow the words of support, encouragement and
love to become a part of my prayer practice each day.
Thank you so very much.
The hydrangea plant is beautiful. Dorothy will enjoy
tending to it in my absence.
It will be a blessing and privilege to hold you each in
prayer the next three months as we are parted one from the
other.
Blessings, Liz
˙
May
2, 2007
Camino de Santiago
This will be the route we will walk
across the Camino de Santiago:
June 2: Pamplona, Spain
June 3: Roncesvalles, attend Pilgrim Mass
June 4: Zubiri, walk 13.6 miles
June 5: Pamplona, walk 13.6 miles
June 6: Puente La Reina, walk 14.9 miles
June 7: Estella, walk 11.8 miles
June 9: transfer to Burgos, walk 8.6
miles
June 10: transfer to Leon, walk 10.3
miles
June 11: Astorga, walk 9.3 miles
June 12: Molinaseca, walk 12.4 miles
June 13: Villafranca Del Bierzo, walk
16.8
June 14: O Cebreiro, walk 17.4 miles
June 15: Samos, walk 19.9 miles
June 16: Portomarin, walk 21.8 miles
June 17: Palas Del Rei, walk 14.9
June 18: Arzua, walk 18.7 miles
June 19: Arco de Pino, walk 11.9 miles
June 20: Santiago, walk 11.9 miles
June 21: sightseeing Santiago
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The “walk”
will cover over 225 miles in 16 walking days.
Your prayers
will be a strengthening force with each step. |
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It will be a blessing to worship with you this Sunday as we
“step out” in faith.
Blessings,
Liz
˙
April 11, 2007
It will not be long until I
take my first step along the Camino de Santiago, in the
footsteps of S1. James. Allow me to share the outline of the
sabbatical leave:
May 8 - May 25:
I will
be in Duluth, MN walking the trails, training and preparing
for the walk in Spain.
May 30 - July 1:
I will
be joined by my college roommate, Diana Robertson, as we
explore Paris, France for two days, spend 21 days on the
Camino de Santiago walking at least 12 miles daily, relax
and refresh for a week in County Wicklow, Ireland, and then
fly home to the United States through Zurich, Switzerland to
gaze at the Alps. (A complete outline of the walk along the
Camino de Santiago will be published in the next Spirit.)
July 5- July 20:
I will
attend the "Washington Island Forum" in Wisconsin. The forum
will be led by Dr. Thomas Long on "The Changing and Com
peting Voices of Preaching Today." After the forum, a
leisurely drive back to Iowa will offer quiet and reflective
time,
July 21- July 31:
These
days will be times of solitude and spiritual direction, six
days will be spent at the American Martyrs Retreat House.
By your prayers I am
encouraged and nurtured in my preparation for sabbatical. By
our collective prayers God is preparing us for this time of
transformation.
Blessings,
Liz
˙
March
18, 2007
I have an exercise tape on
which one of the participants says “we’re walking!” Walking
is what I am adding to each day of the week, walking
additional steps each day, walking religiously striving to
learn to listen and be aware of the surroundings in which I
walk, and walking with the knowledge that with each step my
muscles get stronger. Walking each day reminds me of the
discipline it will take to walk 12, 14, 18 and even a day of
24 miles along the
Camino de Santiago. The first step on the Camino will be
June 4 when we begin in Roncesvalles on the eastern side of
Spain. The last step of the approximately 228 miles will be
June 20 when we arrive in
Santiago de Compostela on the western edge of Spain.
Let me remind you what the
Camino de Santiago is. The Camino,
the road of St. James, is a 480 mile pathway across
northern Spain. Legend tells us that the bones of the
apostle James miraculously ended up in the little Spanish
town, which has come to be known as Santiago Compostela. For
well over 1500 years people have walked from all over Europe
to visit the cathedral built to house those bones. El Camino
de Santiago Compostela literally means “the road to St.
James’ steeple on the hill.”
A pilgrimage on the Camino de
Santiago is an opportunity to take seriously a deeper
spiritually by seeking God in the environment, in other
people and in myself. Of course, this can be done on any
day, in any place, but what a wonderful adventure to do so
on an ancient pathway across Spain! By your prayers I am
encouraged and nurtured in my preparation for sabbatical. By
our collective prayers God is preparing us for this time of
transformation.
Blessings,
Liz
˙
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