Around the Corner
Around The Corner (April 2019)
Dare I say it?
It seems like spring has started to "spring up(!)" here in the Cedar Valley. Spring has a special feeling to it, doesn't it? The ground is in a constant state of waking up, we take the plastic off our windows, more people are walking the streets downtown, and we hear the chorus of birds get louder and more voluminous by the minute.
It is a season of new life.
I think it is highly appropriate that this sea-son of new life occurs during the Easter season. As we've talked about several times the past few months, our overwhelming familiarity with aspects of scripture and the life of Jesus some-times makes them lose their deeper meaning and power. The very real, very bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ affirms both this life and the next and proves that the true rhythm and the true rhyme of the world is resurrection.
But we'll get more into that later.
For now, let us enjoy spring. I hope you are able to listen to the birds sing their song. For even the birds of the air testify to the goodness of our God. My sincere prayer for you during this part of the Lenten season is that you can discover the places and opportunities that God is bringing in new life into your life right here and right now.
See you all soon!
Pastor Bryce
Dare I say it?
It seems like spring has started to "spring up(!)" here in the Cedar Valley. Spring has a special feeling to it, doesn't it? The ground is in a constant state of waking up, we take the plastic off our windows, more people are walking the streets downtown, and we hear the chorus of birds get louder and more voluminous by the minute.
It is a season of new life.
I think it is highly appropriate that this sea-son of new life occurs during the Easter season. As we've talked about several times the past few months, our overwhelming familiarity with aspects of scripture and the life of Jesus some-times makes them lose their deeper meaning and power. The very real, very bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ affirms both this life and the next and proves that the true rhythm and the true rhyme of the world is resurrection.
But we'll get more into that later.
For now, let us enjoy spring. I hope you are able to listen to the birds sing their song. For even the birds of the air testify to the goodness of our God. My sincere prayer for you during this part of the Lenten season is that you can discover the places and opportunities that God is bringing in new life into your life right here and right now.
See you all soon!
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (March 2019)
Lent is right around the corner.
Lent had not always been celebrated in Disciples churches, but it is fairly common nowadays to observe Lent. Of course, we do not have as many customs and traditions associated with Lent as other parts of Christianity do. Still, I always remember as a child being told that this season was special. I didn't always understand why, but it is clear Lent is a time to practice a true intentionality of who God is calling us to be.
Lent is the 40 days (minus Sundays) before Easter. It is traditionally a period of fasting, praying, and almsgiving in observance of Christ's death and resurrection. There are other traditions that observe other practices (I'm sure you are familiar with no fish on Fridays in the Catholic tradition) but, for the most part, Lent is observed in many different ways in many different churches and individuals.
Here at First Christian, we will be trying some new things during Lent. The vast majority of those new things is simply an effort to be a more welcoming church to visitors, as a way of being more faithful to who we are called to be as a church. Some of it you may notice. Some of it you may not. Of course, there are also ways to observe Lent on our own. Many folks like to "fast" or take away indulgences like chocolate, caffeine, or sugar. Others like to add something new like exercise, reading scripture, or maybe joining a small group during an all-church study (just as an example).
Regardless of how you celebrate and observe Lent, I hope you'll join us at First Church during Lent, as we observe the 40 days before the day that changed everything. Of course, more on that later.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Bryce
Lent is right around the corner.
Lent had not always been celebrated in Disciples churches, but it is fairly common nowadays to observe Lent. Of course, we do not have as many customs and traditions associated with Lent as other parts of Christianity do. Still, I always remember as a child being told that this season was special. I didn't always understand why, but it is clear Lent is a time to practice a true intentionality of who God is calling us to be.
Lent is the 40 days (minus Sundays) before Easter. It is traditionally a period of fasting, praying, and almsgiving in observance of Christ's death and resurrection. There are other traditions that observe other practices (I'm sure you are familiar with no fish on Fridays in the Catholic tradition) but, for the most part, Lent is observed in many different ways in many different churches and individuals.
Here at First Christian, we will be trying some new things during Lent. The vast majority of those new things is simply an effort to be a more welcoming church to visitors, as a way of being more faithful to who we are called to be as a church. Some of it you may notice. Some of it you may not. Of course, there are also ways to observe Lent on our own. Many folks like to "fast" or take away indulgences like chocolate, caffeine, or sugar. Others like to add something new like exercise, reading scripture, or maybe joining a small group during an all-church study (just as an example).
Regardless of how you celebrate and observe Lent, I hope you'll join us at First Church during Lent, as we observe the 40 days before the day that changed everything. Of course, more on that later.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (February 2019)
'Tis the season!
No, not that season. 'Tis the season for folks to get their cars stuck in the snow. We've had a few winter storms already, and more are on the way. So, the sight of a fellow human being stuck and struggling with their car is going to become more prevalent for the next few months.
A couple of days ago, I was driving in Water-loo and came across someone stuck in the snow with their car. My immediate gut reaction was to go and help them. That was just how I was raised. I saw a parking lot on the other side of the street and decided to park my car there so I could go help. I noticed both the car in front of me and behind me were doing the same thing. Not only that, but there were already two other folks parked in the parking lot that were leav-ing their cars in order to help the people that were stuck! As I started to get out of my car, I saw three people already pitching in and they were able to get the car unstuck.
I love seeing sights like that. Other humans helping one another out. It is a beautiful sight. It is a holy sight. It is what happens when we keep a living posture of helping each other out. We need to always be at the ready to offer a helping hand, a kind word, or a giving action, no matter who we are. Just as Hebrews 13:2 states, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have enter-tained angels without knowing it."
My hope and prayer for you is that you can be that helping hand for someone. And, when you need it, a helping hand helps you too.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Bryce
'Tis the season!
No, not that season. 'Tis the season for folks to get their cars stuck in the snow. We've had a few winter storms already, and more are on the way. So, the sight of a fellow human being stuck and struggling with their car is going to become more prevalent for the next few months.
A couple of days ago, I was driving in Water-loo and came across someone stuck in the snow with their car. My immediate gut reaction was to go and help them. That was just how I was raised. I saw a parking lot on the other side of the street and decided to park my car there so I could go help. I noticed both the car in front of me and behind me were doing the same thing. Not only that, but there were already two other folks parked in the parking lot that were leav-ing their cars in order to help the people that were stuck! As I started to get out of my car, I saw three people already pitching in and they were able to get the car unstuck.
I love seeing sights like that. Other humans helping one another out. It is a beautiful sight. It is a holy sight. It is what happens when we keep a living posture of helping each other out. We need to always be at the ready to offer a helping hand, a kind word, or a giving action, no matter who we are. Just as Hebrews 13:2 states, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have enter-tained angels without knowing it."
My hope and prayer for you is that you can be that helping hand for someone. And, when you need it, a helping hand helps you too.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (January 2019)
My family is not very big on traditions.
It isn't like we were ever against traditions, but my family just never really developed any. Except for one. On Christmas Eve, for as long as I can remember, we would always go to a Christmas Eve worship service.
Due to family travels, and some years we didn't really have a church home, I've been to a lot of different Christmas Eve services. There is just something about gathering on Christ- lifting a candle in the air and singing silent night. Even during seminary, when Teresa and I would be away from our home in Georgia, we always made sure to go to a Christmas Eve Service.
I remember taking communion as young child for the first time at Phillipsburg Christian Church, or singing in the children's choir at Lebo United Methodist Church, frantically trying to get out of a blizzard at Burlington United Methodist Church, enjoying a midnight brass quartet at Country Club Christian Church, and having my soul moved by the message at St. Andrew's Christian Church, all on Christ-mas Eve.
And I am so excited to make memories with you, First Christian Church. It is a special evening. It is a meaningful evening, and I hope that, wherever you may find yourself on Christ-mas Eve, that you remember the wonder of Christmas, when Christ came to earth, and how that new life changed everything. Hope, peace, joy, and love was embodied here on Earth.
Merry Christmas
Pastor Bryce
n season is that you can discover the places and opportunities that God is bringing in new life into your life right here and right now.
See you all soon!
Pastor Bryce
My family is not very big on traditions.
It isn't like we were ever against traditions, but my family just never really developed any. Except for one. On Christmas Eve, for as long as I can remember, we would always go to a Christmas Eve worship service.
Due to family travels, and some years we didn't really have a church home, I've been to a lot of different Christmas Eve services. There is just something about gathering on Christ- lifting a candle in the air and singing silent night. Even during seminary, when Teresa and I would be away from our home in Georgia, we always made sure to go to a Christmas Eve Service.
I remember taking communion as young child for the first time at Phillipsburg Christian Church, or singing in the children's choir at Lebo United Methodist Church, frantically trying to get out of a blizzard at Burlington United Methodist Church, enjoying a midnight brass quartet at Country Club Christian Church, and having my soul moved by the message at St. Andrew's Christian Church, all on Christ-mas Eve.
And I am so excited to make memories with you, First Christian Church. It is a special evening. It is a meaningful evening, and I hope that, wherever you may find yourself on Christ-mas Eve, that you remember the wonder of Christmas, when Christ came to earth, and how that new life changed everything. Hope, peace, joy, and love was embodied here on Earth.
Merry Christmas
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (December)
Do you have those Christmas traditions that just stick with you? Growing up, the biggest indicator for me and my sister that it was Christ-mas time was when my parents would break out our Mr. Christmas Mickey Mouse's Clock Shop display. My sister and I would spend hours in front of it, listening to Mickey and his friends sing holiday tunes.
When I went to college and was away from home, those memories stuck with me, but they faded a bit. Even when I did go home, my parent's stopped setting up the Clock Shop be-cause, they claimed, "We have no room for it in the new house" (I think it was because they were tired of the multiple hours of it playing every year). Christmas felt a little different with-out it. But one day, Teresa and I were in an antique store in Omaha when we spotted a Mic-key Mouse Clock Shop! It had never been opened! I had never seen one outside of my parent's house.
Sometimes we get so bogged down in the holiday season, we often forget that feeling of wonderment that is behind the Christmas sea-son. Truly, the story of Christmas and the arrival of the birth of Jesus is a story that can capture the hearts of the generations, and has a message deeper than we can even imagine. But sometimes we lose the message, and some-times, we just need to be reminded. Just like that clock shop does for me and my childhood memories, we need the birth story to reignite our hearts. I hope we can take time to do that this Advent season.
Once my parents found out I had purchased one, they gave theirs to my sister. I've already put mine up in our house. I guarantee you, right now, there is another one set up in an apartment in Kansas too.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (November 2018)
Last month I presided at my first wedding. This was a wedding of two of our closest friends, and I was excited that they asked me to be a part of their special day. Yet, I’m not going to lie, I was still pretty nervous. Before we started the rehearsal, I stood next to the pastor of the church the wedding was at and admitted my nervousness. She is pastor who I happen to know and respect a great deal, and she looked at me and said, “Come on Bryce. You know what to do, so just do it.”
The truth was, she was right. I did know what to do. I was prepared. I had thought it out. The nerves were trying to tell me that I couldn’t do it, but God had prepared me to do this type of ministry for years. So, in the face of my nerves, I just needed to push through, and do it.
I think that happens to all of us. We learn about loving our neighbors, serving others, and spreading God’s love. But, when push comes to shove, we get nervous about being accepted, being a bother, or coming across as creepy, rude, or pushy. But, God has prepared us for
the work God gives us as Christians. God can help lead us to where God needs us to be.
So when the time comes to do the right thing, help that person in need, lend a helping hand, invite someone to church, give away a few bucks, volunteer in the places we are needed, or offer that encouraging word to someone, we just need to do it. We know what to do, so we need to do it. When we feel that nudge from the Holy Spirit, we can know that God equips us to be God’s people and show God’s love. We are prepared. We know what to do. So just go do it church!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (October 2018)
"So, I don't want to sound rude, but what exactly is it that you do every day?"
This past week was the first time I'd seen my friends since I became a pastor. So this quest-ion, asked by one of my friends, wasn't actually all that strange. They've known I've wanted to be a pastor for as long as they've known me, but everyone seems to have their own ideas of what pastors "do."
I know many of you have asked the same question. I think my favorite quote on this is from Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber. She was being shadowed one day by a seminary student, and, at the end of the day, the seminary student said, "Wow, you get to be a person for a living!" Be-cause, when you boil all of the sermon planning, teaching, and pastoral care visits to its core, what all clergy do is fairly simple. What we get to do is simply walk with people in their lives; both in the good times and the bad times (That and apparently change light bulbs, order curriculum, refill gas cans, and chase bats out of houses as *some* of the more recent activities of mine).
I hope that is also what we as a church can be. Church should be a place where we worship God and learn more about the Christian life, but it should also be a place where people walk side by side in both the troubles of life and the joys of life. We may not always agree, but we always love people right where they are at.
And maybe we change a few light bulbs here and there.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce- SPACER
Around The Corner (September 2018)
"So uh...what do you mean by 'Disciples of Christ?'"
I've gotten some variation of this sentence over the years. A lot of people have heard of Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, etc., but a lot of people don't know what it means when we say we are the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This breaks my heart, because I feel that who we are as Disciples is exactly what a huge portion of people are look-ing for in a church these days.
So, starting in September, we are going to look at what it means to be the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Maybe you have been a Disciple all your life. Maybe you are in your first ever Disciples church. Maybe you are read-ing this and think, "Wait, we are a part of a de-nomination?" Regardless, there will be some-thing for everyone to get out of looking at who we are, and how who the Disciples are can truly bring wholeness to a fragmented world.
Our sermon series will actually be in two parts, because in the middle of September I will be taking my first vacation since coming to FCC (hard to believe!), I'll be officiating at two of our best friends' wedding that weekend so I'll be out for that Sunday. I'm very excited for it, and I'm also very excited for you all to hear from our pulpit guest that day (more information about that in this newsletter!). Then the next week will be my Installation Service here at FCC, and Rev. Tiff Williams, Associate Regional Minister for our region will be sharing the mes-sage that day! It should be a wonderful day of celebration (you can also check in the news-letter for more information about that too).
All of this, on top of Logos starting on Sep-tember 19 and TGIF on September 28 makes for a busy month here at FCC! I'm ready to go and I hope you all are too!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce- Around The Corner (August 2018)
A few weeks ago, Teresa and I traveled to Maquoketa (of all places!) to go to a concert by our favorite band. The concert venue was a barn out in the absolute middle of nowhere. In order to get there, you had to travel several miles down a gravel road to a parking lot out in the middle of a field. Then, you had an option; a) either grab a ride on a hay wagon (seriously) or, b) walk to the barn. We decided to walk.
I’m glad we did. On the way to the barn, we got a chance to enjoy the nature, smell some flowers, see some beautiful trees, and get a lit-tle exercise. On the way back, in the dark, we got to see some fireflies and enjoy the clear-as-crystal night sky. The whole evening was beauti-ful, but I really treasured those two walks. We wouldn’t have been able to enjoy that had we taken the easy route and jumped on the wagon.
Too often in life we look for the easy way. Get this over with as quickly as possible. Take the shortest route home. We don’t take time to enjoy the journey. However, taking time to enjoy the journey can make the whole experience all the more rich. Whether it be a vacation, an exciting task at work, getting to know a new person, a concert, or just life itself.
That is how I’ve felt the last couple of months. Getting to know you all, settling into our new home, and learning the story of First Christian
Church has been a wonderful journey. Sure, I’d love to know 100% where God is taking us and already know everything there is to know about FCC, but this journey of discovering and get-ting settled has already provided beautiful moments for me that I’ll treasure the rest of my life. I hope you all will continue coming alongside what we are doing here at First Christian.
We might even see some fireflies along the way.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
- Around The Corner (July 2018)
I think I’ve mentioned a couple of times here that I love coffee. I have made coffee almost every single morning Teresa and I have been together. I know my way around a coffee ma-ker. However, during my first full week here, I was in the office by myself early one morn-ing. I decided to give the coffee maker a whirl. Friends, I can tell you that it did not go well. Somehow water splashed everywhere. I had to use three different cups to contain coffee as I was pouring more water in the machine. I spilled coffee grounds everywhere. The coffee I managed to wrangle back into the carafe was ridiculously weak. I retold this story to Diane when she got in, and she showed me where I went wrong. Since then, I’ve managed to make myself pretty good coffee each day I’ve come in.
You see, we can do something hundreds or even thousands of times in our lives, but some-times things can change on us. We find our-selves in a new situation, location, or even set of circumstances. What we have to work with can be completely foreign to us. In those mo-ments, it is not a sign of failure if we aren’t able to do something right. Rather, it gives us an opportunity to learn how to do things differ-ently in order to fit those new circumstances. We also add to our own knowledge base, so we can work in broader circumstances (or with more coffee makers!).
I’m excited to continue to learn more about you. I’m excited for you all to learn more a-bout me and my family. The more we learn, the better we are able to fulfill our mission to-gether and show God’s love to Cedar Falls and the world. There may be some spilled coffee grounds here and there. Water may get on the counter. But in the end, if we keep at it, we may just have a pretty good pot of coffee.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce - Around The Corner (May 2018)
Wow! I can't believe how close it is getting to June 1st.
We've been talking and planning for coming to Cedar Falls for what seems like months. There has been discerning, preparing and imaging being up there with you.
In the midst of making plans and decisions, I've realized just how long we've been preparing for this move. Sure, we've only been preparing for Cedar Falls for the last couple of months, but God has been preparing us for this for much longer than that. These steps have been ordained.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." --Proverbs 3:5-6
That is always a comfort to me. No matter what the storms of life brings, we are called to trust in the Lord, and know that God will take care of the rest.
Of course, this is not a storm for me! This is an exciting adventure! I can't wait to get to know you all and know your story. I think our future story together is going to be a wonderful one. I am blessed and humbled that I get to be a part of what is going on at First Christian Church, Cedar Falls.
Who knows what the future brings? But this I know for sure, we can trust in a God who will make our paths straight, if all we do is follow him.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce - IN THE MEANTIME
- IN THE MEANTIME IS A BLOG FROM THE INTERIM PASTOR JERRY THORDSEN
- The Temporary Pastor
Are more leaders needed?
Are more followers needed?
The Bible says comparatively little about leadership and a great deal about followship. Jesus did not invite Peter, Andrew, James and John to become leaders. He said, “Follow me!” The New Testament books often named, not for leaders, but for followers like Timothy, Titus, Philemon, the Corinthians, the Thes-salonians, the Galatians, and the Ephesians.
The great Old Testament saint, David, re-vealed his followship long before his leader-ship. He cared for the family’s sheep, played his music at the King’s command, and was a famous general. He acknowledged the rea-son he won battles was because of soldiers whom he called the “Mighty Men” who had developed a followship to an art.
Jesus was the greatest follower of all. He clearly stated that he came not “to be served, but to serve.” Matthew 20:28
Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself less, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death. Philippians 2:6-8
Isn’t the whole meaning of being a Chris-tian wrapped up in being a disciple? Doesn’t being a disciple mean being a follower? What do you think?
I am thankful for the opportunity to have served as your Interim Pastor during this time of adjustment. Hopefully it provided a time for prayerful reflection in the areas of church growth, identity as a church, spiritual health, and expectation.
In Christ’s Love,
Interim Pastor
Jerry Thordsen - “Only God’s Timing”
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba Father.” So, you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4:4-7
Some people know through experience how things fit together in such a way only God’s timing makes it all possible. In Galatians 4:4-7, we are reminded of the timing of Christ, which has implications for our faith and the world in which we live—in Christ all things come to-gether.
Most of the original language of the NT was Greek and the Greek word “kairos” is used for God’s proper timing, variously translated; the fullness of time, the decisive point, well-timed, perhaps the best English translation of this con-cept is “timing”, or “God’s time.”
When Christ walked this earth, many were so entrenched in their traditions that they did not hear or accept Christ or his message. There were many who took pride in their ancestry bit had fallen into the trap of religion without rela-tionship.
The same is true for many today, we must be careful not to become so set in our traditions that we expect God to work in specified way, by doing so we would limit the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of those to whom we’ve been called to serve.
There are some who know little or nothing about “kairos” or God’s timing—because they know little or nothing of the scriptures. They do not allow God to play any part in their lives—it’s like a high wall is built between themselves and scriptural truths.
Yet there are others who have a sense of God’s timing but are like a person on a branch leaning out over the road of life as an obser-ver—watching Jesus come by but wanting to remain somewhat distant from Him.
One of the realities of pass time is that yester-day’s successes are no guarantee for tomorrow’s survival. Years ago, there was an analysis done of America’s best-run companies, it was dis-covered that within two years after the publica-tion of the study many of the businesses were in financial trouble. Why? Business Week ma-gazine explained… “failure to react and respond to change.”
When we’re in proper relationship with God, all things fall into their proper place, maybe not immediately, but certainly eventually. We must learn to look at and understand our culture and the church in a new way. We live in a genera-tion that is less interested in cerebral arguments, single minded thinking and theological system.
We live in a generation that is disillusioned and spiritually thirsty. People are looking for a church where they can meet God, where there is power of the Holy Spirit, where their lives can be radically changed.
One view says that if you have the right teaching, you will experience God. The other view says that if you experience God, you will have the right teaching. Some people know through experience how things fit together in such a way only God’s timing makes it all pos-sible. Some of us have witnessed the passage of time longer than others.
Still we must all look at our life in Christ in a new way—discover the fullness of Kairos—God’s timing, for our lives, for the lives of our children and our children’s children—for the life of His Church
Love, in Christ’s Service
Jerry
- “A Wonderful Place to Be”
Is worship human experience?
Is worship a lecture?
Is worship entertainment?
Is worship something we do because it’s Sunday?
Is worship the Pastor thinking, “Let’s hurry through the preliminaries for I’m really going to “wow” them?”
Are there some who feel that worship prac-tices have become predictable, flat, or even empty? Some may question. Is there more to worship than going through familiar motions of Sunday morning service? Or they may be routinely checking the time to see if the schedule is being adhered to, missing the whole spirit of the worship experience.
Some feel the need to break through the usual form of worship, become more active, immerse themselves in the experience of worship in the presence of God. While others at the same service feel that worship has become routine, academic, indifferent, ceremonious, even alienating. I wonder, has worship become consciously or unconsciously, a form of emotional exercise which ultimately has little affect on what goes on in a person’s life during the rest of the week?
Worship is the response to the gift of Grace given to us by God in Jesus Christ. Worship is God’s invitation to the individual, to the con-gregation as a whole, to participate in praise through: the reading of and the listening to God’s Word; through song, bell choir, prayer, silent mediation, the sacraments and fellowship with one another.
Worship, the story of Christ communicated through the Word of God and the Table of the Lord. Worship, in many ways is a celebration because it brings the past into the present by the telling and acting out the work of Christ. Worship contains all the elements of jubilance: coming together, story, music, symbol, mem-ory, sharing, relationship, good will, giving.
There are times when the worship exper-iences may go beyond the allotted time for whatever reason. Let us rejoice in those oppor-tunities to remain in worship celebration with God and God’s people - rest, relax, reflect, and remember God with us is a journey we all aspire to experience. Worship is a wonderful place to be with God and God’s people.
Let us continue on that journey,
Papa Jerry
n season is that you can discover the places and opportunities that God is bringing in new life into your life right here and right now.
See you all soon!
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner
Lent is right around the corner.
Lent had not always been celebrated in Disciples churches, but it is fairly common nowadays to observe Lent. Of course, we do not have as many customs and traditions associated with Lent as other parts of Christianity do. Still, I always remember as a child being told that this season was special. I didn't always understand why, but it is clear Lent is a time to practice a true intentionality of who God is calling us to be.
Lent is the 40 days (minus Sundays) before Easter. It is traditionally a period of fasting, praying, and almsgiving in observance of Christ's death and resurrection. There are other traditions that observe other practices (I'm sure you are familiar with no fish on Fridays in the Catholic tradition) but, for the most part, Lent is observed in many different ways in many different churches and individuals.
Here at First Christian, we will be trying some new things during Lent. The vast majority of those new things is simply an effort to be a more welcoming church to visitors, as a way of being more faithful to who we are called to be as a church. Some of it you may notice. Some of it you may not. Of course, there are also ways to observe Lent on our own. Many folks like to "fast" or take away indulgences like chocolate, caffeine, or sugar. Others like to add something new like exercise, reading scripture, or maybe joining a small group during an all-church study (just as an example).
Regardless of how you celebrate and observe Lent, I hope you'll join us at First Church during Lent, as we observe the 40 days before the day that changed everything. Of course, more on that later.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Bryce
Lent is right around the corner.
Lent had not always been celebrated in Disciples churches, but it is fairly common nowadays to observe Lent. Of course, we do not have as many customs and traditions associated with Lent as other parts of Christianity do. Still, I always remember as a child being told that this season was special. I didn't always understand why, but it is clear Lent is a time to practice a true intentionality of who God is calling us to be.
Lent is the 40 days (minus Sundays) before Easter. It is traditionally a period of fasting, praying, and almsgiving in observance of Christ's death and resurrection. There are other traditions that observe other practices (I'm sure you are familiar with no fish on Fridays in the Catholic tradition) but, for the most part, Lent is observed in many different ways in many different churches and individuals.
Here at First Christian, we will be trying some new things during Lent. The vast majority of those new things is simply an effort to be a more welcoming church to visitors, as a way of being more faithful to who we are called to be as a church. Some of it you may notice. Some of it you may not. Of course, there are also ways to observe Lent on our own. Many folks like to "fast" or take away indulgences like chocolate, caffeine, or sugar. Others like to add something new like exercise, reading scripture, or maybe joining a small group during an all-church study (just as an example).
Regardless of how you celebrate and observe Lent, I hope you'll join us at First Church during Lent, as we observe the 40 days before the day that changed everything. Of course, more on that later.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (February 2019)
'Tis the season!
No, not that season. 'Tis the season for folks to get their cars stuck in the snow. We've had a few winter storms already, and more are on the way. So, the sight of a fellow human being stuck and struggling with their car is going to become more prevalent for the next few months.
A couple of days ago, I was driving in Water-loo and came across someone stuck in the snow with their car. My immediate gut reaction was to go and help them. That was just how I was raised. I saw a parking lot on the other side of the street and decided to park my car there so I could go help. I noticed both the car in front of me and behind me were doing the same thing. Not only that, but there were already two other folks parked in the parking lot that were leav-ing their cars in order to help the people that were stuck! As I started to get out of my car, I saw three people already pitching in and they were able to get the car unstuck.
I love seeing sights like that. Other humans helping one another out. It is a beautiful sight. It is a holy sight. It is what happens when we keep a living posture of helping each other out. We need to always be at the ready to offer a helping hand, a kind word, or a giving action, no matter who we are. Just as Hebrews 13:2 states, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have enter-tained angels without knowing it."
My hope and prayer for you is that you can be that helping hand for someone. And, when you need it, a helping hand helps you too.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Bryce
'Tis the season!
No, not that season. 'Tis the season for folks to get their cars stuck in the snow. We've had a few winter storms already, and more are on the way. So, the sight of a fellow human being stuck and struggling with their car is going to become more prevalent for the next few months.
A couple of days ago, I was driving in Water-loo and came across someone stuck in the snow with their car. My immediate gut reaction was to go and help them. That was just how I was raised. I saw a parking lot on the other side of the street and decided to park my car there so I could go help. I noticed both the car in front of me and behind me were doing the same thing. Not only that, but there were already two other folks parked in the parking lot that were leav-ing their cars in order to help the people that were stuck! As I started to get out of my car, I saw three people already pitching in and they were able to get the car unstuck.
I love seeing sights like that. Other humans helping one another out. It is a beautiful sight. It is a holy sight. It is what happens when we keep a living posture of helping each other out. We need to always be at the ready to offer a helping hand, a kind word, or a giving action, no matter who we are. Just as Hebrews 13:2 states, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have enter-tained angels without knowing it."
My hope and prayer for you is that you can be that helping hand for someone. And, when you need it, a helping hand helps you too.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (January 2019)
My family is not very big on traditions.
It isn't like we were ever against traditions, but my family just never really developed any. Except for one. On Christmas Eve, for as long as I can remember, we would always go to a Christmas Eve worship service.
Due to family travels, and some years we didn't really have a church home, I've been to a lot of different Christmas Eve services. There is just something about gathering on Christ- lifting a candle in the air and singing silent night. Even during seminary, when Teresa and I would be away from our home in Georgia, we always made sure to go to a Christmas Eve Service.
I remember taking communion as young child for the first time at Phillipsburg Christian Church, or singing in the children's choir at Lebo United Methodist Church, frantically trying to get out of a blizzard at Burlington United Methodist Church, enjoying a midnight brass quartet at Country Club Christian Church, and having my soul moved by the message at St. Andrew's Christian Church, all on Christ-mas Eve.
And I am so excited to make memories with you, First Christian Church. It is a special evening. It is a meaningful evening, and I hope that, wherever you may find yourself on Christ-mas Eve, that you remember the wonder of Christmas, when Christ came to earth, and how that new life changed everything. Hope, peace, joy, and love was embodied here on Earth.
Merry Christmas
Pastor Bryce
My family is not very big on traditions.
It isn't like we were ever against traditions, but my family just never really developed any. Except for one. On Christmas Eve, for as long as I can remember, we would always go to a Christmas Eve worship service.
Due to family travels, and some years we didn't really have a church home, I've been to a lot of different Christmas Eve services. There is just something about gathering on Christ- lifting a candle in the air and singing silent night. Even during seminary, when Teresa and I would be away from our home in Georgia, we always made sure to go to a Christmas Eve Service.
I remember taking communion as young child for the first time at Phillipsburg Christian Church, or singing in the children's choir at Lebo United Methodist Church, frantically trying to get out of a blizzard at Burlington United Methodist Church, enjoying a midnight brass quartet at Country Club Christian Church, and having my soul moved by the message at St. Andrew's Christian Church, all on Christ-mas Eve.
And I am so excited to make memories with you, First Christian Church. It is a special evening. It is a meaningful evening, and I hope that, wherever you may find yourself on Christ-mas Eve, that you remember the wonder of Christmas, when Christ came to earth, and how that new life changed everything. Hope, peace, joy, and love was embodied here on Earth.
Merry Christmas
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (December)
Do you have those Christmas traditions that just stick with you? Growing up, the biggest indicator for me and my sister that it was Christ-mas time was when my parents would break out our Mr. Christmas Mickey Mouse's Clock Shop display. My sister and I would spend hours in front of it, listening to Mickey and his friends sing holiday tunes.
When I went to college and was away from home, those memories stuck with me, but they faded a bit. Even when I did go home, my parent's stopped setting up the Clock Shop be-cause, they claimed, "We have no room for it in the new house" (I think it was because they were tired of the multiple hours of it playing every year). Christmas felt a little different with-out it. But one day, Teresa and I were in an antique store in Omaha when we spotted a Mic-key Mouse Clock Shop! It had never been opened! I had never seen one outside of my parent's house.
Sometimes we get so bogged down in the holiday season, we often forget that feeling of wonderment that is behind the Christmas sea-son. Truly, the story of Christmas and the arrival of the birth of Jesus is a story that can capture the hearts of the generations, and has a message deeper than we can even imagine. But sometimes we lose the message, and some-times, we just need to be reminded. Just like that clock shop does for me and my childhood memories, we need the birth story to reignite our hearts. I hope we can take time to do that this Advent season.
Once my parents found out I had purchased one, they gave theirs to my sister. I've already put mine up in our house. I guarantee you, right now, there is another one set up in an apartment in Kansas too.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
Do you have those Christmas traditions that just stick with you? Growing up, the biggest indicator for me and my sister that it was Christ-mas time was when my parents would break out our Mr. Christmas Mickey Mouse's Clock Shop display. My sister and I would spend hours in front of it, listening to Mickey and his friends sing holiday tunes.
When I went to college and was away from home, those memories stuck with me, but they faded a bit. Even when I did go home, my parent's stopped setting up the Clock Shop be-cause, they claimed, "We have no room for it in the new house" (I think it was because they were tired of the multiple hours of it playing every year). Christmas felt a little different with-out it. But one day, Teresa and I were in an antique store in Omaha when we spotted a Mic-key Mouse Clock Shop! It had never been opened! I had never seen one outside of my parent's house.
Sometimes we get so bogged down in the holiday season, we often forget that feeling of wonderment that is behind the Christmas sea-son. Truly, the story of Christmas and the arrival of the birth of Jesus is a story that can capture the hearts of the generations, and has a message deeper than we can even imagine. But sometimes we lose the message, and some-times, we just need to be reminded. Just like that clock shop does for me and my childhood memories, we need the birth story to reignite our hearts. I hope we can take time to do that this Advent season.
Once my parents found out I had purchased one, they gave theirs to my sister. I've already put mine up in our house. I guarantee you, right now, there is another one set up in an apartment in Kansas too.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (November 2018)
Last month I presided at my first wedding. This was a wedding of two of our closest friends, and I was excited that they asked me to be a part of their special day. Yet, I’m not going to lie, I was still pretty nervous. Before we started the rehearsal, I stood next to the pastor of the church the wedding was at and admitted my nervousness. She is pastor who I happen to know and respect a great deal, and she looked at me and said, “Come on Bryce. You know what to do, so just do it.”
The truth was, she was right. I did know what to do. I was prepared. I had thought it out. The nerves were trying to tell me that I couldn’t do it, but God had prepared me to do this type of ministry for years. So, in the face of my nerves, I just needed to push through, and do it.
I think that happens to all of us. We learn about loving our neighbors, serving others, and spreading God’s love. But, when push comes to shove, we get nervous about being accepted, being a bother, or coming across as creepy, rude, or pushy. But, God has prepared us for
the work God gives us as Christians. God can help lead us to where God needs us to be.
So when the time comes to do the right thing, help that person in need, lend a helping hand, invite someone to church, give away a few bucks, volunteer in the places we are needed, or offer that encouraging word to someone, we just need to do it. We know what to do, so we need to do it. When we feel that nudge from the Holy Spirit, we can know that God equips us to be God’s people and show God’s love. We are prepared. We know what to do. So just go do it church!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
Last month I presided at my first wedding. This was a wedding of two of our closest friends, and I was excited that they asked me to be a part of their special day. Yet, I’m not going to lie, I was still pretty nervous. Before we started the rehearsal, I stood next to the pastor of the church the wedding was at and admitted my nervousness. She is pastor who I happen to know and respect a great deal, and she looked at me and said, “Come on Bryce. You know what to do, so just do it.”
The truth was, she was right. I did know what to do. I was prepared. I had thought it out. The nerves were trying to tell me that I couldn’t do it, but God had prepared me to do this type of ministry for years. So, in the face of my nerves, I just needed to push through, and do it.
I think that happens to all of us. We learn about loving our neighbors, serving others, and spreading God’s love. But, when push comes to shove, we get nervous about being accepted, being a bother, or coming across as creepy, rude, or pushy. But, God has prepared us for
the work God gives us as Christians. God can help lead us to where God needs us to be.
So when the time comes to do the right thing, help that person in need, lend a helping hand, invite someone to church, give away a few bucks, volunteer in the places we are needed, or offer that encouraging word to someone, we just need to do it. We know what to do, so we need to do it. When we feel that nudge from the Holy Spirit, we can know that God equips us to be God’s people and show God’s love. We are prepared. We know what to do. So just go do it church!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (October 2018)
"So, I don't want to sound rude, but what exactly is it that you do every day?"
This past week was the first time I'd seen my friends since I became a pastor. So this quest-ion, asked by one of my friends, wasn't actually all that strange. They've known I've wanted to be a pastor for as long as they've known me, but everyone seems to have their own ideas of what pastors "do."
I know many of you have asked the same question. I think my favorite quote on this is from Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber. She was being shadowed one day by a seminary student, and, at the end of the day, the seminary student said, "Wow, you get to be a person for a living!" Be-cause, when you boil all of the sermon planning, teaching, and pastoral care visits to its core, what all clergy do is fairly simple. What we get to do is simply walk with people in their lives; both in the good times and the bad times (That and apparently change light bulbs, order curriculum, refill gas cans, and chase bats out of houses as *some* of the more recent activities of mine).
I hope that is also what we as a church can be. Church should be a place where we worship God and learn more about the Christian life, but it should also be a place where people walk side by side in both the troubles of life and the joys of life. We may not always agree, but we always love people right where they are at.
And maybe we change a few light bulbs here and there.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
"So, I don't want to sound rude, but what exactly is it that you do every day?"
This past week was the first time I'd seen my friends since I became a pastor. So this quest-ion, asked by one of my friends, wasn't actually all that strange. They've known I've wanted to be a pastor for as long as they've known me, but everyone seems to have their own ideas of what pastors "do."
I know many of you have asked the same question. I think my favorite quote on this is from Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber. She was being shadowed one day by a seminary student, and, at the end of the day, the seminary student said, "Wow, you get to be a person for a living!" Be-cause, when you boil all of the sermon planning, teaching, and pastoral care visits to its core, what all clergy do is fairly simple. What we get to do is simply walk with people in their lives; both in the good times and the bad times (That and apparently change light bulbs, order curriculum, refill gas cans, and chase bats out of houses as *some* of the more recent activities of mine).
I hope that is also what we as a church can be. Church should be a place where we worship God and learn more about the Christian life, but it should also be a place where people walk side by side in both the troubles of life and the joys of life. We may not always agree, but we always love people right where they are at.
And maybe we change a few light bulbs here and there.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (September 2018)
"So uh...what do you mean by 'Disciples of Christ?'"
I've gotten some variation of this sentence over the years. A lot of people have heard of Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, etc., but a lot of people don't know what it means when we say we are the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This breaks my heart, because I feel that who we are as Disciples is exactly what a huge portion of people are look-ing for in a church these days.
So, starting in September, we are going to look at what it means to be the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Maybe you have been a Disciple all your life. Maybe you are in your first ever Disciples church. Maybe you are read-ing this and think, "Wait, we are a part of a de-nomination?" Regardless, there will be some-thing for everyone to get out of looking at who we are, and how who the Disciples are can truly bring wholeness to a fragmented world.
Our sermon series will actually be in two parts, because in the middle of September I will be taking my first vacation since coming to FCC (hard to believe!), I'll be officiating at two of our best friends' wedding that weekend so I'll be out for that Sunday. I'm very excited for it, and I'm also very excited for you all to hear from our pulpit guest that day (more information about that in this newsletter!). Then the next week will be my Installation Service here at FCC, and Rev. Tiff Williams, Associate Regional Minister for our region will be sharing the mes-sage that day! It should be a wonderful day of celebration (you can also check in the news-letter for more information about that too).
All of this, on top of Logos starting on Sep-tember 19 and TGIF on September 28 makes for a busy month here at FCC! I'm ready to go and I hope you all are too!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
"So uh...what do you mean by 'Disciples of Christ?'"
I've gotten some variation of this sentence over the years. A lot of people have heard of Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, etc., but a lot of people don't know what it means when we say we are the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This breaks my heart, because I feel that who we are as Disciples is exactly what a huge portion of people are look-ing for in a church these days.
So, starting in September, we are going to look at what it means to be the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Maybe you have been a Disciple all your life. Maybe you are in your first ever Disciples church. Maybe you are read-ing this and think, "Wait, we are a part of a de-nomination?" Regardless, there will be some-thing for everyone to get out of looking at who we are, and how who the Disciples are can truly bring wholeness to a fragmented world.
Our sermon series will actually be in two parts, because in the middle of September I will be taking my first vacation since coming to FCC (hard to believe!), I'll be officiating at two of our best friends' wedding that weekend so I'll be out for that Sunday. I'm very excited for it, and I'm also very excited for you all to hear from our pulpit guest that day (more information about that in this newsletter!). Then the next week will be my Installation Service here at FCC, and Rev. Tiff Williams, Associate Regional Minister for our region will be sharing the mes-sage that day! It should be a wonderful day of celebration (you can also check in the news-letter for more information about that too).
All of this, on top of Logos starting on Sep-tember 19 and TGIF on September 28 makes for a busy month here at FCC! I'm ready to go and I hope you all are too!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (August 2018)
A few weeks ago, Teresa and I traveled to Maquoketa (of all places!) to go to a concert by our favorite band. The concert venue was a barn out in the absolute middle of nowhere. In order to get there, you had to travel several miles down a gravel road to a parking lot out in the middle of a field. Then, you had an option; a) either grab a ride on a hay wagon (seriously) or, b) walk to the barn. We decided to walk.
I’m glad we did. On the way to the barn, we got a chance to enjoy the nature, smell some flowers, see some beautiful trees, and get a lit-tle exercise. On the way back, in the dark, we got to see some fireflies and enjoy the clear-as-crystal night sky. The whole evening was beauti-ful, but I really treasured those two walks. We wouldn’t have been able to enjoy that had we taken the easy route and jumped on the wagon.
Too often in life we look for the easy way. Get this over with as quickly as possible. Take the shortest route home. We don’t take time to enjoy the journey. However, taking time to enjoy the journey can make the whole experience all the more rich. Whether it be a vacation, an exciting task at work, getting to know a new person, a concert, or just life itself.
That is how I’ve felt the last couple of months. Getting to know you all, settling into our new home, and learning the story of First Christian
Church has been a wonderful journey. Sure, I’d love to know 100% where God is taking us and already know everything there is to know about FCC, but this journey of discovering and get-ting settled has already provided beautiful moments for me that I’ll treasure the rest of my life. I hope you all will continue coming alongside what we are doing here at First Christian.
We might even see some fireflies along the way.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
A few weeks ago, Teresa and I traveled to Maquoketa (of all places!) to go to a concert by our favorite band. The concert venue was a barn out in the absolute middle of nowhere. In order to get there, you had to travel several miles down a gravel road to a parking lot out in the middle of a field. Then, you had an option; a) either grab a ride on a hay wagon (seriously) or, b) walk to the barn. We decided to walk.
I’m glad we did. On the way to the barn, we got a chance to enjoy the nature, smell some flowers, see some beautiful trees, and get a lit-tle exercise. On the way back, in the dark, we got to see some fireflies and enjoy the clear-as-crystal night sky. The whole evening was beauti-ful, but I really treasured those two walks. We wouldn’t have been able to enjoy that had we taken the easy route and jumped on the wagon.
Too often in life we look for the easy way. Get this over with as quickly as possible. Take the shortest route home. We don’t take time to enjoy the journey. However, taking time to enjoy the journey can make the whole experience all the more rich. Whether it be a vacation, an exciting task at work, getting to know a new person, a concert, or just life itself.
That is how I’ve felt the last couple of months. Getting to know you all, settling into our new home, and learning the story of First Christian
Church has been a wonderful journey. Sure, I’d love to know 100% where God is taking us and already know everything there is to know about FCC, but this journey of discovering and get-ting settled has already provided beautiful moments for me that I’ll treasure the rest of my life. I hope you all will continue coming alongside what we are doing here at First Christian.
We might even see some fireflies along the way.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (July 2018)
I think I’ve mentioned a couple of times here that I love coffee. I have made coffee almost every single morning Teresa and I have been together. I know my way around a coffee ma-ker. However, during my first full week here, I was in the office by myself early one morn-ing. I decided to give the coffee maker a whirl. Friends, I can tell you that it did not go well. Somehow water splashed everywhere. I had to use three different cups to contain coffee as I was pouring more water in the machine. I spilled coffee grounds everywhere. The coffee I managed to wrangle back into the carafe was ridiculously weak. I retold this story to Diane when she got in, and she showed me where I went wrong. Since then, I’ve managed to make myself pretty good coffee each day I’ve come in.
You see, we can do something hundreds or even thousands of times in our lives, but some-times things can change on us. We find our-selves in a new situation, location, or even set of circumstances. What we have to work with can be completely foreign to us. In those mo-ments, it is not a sign of failure if we aren’t able to do something right. Rather, it gives us an opportunity to learn how to do things differ-ently in order to fit those new circumstances. We also add to our own knowledge base, so we can work in broader circumstances (or with more coffee makers!).
I’m excited to continue to learn more about you. I’m excited for you all to learn more a-bout me and my family. The more we learn, the better we are able to fulfill our mission to-gether and show God’s love to Cedar Falls and the world. There may be some spilled coffee grounds here and there. Water may get on the counter. But in the end, if we keep at it, we may just have a pretty good pot of coffee.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
I think I’ve mentioned a couple of times here that I love coffee. I have made coffee almost every single morning Teresa and I have been together. I know my way around a coffee ma-ker. However, during my first full week here, I was in the office by myself early one morn-ing. I decided to give the coffee maker a whirl. Friends, I can tell you that it did not go well. Somehow water splashed everywhere. I had to use three different cups to contain coffee as I was pouring more water in the machine. I spilled coffee grounds everywhere. The coffee I managed to wrangle back into the carafe was ridiculously weak. I retold this story to Diane when she got in, and she showed me where I went wrong. Since then, I’ve managed to make myself pretty good coffee each day I’ve come in.
You see, we can do something hundreds or even thousands of times in our lives, but some-times things can change on us. We find our-selves in a new situation, location, or even set of circumstances. What we have to work with can be completely foreign to us. In those mo-ments, it is not a sign of failure if we aren’t able to do something right. Rather, it gives us an opportunity to learn how to do things differ-ently in order to fit those new circumstances. We also add to our own knowledge base, so we can work in broader circumstances (or with more coffee makers!).
I’m excited to continue to learn more about you. I’m excited for you all to learn more a-bout me and my family. The more we learn, the better we are able to fulfill our mission to-gether and show God’s love to Cedar Falls and the world. There may be some spilled coffee grounds here and there. Water may get on the counter. But in the end, if we keep at it, we may just have a pretty good pot of coffee.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
Around The Corner (May 2018)
Wow! I can't believe how close it is getting to June 1st.
We've been talking and planning for coming to Cedar Falls for what seems like months. There has been discerning, preparing and imaging being up there with you.
In the midst of making plans and decisions, I've realized just how long we've been preparing for this move. Sure, we've only been preparing for Cedar Falls for the last couple of months, but God has been preparing us for this for much longer than that. These steps have been ordained.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." --Proverbs 3:5-6
That is always a comfort to me. No matter what the storms of life brings, we are called to trust in the Lord, and know that God will take care of the rest.
Of course, this is not a storm for me! This is an exciting adventure! I can't wait to get to know you all and know your story. I think our future story together is going to be a wonderful one. I am blessed and humbled that I get to be a part of what is going on at First Christian Church, Cedar Falls.
Who knows what the future brings? But this I know for sure, we can trust in a God who will make our paths straight, if all we do is follow him.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
Wow! I can't believe how close it is getting to June 1st.
We've been talking and planning for coming to Cedar Falls for what seems like months. There has been discerning, preparing and imaging being up there with you.
In the midst of making plans and decisions, I've realized just how long we've been preparing for this move. Sure, we've only been preparing for Cedar Falls for the last couple of months, but God has been preparing us for this for much longer than that. These steps have been ordained.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." --Proverbs 3:5-6
That is always a comfort to me. No matter what the storms of life brings, we are called to trust in the Lord, and know that God will take care of the rest.
Of course, this is not a storm for me! This is an exciting adventure! I can't wait to get to know you all and know your story. I think our future story together is going to be a wonderful one. I am blessed and humbled that I get to be a part of what is going on at First Christian Church, Cedar Falls.
Who knows what the future brings? But this I know for sure, we can trust in a God who will make our paths straight, if all we do is follow him.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryce
in the Meantime
in the meantime is a blog from the interim pastor Jerry thordsen
The Temporary Pastor
Are more leaders needed?
Are more followers needed?
The Bible says comparatively little about leadership and a great deal about followship. Jesus did not invite Peter, Andrew, James and John to become leaders. He said, “Follow me!” The New Testament books often named, not for leaders, but for followers like Timothy, Titus, Philemon, the Corinthians, the Thes-salonians, the Galatians, and the Ephesians.
The great Old Testament saint, David, re-vealed his followship long before his leader-ship. He cared for the family’s sheep, played his music at the King’s command, and was a famous general. He acknowledged the rea-son he won battles was because of soldiers whom he called the “Mighty Men” who had developed a followship to an art.
Jesus was the greatest follower of all. He clearly stated that he came not “to be served, but to serve.” Matthew 20:28
Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself less, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death. Philippians 2:6-8
Isn’t the whole meaning of being a Chris-tian wrapped up in being a disciple? Doesn’t being a disciple mean being a follower? What do you think?
I am thankful for the opportunity to have served as your Interim Pastor during this time of adjustment. Hopefully it provided a time for prayerful reflection in the areas of church growth, identity as a church, spiritual health, and expectation.
In Christ’s Love,
Interim Pastor
Jerry Thordsen
Are more leaders needed?
Are more followers needed?
The Bible says comparatively little about leadership and a great deal about followship. Jesus did not invite Peter, Andrew, James and John to become leaders. He said, “Follow me!” The New Testament books often named, not for leaders, but for followers like Timothy, Titus, Philemon, the Corinthians, the Thes-salonians, the Galatians, and the Ephesians.
The great Old Testament saint, David, re-vealed his followship long before his leader-ship. He cared for the family’s sheep, played his music at the King’s command, and was a famous general. He acknowledged the rea-son he won battles was because of soldiers whom he called the “Mighty Men” who had developed a followship to an art.
Jesus was the greatest follower of all. He clearly stated that he came not “to be served, but to serve.” Matthew 20:28
Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself less, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death. Philippians 2:6-8
Isn’t the whole meaning of being a Chris-tian wrapped up in being a disciple? Doesn’t being a disciple mean being a follower? What do you think?
I am thankful for the opportunity to have served as your Interim Pastor during this time of adjustment. Hopefully it provided a time for prayerful reflection in the areas of church growth, identity as a church, spiritual health, and expectation.
In Christ’s Love,
Interim Pastor
Jerry Thordsen
“Only God’s Timing”
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba Father.” So, you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4:4-7
Some people know through experience how things fit together in such a way only God’s timing makes it all possible. In Galatians 4:4-7, we are reminded of the timing of Christ, which has implications for our faith and the world in which we live—in Christ all things come to-gether.
Most of the original language of the NT was Greek and the Greek word “kairos” is used for God’s proper timing, variously translated; the fullness of time, the decisive point, well-timed, perhaps the best English translation of this con-cept is “timing”, or “God’s time.”
When Christ walked this earth, many were so entrenched in their traditions that they did not hear or accept Christ or his message. There were many who took pride in their ancestry bit had fallen into the trap of religion without rela-tionship.
The same is true for many today, we must be careful not to become so set in our traditions that we expect God to work in specified way, by doing so we would limit the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of those to whom we’ve been called to serve.
There are some who know little or nothing about “kairos” or God’s timing—because they know little or nothing of the scriptures. They do not allow God to play any part in their lives—it’s like a high wall is built between themselves and scriptural truths.
Yet there are others who have a sense of God’s timing but are like a person on a branch leaning out over the road of life as an obser-ver—watching Jesus come by but wanting to remain somewhat distant from Him.
One of the realities of pass time is that yester-day’s successes are no guarantee for tomorrow’s survival. Years ago, there was an analysis done of America’s best-run companies, it was dis-covered that within two years after the publica-tion of the study many of the businesses were in financial trouble. Why? Business Week ma-gazine explained… “failure to react and respond to change.”
When we’re in proper relationship with God, all things fall into their proper place, maybe not immediately, but certainly eventually. We must learn to look at and understand our culture and the church in a new way. We live in a genera-tion that is less interested in cerebral arguments, single minded thinking and theological system.
We live in a generation that is disillusioned and spiritually thirsty. People are looking for a church where they can meet God, where there is power of the Holy Spirit, where their lives can be radically changed.
One view says that if you have the right teaching, you will experience God. The other view says that if you experience God, you will have the right teaching. Some people know through experience how things fit together in such a way only God’s timing makes it all pos-sible. Some of us have witnessed the passage of time longer than others.
Still we must all look at our life in Christ in a new way—discover the fullness of Kairos—God’s timing, for our lives, for the lives of our children and our children’s children—for the life of His Church
Love, in Christ’s Service
Jerry
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba Father.” So, you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4:4-7
Some people know through experience how things fit together in such a way only God’s timing makes it all possible. In Galatians 4:4-7, we are reminded of the timing of Christ, which has implications for our faith and the world in which we live—in Christ all things come to-gether.
Most of the original language of the NT was Greek and the Greek word “kairos” is used for God’s proper timing, variously translated; the fullness of time, the decisive point, well-timed, perhaps the best English translation of this con-cept is “timing”, or “God’s time.”
When Christ walked this earth, many were so entrenched in their traditions that they did not hear or accept Christ or his message. There were many who took pride in their ancestry bit had fallen into the trap of religion without rela-tionship.
The same is true for many today, we must be careful not to become so set in our traditions that we expect God to work in specified way, by doing so we would limit the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of those to whom we’ve been called to serve.
There are some who know little or nothing about “kairos” or God’s timing—because they know little or nothing of the scriptures. They do not allow God to play any part in their lives—it’s like a high wall is built between themselves and scriptural truths.
Yet there are others who have a sense of God’s timing but are like a person on a branch leaning out over the road of life as an obser-ver—watching Jesus come by but wanting to remain somewhat distant from Him.
One of the realities of pass time is that yester-day’s successes are no guarantee for tomorrow’s survival. Years ago, there was an analysis done of America’s best-run companies, it was dis-covered that within two years after the publica-tion of the study many of the businesses were in financial trouble. Why? Business Week ma-gazine explained… “failure to react and respond to change.”
When we’re in proper relationship with God, all things fall into their proper place, maybe not immediately, but certainly eventually. We must learn to look at and understand our culture and the church in a new way. We live in a genera-tion that is less interested in cerebral arguments, single minded thinking and theological system.
We live in a generation that is disillusioned and spiritually thirsty. People are looking for a church where they can meet God, where there is power of the Holy Spirit, where their lives can be radically changed.
One view says that if you have the right teaching, you will experience God. The other view says that if you experience God, you will have the right teaching. Some people know through experience how things fit together in such a way only God’s timing makes it all pos-sible. Some of us have witnessed the passage of time longer than others.
Still we must all look at our life in Christ in a new way—discover the fullness of Kairos—God’s timing, for our lives, for the lives of our children and our children’s children—for the life of His Church
Love, in Christ’s Service
Jerry
“A Wonderful Place to Be”
Is worship human experience?
Is worship a lecture?
Is worship entertainment?
Is worship something we do because it’s Sunday?
Is worship the Pastor thinking, “Let’s hurry through the preliminaries for I’m really going to “wow” them?”
Are there some who feel that worship prac-tices have become predictable, flat, or even empty? Some may question. Is there more to worship than going through familiar motions of Sunday morning service? Or they may be routinely checking the time to see if the schedule is being adhered to, missing the whole spirit of the worship experience.
Some feel the need to break through the usual form of worship, become more active, immerse themselves in the experience of worship in the presence of God. While others at the same service feel that worship has become routine, academic, indifferent, ceremonious, even alienating. I wonder, has worship become consciously or unconsciously, a form of emotional exercise which ultimately has little affect on what goes on in a person’s life during the rest of the week?
Worship is the response to the gift of Grace given to us by God in Jesus Christ. Worship is God’s invitation to the individual, to the con-gregation as a whole, to participate in praise through: the reading of and the listening to God’s Word; through song, bell choir, prayer, silent mediation, the sacraments and fellowship with one another.
Worship, the story of Christ communicated through the Word of God and the Table of the Lord. Worship, in many ways is a celebration because it brings the past into the present by the telling and acting out the work of Christ. Worship contains all the elements of jubilance: coming together, story, music, symbol, mem-ory, sharing, relationship, good will, giving.
There are times when the worship exper-iences may go beyond the allotted time for whatever reason. Let us rejoice in those oppor-tunities to remain in worship celebration with God and God’s people - rest, relax, reflect, and remember God with us is a journey we all aspire to experience. Worship is a wonderful place to be with God and God’s people.
Let us continue on that journey,
Papa Jerry
Is worship human experience?
Is worship a lecture?
Is worship entertainment?
Is worship something we do because it’s Sunday?
Is worship the Pastor thinking, “Let’s hurry through the preliminaries for I’m really going to “wow” them?”
Are there some who feel that worship prac-tices have become predictable, flat, or even empty? Some may question. Is there more to worship than going through familiar motions of Sunday morning service? Or they may be routinely checking the time to see if the schedule is being adhered to, missing the whole spirit of the worship experience.
Some feel the need to break through the usual form of worship, become more active, immerse themselves in the experience of worship in the presence of God. While others at the same service feel that worship has become routine, academic, indifferent, ceremonious, even alienating. I wonder, has worship become consciously or unconsciously, a form of emotional exercise which ultimately has little affect on what goes on in a person’s life during the rest of the week?
Worship is the response to the gift of Grace given to us by God in Jesus Christ. Worship is God’s invitation to the individual, to the con-gregation as a whole, to participate in praise through: the reading of and the listening to God’s Word; through song, bell choir, prayer, silent mediation, the sacraments and fellowship with one another.
Worship, the story of Christ communicated through the Word of God and the Table of the Lord. Worship, in many ways is a celebration because it brings the past into the present by the telling and acting out the work of Christ. Worship contains all the elements of jubilance: coming together, story, music, symbol, mem-ory, sharing, relationship, good will, giving.
There are times when the worship exper-iences may go beyond the allotted time for whatever reason. Let us rejoice in those oppor-tunities to remain in worship celebration with God and God’s people - rest, relax, reflect, and remember God with us is a journey we all aspire to experience. Worship is a wonderful place to be with God and God’s people.
Let us continue on that journey,
Papa Jerry