First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, San Marcos, TX

From our Minister

2007
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May 24, 2010
Got A Bucket List?

Have you seen "The Bucket List?" No, even stronger than that, have you experienced "The Bucket List?" For you see, to view a film and then experience it - ah, the difference is vast, to put it minimally.

As a movie primer, Jack Nicholson [Edward] and Morgan Freeman [Carter] meet in a hospital room, each learning they have, most likely, less than a year to live. Ed finds a list on the floor, called "The Bucket List." Written by Carter on what he wants to do before he kicks the bucket, Ed finds it void of real adventure.

After they craft "their list," which is mostly Edward's, they embark across the world, literally, to experience their bucket list. [After all, Nicholson, to be in character, can never do anything normal or average or unnoticeable - remember his seat at Lakers games is not in the Bob Uecker seats - top row in the corner - no way. He sits on the front row between the benches. Reminds me the only time I saw Nicholson was at a Bulls playoff game. I wanted his signature because his role as Randle Patrick McMurphy in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was spellbinding. All I had was a deposit slip in my pocket - so I handed it to him with a pen, "Mr. Nicholson, would be kind enough to give me your autograph?" He reached for the deposit slip, signed illegibly, turned and gave MY deposit slip to someone behind him and put MY pen in his pocket. I digress]

The screenplay is wonderful...Edward refers to his 3rd wife as wacky, "She still believes mayonnaise comes from a plant."

Another, as they realize the speed of time, "Time flies like smoke through a key hole." [Gotta use that someday.]

After checking off the first item on their Bucket List, skydiving, as they fly over the Polar Cap, they talk about faith. Sort of. Edward admits, "Faith? I just cannot get my head around it."

Carter zaps him with gentle truth, "I think your head may be in the way."

But, what struck me was a declaration of what awaits at heaven's gate, shared by Carter:

"Two questions....have you found joy in your life? Second, have you brought joy to others?"

Nothing more should ever be asked, it occurs to me. It probably cannot be clearer, can it?

Of course we need to answer that. If the answers to both heavenly questions - full honesty and no hedging - fall short, don't give up or give in. There's still time.

At Carter's funeral Edward spoke with humble eloquence - not exactly pro-Nicholson. No mind, however. He said of Carter, "When he died his eyes were closed and his heart was opened."

My goodness, how important...but not just when we die. Well before it...to make sure our heart is opened...with our mind and soul, for we have bucket lists that are more than dreams. Make them your reality.

Even if for some mayonnaise comes from a plant.

Dr. Mark Henry Miller

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

May 10, 2010
Times Square

It was not my best moment, let alone a beautiful scene. A Norman Rockwell painting it would never be.

In the middle of the Democratic National Convention, circa August, 1968, one of my partners in ministry, Herb Davis, and I went to Lincoln Park to tell the protesting crowd there was sanctuary for them at our church. We handed out printed invitations, explaining where we were, wanting those gathered, about to declare a pig for president, to avoid harm's way by coming to stay for the night. The tear gas had started to be correctly named: eyes were squinting tears.

We should have left to take stations of hospitality at the church. We didn't. Suddenly the crowd began to walk brazenly across the park, then along Fullerton near Clark Street. Unwittingly, not looking for safety myself [may have been one of those dumbing-down-flashes], in the snap of a finger, I was trapped. Pushed against a large plate-glass window of a car dealer, the window bending to the point of shattering.

I dropped to the ground and crawled my way to safety. Or so I thought. Before I could make the corner a Chicago policeman grabbed me, pushed me up against a brick wall, took his baton and secured my head to the wall with it. "Who do you think you are? You priests need to worship and stay away from here!"

He was partly right...with my clerical collar the identity of ministry was accurate. And he spoke additional truth about the place and importance of worship. He was correct, but not sufficient. I didn't tell him I thought it might help him - to be in worship. Tact trumped stupidity.

I tried my best, gulping around forcing his baton up against my chin, to explain we were on his side, trying to clear the area and bring these youth to safety. In a sense that has humor smattered - these youth I had offered - since I was a very elderly 28 at the time.

He then was called by a fellow officer, replaced his baton to its holder, shook his head, "You priests just don't get it, do you?"

I am sure he was right, at least from his perspective.

What did I wish? I wish he would have come the remaining five blocks with Herb and me to St. Pauls Church as we greeted a total of 2,000 protestors over the week, 400 each of the five nights. I wish he'd come in and had some soup and sandwiches prepared by some of our members, the most faithful of which were Erna and Edna, 82 years of age, standing at the counter fixing and distributing sandwiches until 5 in the morning. I wish he'd heard his captain come and thank us for helping the streets clear, or the FBI indicating our action lessened the conflict. I wish he would have visited one of our members who voiced her support the next Sunday, "These men are our pastors and they have acted with compassion; that is as important as preaching a good sermon."

Why am I thinking of those nights in Chicago, in and around Lincoln Park, occurrences of more than 40 years ago?

Two prompters. The first is as I close a ministry in my life, a wonderfully positive ministry as interim with the First Christian Church in San Marcos, Texas, I think of what is most valued in ministry. The second is the recent incident in Times Square of a terrorist-gone-wrong [thankfully] and what it means to have peace. Yes, the terrorist gave stupidity its best face, leaving keys in his car and using ineffective fertilizer.

But through the ironic humor there is truth and it is undeniable. At times we cannot turn the other cheek, as Bill Coffin once offered, "...so as not to see the evil."

We live in a world reflecting more conflict and fright. That is certain.

It is into this mix - of memory and a bomb-laden car that refused to explode - I hear the words of Jesus, "Peace I give you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

What is that peace?

A powerful and perceptive Episcopal priest, Tom Ehrich, stated it better than I in this morning's reflection. Let me share it:

The "peace of Christ" isn't absence of war. It is living without fear. It is walking dangerous streets, without massive police presence, because those are our streets. It is living with people whose views, beliefs, habits and desires seem strange, but for better or worse, they are neighbors. It is not stepping aside when the grandees swagger forth. [On a Journey - Meditation on God in Daily Life, May 6, 2010, Reverend Thomas Ehrich]

The peace of God, the "Shalom" we hear about, is a matter of the soul. God lets us know through the Word and Witness of Jesus that NO MATTER WHAT, we are in God's hands. As I've said before, the peace known in life is the reality experienced in living: we don't know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future.

As I move on, as the congregants move on with enthusiasm and energy to share first steps of new ministry, of new life and mission, may it be: The peace of God that passes all understanding, keep you, heart, mind and soul - this day and forever more. That peace allows us to walk through all the Times Squares and Lincoln Parks wherever and however we are. The peace that guides us and encourages us and partners us to live without fear.

Yes, in deed. And yes, in faith.

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Eastertide 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

May 3, 2010
Miller Field

I hadn't been to Miller Field for more than a month of Sundays, even longer than that.

We treasured that field, playing with the neighbors, Jerry and Neil, Doug and Jim, Don, Dennis and David, Gary and myself. Couldn't have more than that at Miller Field.

For you see our Field of Dreams defied any normal regulating baseball field measurements. None of this 90 feet from home to first and to each base stuff. Forget sixty feet six inches home plate to the pitcher's mound. No sirree. Not for us.

In truth the field gave quaint its best definition and charm. For Miller Field was our driveway, with home plate being a swing and six inches in front of our garage door, first base about 40 feet to the telephone pole, second base the birch tree across the street in front of Miss Snodgrass' cyclone fence, the one that hemmed in her border patrol Doberman.

We were enthusiastic but also smart. If we ever hit a home run past the birch tree and over the fence, we left the ball there. At that moment it belonged to Miss Snodgrass and her Fido. That wasn't his name, but if I shared it you would find it oxymoronic: Fluff. Fluff was misnamed.

I forgot third base - it was the corner curb just off one of our three statuesque walnut trees, just next to the driveway's edge.

The pitcher's mound was in the middle of Holman Street, so we could only pitch when the left fielder, standing on the curb in front of the cyclone fence hollered, "It's clear, no traffic!"

Sure it was crazy, but we could deal with it. Besides it was better than robbing banks.

No one was afraid to get hit by a pitch. If hit, you didn't get first base. You only got another pitch. Tennis balls didn't hurt. There wasn't room for a catcher - the garage door, smudged all over because no pitcher had sufficient control, and we didn't call balls and strikes - everyone ended up being a hitter. It was good to use tennis balls because Fido, every once in a while would pick up the home run and bring it to the fence. We were afraid to take it, though. Lots of tennis balls.

As this began, I had driven my car over Miller Field, my father parked his garbage truck on it. We had outgrown it. More than a month of Sundays had passed remember.

Until one very special time, a moment of indelible memory and very significant proportions - read that, massive.

It was my senior year in high school. I had pitched four years for the Jefferson High School Democrats [perhaps that was the toning of my voting persuasions these 52 years!]. When not pitching first base was my spot. The coach wanted me there because of my love for hitting. [The baseballs, although harder, weren't any smaller than the tennis balls.]

However, half way through the high school league season that senior year, circa 1958, my hitting had left me. Or, I had left it. Mired in a frightful slump, I didn't know what was wrong. Began to disbelieve. Began to think maybe I was getting too old for baseball. Hey, at 17 all kinds of fateful options occur.

It was after my mother's Sunday dinner it happened. [Every Sunday...and no one ever complained: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, beans with bacon, and apple pie alamode for dessert. We never heard of cholesterol and couldn't begin to spell it.]

I started to help clear the table, but my father raised his hand, "Mark, if you are willing, let's go to Miller Field for a little bit."

Dad hadn't missed a game all four years - in fact, when I pitched for the first time as a high school freshman at Alberta Park, corner of 22nd and Ainsworth, Portland, Oregon, just before I threw my first pitch, I paused and looked over behind the first base fence and there stood Hank Miller, still in his garbage-hauling overalls, leaning against a tall Douglas fir tree. In that moment, Hank Miller stood taller than the tree. I also remember that day that my Miller grandparents [immigrants from Germany] sat in their 1939 black Oldsmobile [looked like the kind of car Bonnie and Clyde would love], beyond the left field fence watching their grandson throw his first varsity pitch. They knew nothing about baseball - which became evident when the third baseman from Franklin High School hit a towering home run over their car. My grandparents started clapping! Later they explained in their broken English, "Honey, we clapped because you made the other player look so good." Okay, that had some truth to it.

As my father and I went to home plate at Miller Field I hadn't been looking so good myself. Lots of pop ups instead of line drives.

Dad then took my bat [I was left-handed so he swung from the portside] and gave me the best lesson I have ever had in baseball. "Mark, your swing is too level. With that you are hitching your swing. Here, start swinging a little down - that will make better contact."

He then went to the Miller Field pitching mound - it was Sunday afternoon and most of the neighbors were in church. Hank Miller began to throw fast balls and sharp breaking curves. At first I was south of miserable. Then, after he came back and held the bat with me and I began to "get it," the bat slapped hits everywhere, even up the alley.

The next game, again at Alberta Park, Hank Miller again towered over the Douglas fir tree. "Come on, you can do it!"

And, wadda ya know, I did. A hit here and a hit there. Lots of hits and only every other game a strike-out or pop-up. And, wadda ya know even more. Hank Miller's kid ended up hitting 21 for 49, enough to top the league. Whoa.

However, what is more important...my sense of self, my awareness of my value had been limping at best. Until Hank Miller took me back to Miller Field for a great batting lesson. A lesson that is worth sharing. Hank Miller believed in his son. To help his son believe in himself, to "unfracture" any weakened self-image. He strengthened my sense of self-value, my self-image. Not that I would never strike out. No, it happens. But, to believe in my self. The "unfracturing" had happened.

Hopefully this can serve as an invitation to each of us to help those around us hit better, always swinging a little down. And when you do affirm someone, help them realize their inner worth and value, you will always feel a little "up." That's a good thing.

One caution, however. Please don't name your dog Fluff.

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Eastertide 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

April 26, 2010
Stuff Happens

More than a hunch. Every one of us, some more often than we'd ever admit, looks at an untoward event, particularly when we are a victim, but certainly when a family member or friend suffers, with a question that pushes beyond the whyness of the circumstance. It is the lamentable, "If he only left on time he wouldn't have been killed because that drunk ran the red light."

Versions can be noted by each of us. The lament is often partnered with regret, second guessing and a wish we had better answers or had done something differently.

That's how the negative impacts. It gets more attention. The news thrives on it. Not just for the newsworthy. It happens in our neighborhood. A neighbor canted to the point of being shrill, "If I had kept him home as I felt I should, he never would have been hit by the car."

It happens. More than the event. The need to come up with the chosen alternative. We might call it the litany of "what if?"

To that end, consider another way in which we consider life's events. The fortuitous surprise.

During my last pastorate Thursday was Soup Kitchen day at the Good News Soup Kitchen on Howard Avenue in North Chicago. One of my friends directed a women's shelter across the street, a safe house. He had the vision of expanding the rooms by re-organizing the space. Skilled as a carpenter, certainly robust and healthy, he led the re-carpentry efforts. In the course of doing what he loved, helping the poor and those in danger, a saw slipped and cut his arm badly near the shoulder. Rushed to the hospital x-rays were taken to see if bones were broken or fractured.

The x-ray technician didn't do it accurately. He made a mistake and got more than the shoulder. He had two x-rays of Greg's right lung. The radiologist looked it over and noticed a shadow. The "shadow" turned out to be a rapidly growing malignant tumor. The discovery led to immediate surgery to remove the tumor. The "mistake" led to a new lease of life.

I share that story to point out how blessed the "mistake" was. If Greg had the correct x-ray taken the tumor would have been discovered much too late.

It is true. Life happens. There will be the untoward, the cause of which we happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Have any of us, though, given thanks for the ways in which each day doesn't have someone crash into us?

My deeper hunch is this: if we can give thanks each day for the common, for the regular happenstances, we would be stronger. To live by gratitude rather than regret or the what-ifness makes more sense. No matter what.

Then, especially when the serendipitous happens because nothing we have done to help it occur, when our life is blessed beyond definition, we can rejoice.

Like when I got on a plane in Denver ten years ago only to be told the plane was pilotless, the flight was canceled. I heard one comment in getting off the plane: "This must mean the flight was hexed, only bad things would have happened if it flew."

Yes, that's the horrifying bad thought that dots the human landscape, often fitting our lives like a glove.

But in truth it never occurred to me. What occurred to me is I needed to get a ticket on the last Denver to Austin flight, which I did by calling the 800 United number walking to the new gate. Having the ticket verified, standing in line with others waiting to confirm at the desk, two ladies just happened to get in line behind me.

I recommended they try the United "friendly skies" 800 number.

One of them replied, "Thanks, mister. " As she pulled her cell phone out, "What is that number again?"

She dialed, then looked at her phone, closed it, "Oops, my battery's dead."

In that moment I clicked on the redial and handed her my cell phone, "Ma'am, the next voice you'll hear should help you."

A year later, almost to the day of that call in the Denver Airport, Diane and I were married. Her cell phone and mine had batteries on full speed from then on.

Yes, life happens. We do what we do. We give what we can give. And every once in a while the most terrible happens. And every once in a while the greatest new person we've ever known says hello.

The only regret I have...we didn't learn the name of the pilots who didn't show up for that flight to invite them to our wedding!

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Eastertide 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

April 19, 2010
Television Marriage

I am told the following, the author unknown but the point salient:

There was a rather unusual wedding that took place down in Australia a couple months ago. As a priest officiated, and as twelve friends looked on, 42-year-old Mitch Hallen married his television set. The service ended with Mitch placing a gold ring on top of his Sony Widescreen as the clergyman pronounced them husband and wife. After going through two divorces, he decided that trying to love women wasn't working out so well for him. And since he spends up to ten hours with his TV each day, he figured that was a commitment to love that he could keep.

Woody Allen once said about being alive and connected: 90% of it is being there.

Nope.

Because "being there," although important, doesn't help a relationship in the final analysis. Oh yes, being there counts. Never to be forgotten was when my 4 year old son Matthew, after I was out on nightly church meetings a total of two straight weeks, when I asked him what he wanted to do on my first evening home, went to my desk, grabbed my keys, headed for the door to the carport and waved, "See you, Dad; I'm going out to a meeting."

Spending time is important. Well beyond the television set. My goodness, how many robotic relationships I hear about. More than the farmer who was scolded by his wife, "We've been married 30- years and you've never told me you love me." His reply, curt as his personality and about as warm as cold stone, "Listen, the day we got married I told you I loved you. I also told you if anything changed, I'd let you know."

Yes, it is true. Most of us get in ruts. Doing the same old after the same old. We don't call them ruts; we call them routines.

But, down deep, how are our valued relationships going? It has to do with time spent together. It has to do with time shared together. However, a caution. Spent and shared are not one and the same. We can be in the same room with family and yet be alone, pushed in our loneliness to islanding.

A question: tonight after you read this, would you be able to hold your spouse's/partners hands and repeat your wedding vows?

A question: Have you thought of having a date, at least monthly, with just you and your spouse/partner?

A question: How about a night without television?

A question: How about going to church together...as a family?

A question: ......

No, that's enough for now.

Thirty-six years ago Matthew set me straight when he grabbed my car keys. Work is fine. The economy demands it; plus what we do often defines who we are. And yet, what REALLY defines us? Is it time? Is it events? Or, is it turning off the electricity, lighting a couple of candles and sharing space...of the heart and the mind...but most of all, of the soul.

Yep, from one who needs to work on this myself. Just a thought or two...for the good of the self - yours and mine.

Happy relating.

In hopes the television doesn't become your best friend.

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Eastertide 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

April 5, 2010
Easter Monday

With my interim ministry closer to ending than beginning, focus time has been going through my notes to find, what did I miss? Two stories that haven't made Sunday morning, but need to be shared, bring what is the most important in ministry with the good [and kind and caring and connected] folk at First Christian Church in San Marcos, Texas. I brag on them a lot. Certainly it's not that ministry lacks disagreement, but when I needed to hear a word of correction - or, yes, even chastisement - these folk shared with more understanding than judgment, and always, always, always, spoke closer to a whisper than a shout. How good is that!

Here are two stories this Holy Monday, when Mary understood Christ Arisen stood before her when he called her name, "Mary." You'll get the point, but the closing reflection hopes to make it even clearer.

Here goes.

Leighton Farrell tells the story of a childless couple who wanted to adopt a little boy approximately 6 years old. They had visited several adoption-agencies and finally found a child that was a match for their family. As they visited with the child, the wife said, "If you would come and live with us, you could have your own private room, a nice yard with play equipment and all the toys and clothes you could ever want. Would you like to come and live with us?"

The little boy hesitated a moment and said, "No, I don't think so."

The couple was stunned. They felt that they had offered the child everything a child could want. The husband said to the boy, "We've offered you everything anyone could want. What more do you want?"

In words far beyond his years, the child replied, "I just want someone to love me."

Richard J. Foster in his work, Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home [Harper, San Francisco, 1992, p. 249] shared the following story:

A venerable old sage once asked his disciples, "How can we know when the darkness is leaving and the dawn is coming?"

"When we can see a tree in the distance and know that it is an elm and not a juniper," ventured one student.

"When we can see an animal and know that it is a fox and not a wolf," chimed another.

"No," said the old man, "those things will not help us."

Puzzled, the students demanded, "How then can we know?"

The master teacher drew himself up to his full statute and replied quietly, "We know the darkness is leaving and the dawn is coming when we can see another person and know that it is our brother or our sister; otherwise, no matter what time it is, it is still dark."

When the first Easter dawned, the faithful folk, the ones who had shared the journey with Christ, knew he was dead, thereby went about their regular, routine tasks, what was expected. Some went to anoint the body, others went fishing. [Okay, not that bad an idea, but hold with me for a minute!]

Everything had been thrown out, back to the old normal. Doing what they thought they should do.

"Mary."

"Children, do you have any fish?"

"Here is breakfast, fish on the beach."

In those incrediblemoments, the world was now new; it had changed for the good. Good Friday had not won after all.

In those moments the followers, Mary, the disciples and the others, realized, as my wonderful cousin, Molly Beth, shared with me when she started a new job after working more than 20 years and being let go, "Mark, I am now entering a new normal."

How lovely that is. A new normal. Not encumbered by things and the adornment of wealth. No, far from it. The new normal of knowing the other is our brother or sister, the new normal of not worrying about when we die, but being totally focused on the way we live.

One of my dearest clergy colleagues, Joanne Carlson Brown, ends her every e-mail with a great new normal, at least for many of us: Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand and vodka gimlet in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming Woo Hoo, what a ride!

Woo Hoo, indeed. Although there may need be a shift from vodka gimlet to single malt.

But, given the truth of Easter that death no longer rules the ways in which we live and care for one another, the new normal is before us.

Care to try it?

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Easter Monday 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

March 29, 2010

My first two Easters, one as a campus minister intern [circa 1965] and the other my first Easter sermon as ordained pastor [1970], are remembered somewhere between embarrassment and insult. The first was when I had been asked to preach an Easter Sunrise service with the youth of the Marion, Illinois Presbyterian Church, where the chairman of our campus ministry Board of Directors was pastor. The service began at 6:30 a.m. I awakened at 7:30 a.m. Embarrassment ruled.

My first Easter sermon as an ordained pastor was the first of two services in a large congregation. The lectionary text from Mark speaks of the empty tomb. Not much more. That was enough for me, indicating in my learning fashion, The tomb was empty; Christ is Risen. It really wasn't more than that.

At the second service, over 700 in attendance, the senior minister preached, as it should be. However, to my surprise [that is the most polite response], in the middle of his sermon he turned completely away from the congregation, pointed at me for emphasis, and said with his smoothest stained-glass voice, THERE IS NO WAY THAT TOMB COULD BE EMPTY. IT'S FOLLY.

The minute I got home I called my mentor in ministry, with whom I had just spent the finest three and a half years to begin parish ministry, and said, almost a plea, "Fred, please tell me the tomb is empty and the Lord is Risen!"

Fred responded in anything but a whisper, "Markie, THE LORD IS RISEN; HE IS RISEN, INDEED!"

Years and decades of Easters past all that, anticipating the wonders of Easter to be our experience next Sunday [I promise to awaken in time for our 7 a.m. Sunrise Service], what can it mean?

For some, especially those who need reason as both the foundation and substance of the religious journey, the tomb may not be empty. For some, the whole idea of the Son of God even dying is classic absurdity - God is omnipotent so would never let His Son perish - it didn't happen.

But for me, and hopefully for you, Easter can be considered as the centering truth of our life and the way in which we live.

My inspiration comes from William Sloane Coffin, who spoke with eloquence and power, and in whom I find the combination wonder of intelligence and wisdom. To the question of the tomb's emptiness and the limits of reason, consider this:

But if the resurrection cannot be proved, it can be known, experienced and it can be trusted. Faith anyhow is not believing without proof; it is trusting without reservation. [Collected Sermons of William Sloane Coffin, Vol. 1, pg. 68]

One more "Coffinism," on reason and Easter and you and me,

Thus I see the Easter faith available to everyone in this church today, to believers and doubters alike, provided our doubts arise out of our need for the truth and not out of a pathological need to doubt. And let's also remember that reason has its limits, that there are truths the mind can defend but never discover. In one of his famous scenes, that great German metaphysical clown, whose name I can never remember, goes frantically searching for something under a bright street light. He is joined by a policeman, who asks him, "What are you looking for?"

"The key to my apartment," the clown replies.

The officer generously joins in, but after searching vainly for some minutes finally asks, "Are you sure you lost them here?"

"No, I lost them over there," said the clown, pointing to a dark corner.

"Then why are we looking for them here?"

"Because there's no light over there."

We will never find the keys to our heart's true home if we search only by the light readily available to reason. [The Collected Sermons of William Sloane Coffin, Vol. 2, Pg. 157]

Ah, how valued and viable. For Easter is not a good idea founded upon reason. It is the experience we can have, knowing that Good Friday doesn't win, knowing that death is not victorious and love prevails...for you and me...that's Easter. The Lord is Risen! He is risen, indeed!

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Easter 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

March 15, 2010
Church Attendance

The Temppeliaukio Kirkko ( Rock Church ) is a thrilling work of modern architecture in Helsinki.

It is built entirely underground and has a ceiling made of copper wire.

Its final design was by architecture brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and completed in 1969. They chose a rocky outcrop rising about 40 feet above street level, and blasted out the walls from the inside.

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki and frequently full of visitors.

These pictures and the narrative statement were included in a beautiful e-mail I received from a valued church member. I've never been to Helsinki, but would certainly include the "Rock Church" in my touring.

It then struck me, the last sentence, It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki and frequently full of visitors.

Why? Because in the journey of ministry it is the case: many people consider church a place to get something done officially, as in baptism, weddings and/or funerals. [I once had a funeral in Colorado when it was said of Ol' Joe: He has been in church twice in his life, his baptism and now his funeral - and both times he was carried in.]

Or, like the Helsinki church, a marvelous architectural statement, something to look at. Rather than experience.

I know. For many the primary purpose of a church, should non-sleeping be the malady, is to be cured of insomnia, or to please mother. Truth? The three most attended services are Easter, Christmas Eve and Mother's Day. And believe me, I never gave in to the temptation at the end of Christmas Eve Candlelight Service to say to those never seen since Mother's Day, I'll look for you at Easter. Tempting, yes, but offered? No. Too tacky.

My hope is church is not a tourist center but a spiritual resource. Perhaps it is my most conservative side in the Christian journey, but I believe it: you can come to church and not be a Christian. But you cannot be a Christian and not come to church.

Why? Because to be baptized a Christian, to join a church, is to vow in the covenant to be part of the faith community. Church is more than only in your best interest--it's meant to be more than ground occupied, it's to be grounding in the faith experienced. Church is a spiritual necessity and not a social amenity.

Church is a place where you are accepted just as you are. Church is a place where you are more understood than judged. Anyone you know, including yourself, who doesn't need a little understanding and acceptance and value?

I am serving currently in an interim ministry in a church that gives any architect nothing but pride. It's is beautiful, set in the Texas hill country. It has abundant acreage where on Good Friday there is a Stations of the Cross walk that inspires and encourages. The SOC, I am told, is a time when the deeper verity of Good Friday comes home to the heart, an experience that makes Easter morning all the more exciting and helpful.

It is my fervent hope that no one within eyesight will consider church to be a place for touring. Rather may it be a place where a community of people gather...to worship, to fellow ship and to learn, so that the new day and upcoming week might be more than a good idea.

So, if you haven't been to church since Christmas Eve, why don't you go next Sunday and beat the Easter rush?

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Lent 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

March 01, 2010
Happiness Indices

Shared in a recent sermon were these provocative thoughts from Harold Kushner, When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough:

I believe that it is not dying that people are afraid of. Something else, something more unsettling and more tragic than dying frightens us. We are afraid of never having lived, of coming to the end of our days with the sense that we were never really alive, that we never figured out what life was for. The pursuit of happiness is the wrong goal. You don't become happy by pursuing happiness. You become happy by living a life that means something. [Page 56]

Shortly before reading Kushner's quote, I came upon these affirmations on realizing happiness. For the good of the order, here are five things that research by Dr. Lyubomirsky, posted on Yahoo.com on February 22, 2010, has shown can improve happiness:
Be grateful - Some study participants were asked to write letters of gratitude to people who had helped them in some way. The study found that these people reported a lasting increase in happiness - over weeks and even months - after implementing the habit. What's even more surprising: Sending the letter is not necessary. Even when people wrote letters but never delivered them to the addressee, they still reported feeling better afterwards.
Be optimistic - Another practice that seems to help is optimistic thinking. Study participants were asked to visualize an ideal future - for example, living with a loving and supportive partner, or finding a job that was fulfilling - and describe the image in a journal entry. After doing this for a few weeks, these people too reported increased feelings of well-being.
Count your blessings - People who practice writing down three good things that have happened to them every week show significant boosts in happiness, studies have found. It seems the act of focusing on the positive helps people remember reasons to be glad.
Use your strengths - Another study asked people to identify their greatest strengths, and then to try to use these strengths in new ways. For example, someone who says they have a good sense of humor could try telling jokes to lighten up business meetings or cheer up sad friends. This habit, too, seems to heighten happiness.
Commit acts of kindness - It turns out helping others also helps ourselves. People who donate time or money to charity, or who altruistically assist people in need, report improvements in their own happiness.

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Lent 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

February 24, 2010
Snowman Incident in Austin

A scene is before you: It's Austin, Texas. The snow, a rarity, has fallen, providing enough for a family to create a snowman. Yes, a small snowman, but not to quibble, it's a very identifiable snowman. As you drive by the following happens: an older gentleman [probably a grandfather] is video recording two little girls standing aside the snowman. He probably worked with them to create the snow structure. Another woman, probably the mother of the two girls, is directing them off to the side, her own version of "stand-by-the-snowman-choreography."

The question: a person drives by, what happens?

Many scenarios:

The driver is late for work, a deadline looms and employment is dangling by a thread. She doesn't even notice the Norman Rockwell scene.

Another driver, zoned in on Colan Cowherd on ESPN, wonders if all Canadians are really non-aggressive and non-competitive. The driver, having moved from Toronto, is caught up in his own scowl.

A third driver, mad as mad can be because his kids didn't finish their homework, is working through his version of punishment.

A fourth driver, wondering why her husband left very early in the morning when it was supposed to be a family day, looked at the video recording event and thought, Why didn't we build a snowman last night? How often does it snow in Austin??!!

A fifth driver, saw the scene, got focused on its beauty and relevance, stopped her car, lowered her window and inquired, "Say, would you like to have a recording of all four of you with Mr. Snowman?"

That's it. An event. People. Situation. Decisions.

What would you have done?

As said last Sunday, a primary function of the church is not to save your soul. [That's God's business!] A primary purpose of the church is to help us transcend ourselves. If there's verity in that, truth to claim, of the five persons and what would we do, is there really any option?

It will be said again this Sunday, February 28, as we consider the new church agenda with focus and support and extension of John 15.5: "I am the vine, you are the branches. He/she who abides in me, and I in him, he/she it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Lent 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

February 22, 2010
Monday Epistle--Green Plaid Shirt

Last week it was anger that needed management. Today it's meanness. People can be mean, snarly, contemptuous, terrible, horrifying, corrosive, eroding. The list goes on.

The most memorable and unsettling experience with this happened in an earlier ministry. A son of a church family was in a smaller university. At Thanksgiving he came home. On Thanksgiving night he needed gas for his red pick-up, so went down to the local 7-11 to fuel up. Let's name him Duke. He left in his red pick-up without going inside.

About an hour later an armed robbery took place at the same 7-11. The robber escaped. He was wearing a green plaid shirt, torn Levis, had long stringy hair and drove a red pick-up.

An hour after that, after Duke has visited some friends, he zipped through a street light he thought was more yellow than red. A police officer saw the infraction and stopped Duke to give him a ticket.

Before Duke knew it he was put in the city jail and charged with armed robbery. He was wearing a green plaid shirt.

Duke's family believed him, "I am innocent. It's all a terrible mistake."

Being a prominent family, two obvious dynamics occurred: they got Duke the best attorney in town and the local paper made the arrest and identity known, near and far. A trial date had not been set, but once out on bail, Duke returned to his school to complete the semester just before Christmas.

At his school his classmates were brutal, chiding Duke, "Hey, a petty armed burglar for a classmate! Hey, man, you've got more money than God, why take pocket change from 7-11? "

They were merciless, driving Duke to despair, his claims of innocence ignored or denied.

Two days after Christmas two related incidents happened: Duke's mother called me in hysterics. She had found her son's lifeless body with a note, "I didn't do it; no one believes me." That same day another 7-11 was robbed by a green-plaid shirted thief. The police stopped him moments later. He was driving a red pick-up and admitted to the Thanksgiving night 7-11 robbery.

It's important, certainly this extreme tragedy lurking as a heavy cloud, we understand that what we say to someone, what we don't say to someone, can have a strong impact. Yes, this is beyond extreme, but the telling point is words can cripple as much as strengthen.

Often I was told, enough that it became more than a good idea; it became a way of living: In life may it be your willingness to understand is greater than your need to judge.

It is clear to me, in ways beyond counting, we have the capacity to be mean, derisive, dismissing, subjugating...and all those other negative adjectives. Perhaps Lent is a good time to take a few moments to be by yourself, to think upon the relationships that matter, and the relationships for which you have little use, and consider, Am I fair and kind and considerate? Have I done my best to listen for understanding?

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Lent 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

February 15, 2010
Monday Epistle--Fish lost; lesson learned; anger managed, sort of

I had no earthly idea a lesson lurked in the bloody waters. After all, it was a father and son fishing for Spring Chinook salmon out of Scappoose, Oregon on the Multnomah Channel. We knew very little, but Mr. White of White's Moorage provided us with a boat and motor and anchor and lots of advice. I paid no attention,because my father knew enough to ask the right questions to learn more.

We didn't have to find a place to fish; that was defined in advance. We would join the anchor line of garbage men, just off Coon Island, on the east side. In fact, right in the middle of twelve anchored boats was space. And my father, still a rookie at salmon fishing, lined up the boat just right and I managed to lift the 15 pound anchor - no small feat for a 12 year old - and toss it at the right moment. We drifted into the empty space, not so much as causing the boat on each side to even tossle. [Do boats tossle?]

We had the perfect spinner according to Mr. White, let out both lines, bounced the bottom behind the boat, could see the rod twitch [now I KNOW rods twitch] as the spinner was vibrating just a foot off the bottom. Perfect.

I was the only "kid" on the 13 boats, but that didn't matter. The pole was in its holder - MY pole, mind you. So, I listened to all the "garbage talk," which was about garbage, especially what to do with customers who wouldn't pay.

The morning had been "on," with six Chinook already landed. The boat next to us raised the hugest fish I'd ever seen [had never seen a whale], must have weighed a thousand pounds. Well, that's hyperbole...probably about 25 pounds. Still, bigger than crawfish I used to catch. By far.

My eyes wandered from the focal point of the tip of my rod to the blooming trees on Coon Island. A yell changed that, "Kid! Kid! Wake up! You've got a fish on!"

Everything broke loose. Yelling, clapping as I reached for my pole, having been changed from a straight letter l to a V, bent almost like a bow.

I grabbed the pole and the first question came to me, "Will the fish pull me in?!" I never said that, but the combination of fear and excitement caused my eyes to water.

The fish ran and twisted and did its top-of-the-water ballet. Quite a show. I had learned to lift up the rod and reel down, the main mantra of bringing in the world's largest salmon. My imagination was unstoppable.

[Now, a point of editing that will explain how everything fell apart. Unbeknownst to us, and certainly not part of Mr. White's "How to catch salmon dock seminar," was this: when you are anchored, especially with a boat on each side, have a buoy on the end of the anchor rope, so you can toss the anchor rope, float downstream and better play the salmon. Point number two: when bringing the fish into the boat with a gaff hook [hey, this was 1952, before long-handed nets were used], before you gaff the fish, MAKE SURE the fish is almost "done," lying without movement on its side.]

Okay, back to the first salmon caper. Remaining anchored, the boat on the side where the fish was flopping no more than 5 feet from us, my father felt he could gaff the fish. Well, he did. But not well. As he brought the fish to the boat [remember this was the world's biggest salmon ever], the fish hit the side of the boat, got off the gaff hook and plunged back into the Multnomah Channel. For reasons I'll never know [well not in that instance] the fish was still on, blood everywhere.

A second time father did his best - this was the first salmon he ever tried to gaff - and again the fish hit the side of the boat, at which point the dreaded "snap of snaps" shattered the moment. The line snapped and the fish was gone.

To say we were both in numbed shock would be an understatement. My first salmon. My father shook his head, looked downstream, shook his head again, and turned to me, "Mark, I cannot tell you how sorry I am."

However, redemption was at hand. One of the fellow garbage men yelled at us, "Hank! That fish is dead and it will come to the surface." He pointed downstream, "Look! Look!"

Sure enough, MY SALMON was literally belly up, a sign of no life.

Before we could pull up our anchor and dash downstream, almost like a movie shifting to slow-motion, a small outboard-motored boat came upstream. In it was an elderly couple. The woman stood, and pointed to MY FISH, for goodness' sake. They cruised over to MY FISH, the man reached down and with one scoop, MY FISH, ladies and gentlemen, was in their boat. He wet his hands again, took a towel to dry off.

Another in our anchor line pulled his anchor, yelled to my father, "Hank, I'll get the kid's fish."

We watched as the smaller boat was headed off by a fellow garbage man. It didn't take any guess to see what was happening. Our deliverer waved his hands energetically, pointed to me, shook his head, then held out hands pleadingly to the couple. All of which proclaimed, It's the kid's first fish. Please give it back to him

Their body language was clear as each of them shook their head, which said "Finders keepers."

A year passed.

By this time we learned to troll the Multnomah Channel for Spring Chinook, still using a boat from White's Moorage. As I trolled I looked up and trolling the other way WAS THAT HORRIBLE, UGLY BOAT AND THAT SAME COUPLE!

What would I do? Truth? I believe in that moment, that very interchanging moment - they going right next to us, I hated them with a perfect hatred. They took MY FISH. I need to get back at them. My anger went into overdrive...and to think, still short of a driver's license. Maybe it was then the possibility of not getting mad but getting even was borne.

I didn't act unseemly. I could have bumped them. I could have turned immediately behind them and cut their trolling line. I could have stared at them with the "you are finished!" stare.

I said nothing. As they passed I looked back and saw the name of the boat, "OLD SNAGGY." Nothing more.

Obviously I never forgot that boat's name. I never knew who the couple was. Went on with life.

But truth on the throne and wisdom on the scaffold, I've never moved on to manage anger well. Not even today.

It helps, though, to get input from friends.

Good thoughts: Hey, it's our enmity and not our enemies that does us in....every time. May your willingness to understand be greater than your need to judge. Focus more on the log in your own eye than the spec in your neighbor's. Judge not, lest ye not be judged. Those without sin cast the first stone.

But the best lesson of all...that, believe me, once in a while surfaces, even today, came from my father. He certainly was angry and he could discern mine. We are both pretty transparent. About two weeks later we talked about "the incident."

He said, with quiet conviction, "Mark, the lesson is this: I caused the problem. If I knew how to bring a fish into the boat, there would not have been a floating fish downstream. So, what we can do is make sure it doesn't happen again. I hear a company's making nets. That should do it."

Thanks, Dad. As father, you did know best.

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Lent 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

February 8, 2010
Monday Epistle on Attitude

When Don't show me an attitude comes up, it's a negative slurring, with a warning, "QUIT BEING SO WHINEY!"

But it doesn't have to be...for having an attitude can be a good thing. In fact, to the point, HOW we respond to life's circumstance is more important than what actually happens.

As we move toward Valentine's Day [even a pizza company's getting into the act by offering heart-shaped pizzas] an attitude moment comes clearly to mind and fully to appreciation.

My mother, Esther Miller, was beset with macular degeneration. What we learned is peripheral vision isn't compromised as much as looking straight ahead.

Mother, 84 going on her early 20's, was totally committed to taking her walk each morning, rain or shine. And in Portland, Oregon, on February 14, 1994, it wasn't shine. Rainy, windy, snarly. The kind of weather that didn't bring hearts to the human equation. The kind of weather for which Oregon is known, to the point of affirming, In Oregon you don't tan; you rust.

Walking alone on a residential street, she became disoriented [one of those moments, don't we all echo them more than we'd admit, when she showed more courage than wisdom]. She thought she was crossing the street at an intersection.

Not.

She hadn't noticed she walked between two parked cars. Walking to the other side, the car didn't see her. It had to be the most shocking moment to my mother and to the driver. The car flipped her on to the hood, crashed her into the windshield and then slammed her to the pavement, her lower right leg with multiple compound fractures.

A pedestrian, witness to this frightful scene, rushed to my mother, who remained conscious. "Ma'am," he pleaded, "Are you all right?"

She blinked, looked up, gave a slight smile and offered, "Goodness, this is some way to start Valentine's Day, isn't it?"

In Chicago at the time, I flew to Portland, arriving after her surgery. She still was up, saying, "Mark, we're going to walk to Haystack Rock this summer." [My family's favorite spot on the whole, wide earth.] I nodded.

You didn't want to be contrary to Esther Miller's resilience and resolution.

Not an hour later, an elderly lady was wheeled in to the hospital room, she also a pedestrian victim. Her two grandchildren came with her, they in their early 20's. The nurse asked us to leave the room for a moment or two.

Standing in the hall, the grandchildren asked, "Sir, can you tell us what happened to your wife?"

My mother loved it...

In August of that year, Esther Miller and her amazed-at-her-recovery-son, walked up to Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon, looked at the massive rock and the pounding surf.

Eyes glistening with tears, I prayed in thanksgiving for my mother's tremendous recovery..and for her wonderful attitude...

And, on that day it didn't rain. Not a drop.

The postscript comes from a valued friend, "You need to get through the rain to see the rainbow." You betcha.

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Epiphany 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

February 1, 2010
Wrong Plane and Wrong Hearse

Have you ever thought - next to certainty if not pressing directly upon it - that you were doing the right thing, only to find it wasn't so? Two stories illustrate how not knowing everything leads to embarrassment if not mortal danger.

A parishioner shared this: His request approved, the CNN News photographer quickly used a cell phone to call the local airport to charter a flight. He was told a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.

Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hangar. He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, "Let's go."

The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off.

Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, "Fly over the valley and make low passes so I can take pictures of the fires on the hillsides."

"Why?" asked the pilot.

"Because I'm a photographer for CNN," he responded, "and I need to get some close up shots."

The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he stammered, "So, what you're telling me is...you're NOT my flight instructor?"

Although not even close to that rather bleak situation, I had an embarrassing moment - one that can be shared publicly.

It was January of 1967 and anyone in the Chicago Metroplex would remember that was the month of the Super Storm - up to 3 feet of snow blanketed most of Chicago, certainly the corner of Fullerton Parkway and North Orchard where my car was parked. It was barely a lump along the other cars, all of which were still covered. I had a funeral to conduct and explained my lack of transportation to the funeral director.

He accommodated, "Reverend, just walk up to Fullerton and Southport - we'll send the hearse by to pick you up. Stand in front of the library."

No problem, although the biting wind lowered the 5 degree temperature. However, once a fisherman, always a fisherman, so I was well wrapped for the walk, even getting too warm. Standing on the corner the warmth fled, but my eyes, although watered by the wind, looked for the hearse. I'm sure I said a prayer to the effect the hearse would speed up.

Ah, there was the hearse, stopped by the red light. I walked quickly to it, opened the passenger door, noticed a casket was in it [that was unexpected], jumped in and exclaimed, "Oh boy, thanks for picking me up."

The driver put the gear into park, looked at me and said, not with any trace of humor, and certainly not with a whisper, "WHO IN THE HELL ARE YOU?"

It was the wrong hearse.

In a strange way, next Sunday's Gospel Lesson, at least as it was unfolding, could be asked of Jesus, as he told Peter to go back out with his nets, then to call him to be a disciple, that Jesus was making a mistake. It could have been the wrong guy. It could have been someone who should have remained fishing for fish and not for human folk.

And from Peter's point of view, experience pre-empting any new guidance, "Wait a minute here, buddy. We ONLY fish at night, I need to repair these nets and get some sleep. We DON'T fish during the day. Having nothing is bad enough; but to go back out. Don't even mention it." Ah, for a streak of practicality. However, for once, common sense and reason and experience were not on the throne.

For, in a strange, even glorious way, both ended up being just fine. They both were willing to take a risk, not knowing what the future held. Peter then tried to lame out with his, "I am not able; I've done too many things wrong."

And Jesus could have said, "Forget it; I'll keep looking."

It didn't happen that way. Because Jesus helped the common become holy and Peter learned, even though he would sink in his water-walking try [I still think THAT'S when Jesus called him the Rock - for his sinkability and not his durability!], he would end up making sure people, most whom he never met before, would know about the Jesus he loved and the One who died for him...and for us all.

As Peter said in Acts 3, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk."

Wonderful.

The lesson for me is that none of us is really extraordinary, and none of us always makes the right decisions. But, as we look at the wonderful passage next Sunday in the first part of Luke 5, we will find the common has value, we will learn not what the future holds but Who holds the future, and we will discover Yogi Berra is right, "When there's a fork in the road, take it."

For me, that's golden.

And to think...just minutes later after I was excused [that's the polite verbiage] from the wrong hearse, I heard a horn, looked up, and saw a smile of a man who waved at me, leaned over to shove the passenger door open and shouted, "Sorry I'm late; get in!" Ah, the right hearse.

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Epiphany 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

January 18, 2010

Dear Members of First Christian Church:

Tonight the following missive was received from Margaret Trost. For those not present this morning, let me provide a brief synopsis. Margaret is the daughter of my mentor in ministry and first Senior Minister, Fred Trost, when we shared in ministry in 1966. The Trost's and my family lived in the same apartment. Margaret was four.

As I explained in 1999 Margaret and her husband, Rich, attended a dinner party. On the way home Rich had an asthma attack and died in Margaret's arms, leaving her a young widow with a 1 year old son, Luke. The following year Margaret tagged along with a friend of hers and his band, to present concerts and visit with the priest and members of St. Clare's Church in Port au Prince, Haiti. During that visit Margaret experienced a call to a special ministry of feeding children. Margaret, in cooperation with the pastoral staff at St. Clare's, started a serve-the-children-ministry and gave it form in What If? Foundation. Her story is shared in her book, "The Day When Everyone Ate."

As I shared with the congregation, Margaret's ministry this past decade has been the strongest evidence possible of someone turning water into wine, taking what she had and making something more of it.

In these days, days of horrific pain and broken lives caused by the earthquake, it is truly miraculous that St. Clare's Church, the Food Rectory and the immediate area, were not crumbled. I also encouraged that EACH of us is called to help beyond ourselves, hopefully with contributions through our chosen way - be it our Disciples of Christ, the Red Cross, or any number of other possibilities.

What follows is the latest message from Margaret. Goodness, what powerful Good News. Water into wine. Caring for others. As the sermon concluded, may it be: Today we are good. Tomorrow we can be better.

Grace and Peace,

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

From Margaret tonight:

Dear Friends,

I'm so excited to tell you that Lavarice, our program liaison, arrived in Port-au-Prince with three truckloads of supplies this afternoon! We spoke for only a few seconds, but long enough for him to tell me that the trucks were pulling into the St. Clare's rectory yard and that distribution of food and water was about to begin!

Lavarice had a chance to look at the food program kitchen building and says it looks undamaged. He's planning to drive back to the Dominican Republic to get more supplies since he can't get anything in Port-au-Prince right now. (Relief from the Port-au-Prince airport has not reached this area and there's no system set up to direct aid to any particular spot.) With another load of supplies, the program leaders hope to have the food program back up and running again this week.

Talking to Lavarice today reminded me of the first email I ever received from Fr. Jean-Juste, the visionary Haitian priest who I partnered with ten years ago. It brings tears to my eyes to read it as I think of how far we've come since that first meal was served at St. Clare's and how much I miss him since he passed away last May. Here's what he wrote after receiving the first check we sent to help make his vision for a food program a reality:

Dear Margaret,
The program is wonderful! I just want to let you know that it is working beautifully. From 200 participants last Sunday, it has doubled today. We have been called to a big assignment from God in feeding the hungry brothers and sisters. The news is being spread. Children and their needy parents are pouring on us. I use many volunteers. Many youngsters want to help. I am using the rectory quarters. I need more chairs, more tables, more food, more of everything... There is great hope. Now I am exhausted. It is getting late. It is too much, too exciting to count and report all now. God certainly has talked to you today while we were implementing this great inspiration...
Best regards to you and all,
Gerry

Certainly today in the St. Clare's neighborhood of Port-au-Prince there is great hope. I also know that we've been called to a big assignment in feeding the hungry, that the news of food and water at the rectory is being spread, that children and their parents are pouring on them, and that they need more of everything. Thanks to your help, we are able to respond. I couldn't do it without you.

To contribute to our Earthquake Relief Fund click here.

It is a privilege to work with the courageous, committed, faithful people of this Haitian community. They have taught me so much over the years about hope, love, and faith. I know that through this grassroots food program they will do all they can to feed as many people as possible in the weeks, months, and years to come using the financial contributions we are able to provide.

Some of you have been on this journey with me for many years. Others have just joined us this week. I want to thank all of you for your trust and generosity, as well as for your thoughts, prayers, and encouragement.

"Piti piti na rive." Little by little we will arrive,

Margaret Trost

January 11, 2010
Fish AND Cut Bait

Not sure my age - old enough to be sent on my own; still too young to drive. Let's say eight years of age, circa 1948.

The directions were clear, "Mark, bring back some crawfish so we can go fishing." With that directive, always with enthusiastic encouragement, my father handed me a fifty-cent piece. Fact is in 1948 that was more than a little-much more.

I wasn't sent to a crawfish dealer. No way. Besides none existed in Rockaway, Oregon in those days. Or ever for that matter.

Rather, it was MY MISSION: go the butcher in the one grocery store and order "three slices of pig's liver." That meant I always got change. Maybe because the butcher thought I was "cute." [That didn't really carry much joy for me, even at 8.] At any rate he always threw in the butcher string at no charge.

Off I went, along Highway #101, middle of Rockaway Oregon, to what was called the "Towne Lake." I think they added the "e" to Town to make it somewhat exclusive. Actually I learned years later it was a diverging strategy from the truth: it was a sewage lake for the city.

I may not have been sleepless then, but was utterly clueless, as I crawled out on a fallen log, half of which was submerged in sewage water, preparing to catch crawfish.

Either there were lots and lots of crawfish or I was pretty good at it. Most likely the former. I cut 4-foot length of butcher string, cut a piece of pig's liver, tied it on and dropped off the side of the log, tying the loose end to a branch or small log stump.

When the slack line tightened, that was "the sign": Crawfish on! I had a small net, the crawfish had more arrogance than intelligence and would NEVER let go of the pig's liver, until it was too late: caught in my net, the result of my crafty and sleuthing style.

The goal was 24 crawfish. Generally realized in about 30 minutes.

Accomplished and feeling good about the moment of achievement but even more enthusiastic about the immediate future, I raised the bag proudly to my father, "Did it!"

He was a rather quiet man, never into demonstration, certainly never to overreact [I get all those characteristics from my mother!], he would grab our two fishing poles and off we'd go to the nearby Miami River, that flowed into Tillamook Bay, immediately south of the sleepy fishing village of Garibaldi.

We would only fish at high tide, because at low tide the river barely flowed. But. At high tide, boys and girls, the Blueback trout would come in and mill around in our favorite hole. There was room on a huge fallen Douglas Fir Tree for both of us. We'd peel a crawfish tail, put it on our single hook, cast upstream so the bait would settle on the bottom and wait for the hoped-for twitch, indicating Mr. Blueback Trout was making a call.

Sometimes mosquitoes would do their best to do us in, but my Father sent them away with his cigar smoke. Only time I ever remembered he smoked them. As you can appreciate, those days didn't offer spray insect repellants. At least we didn't know about them. Somehow I loved the cigar smoke smell, but down deep really loved how the mosquitoes fled. En masse.

It was a beautiful time, a special father and son time. Didn't matter if we caught fish. Best time was when high tide was about 7 p.m., so we could fish up to darkness. Knowing the light of day would be gone but the glowing joy of the experience would remain...hey, it really does...62 years later.

But what strikes me about that experience is becoming a working metaphor. [Yep, a preacher type looks for the hermeneutical in events.]

What impacts me more than anything in these experiences getting crawfish and using them on the Miami River is this: I counted! I was important! My father counted! My father was important! Why? Because we EACH had a part in the experience. It wasn't one-sided. We EACH contributed.

The story is apt on a current, personal level in my interim experience with the valued members at First Christian Church in San Marcos. For it tells me a strong church - in any venue and with any faith community - is based primarily upon the number of people "who count," "who are contributing," "who are helping with something in the life and mission of the church."

Honestly? We are not doing a good job of this. We give unimpressive a clear definition. Not everyone is doing their part. Yes, we had a most impressive experience in stewardship for 2010 and in that exciting special Christmas Eve offering. And yes, there ARE members helping in a 1,000 ways. No doubt about it. But, right now, it is my experience at FCC too few are doing too much and that more likely will lead to atrophy rather than growth in the long run.

When I look at the number of church members who do more than attend worship, truth shared [note this is not for popularity but trying to be faithful to what I understand makes for a strong church], we get a very low grade in membership participation. Maybe not even a C-.

What can be done about it? Well, it takes more than a Monday Epistle. All I can do is ask those of you who are neither cutting bait or fishing, why is that? We need you to do more than clap and cheer. To be direct, we need more than your prayers, although prayers are always important, even crucial.

I believe this, fervently, whole-heartedly: You need to consider how you can be a part of who we are and how we show our love of Christ through our programs, our life and mission.

Please do more than think about it. And let us know: fish or cut bait? For, in the church you CAN do one or the other. Both are needed.

Grace and Peace,

Dr. Mark Henry Miller
Epiphany 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

January 04, 2010
Monday Epistle on Voice of the Butterfly

Could be other vocations also, but in ministry it is said, all preaching and no plagiarism makes for dull sermons. What I share now is not exactly a footnote to that inclination, but it's close. This story, valued for more than 40 years, comes from a Methodist minister colleague, Barry Boulware, who didn't "source" it. Still, from Mr. or Ms. Anonymous, thanks for the story. Here it be:

As the story goes, there once was a young girl who was walking through a meadow and she saw a butterfly impaled upon a thorn. Very carefully, she releases it and the butterfly starts to fly away. Then it comes back to her and ways, "For your kindness, I will grant you your fondest wish." The little girl thinks for a while and replies, "I want to be happy." So the butterfly leans forward and whispers in her ear and then suddenly flies away.
As the girl grew, no one in the land was happier than she. Whenever anyone asked her for the secret of her happiness, she would only smile and say, "I once listened to a butterfly." As she grew quite old, the townspeople were afraid the wonderful secret might die with her. "Tell us, please," they begged, "Tell us what the butterfly said to you." The now lovely old lady simply smiled and said, "The butterfly told me...that everyone, no matter who they are, needed me."

In a world, actually a new decade where such nonsense as prosperity preaching reigns large [Are you kidding me when you say that if you have enough faith you'll be a millionaire??? That's one of the strongest give me a break pronouncements imaginable.], and having more arrogance than intelligence comes too often from sportscasters and coaches [Leach cannot be as good as his associate coaches maintain and as deplorable as Craig James factors.], and ministers actually believe when they visit with search committees, they should only work 40 hours, have two days off weekly, and NEVER be bothered on their day off? Where in the world does the "voice of the butterfly" get heard?

Well, let me share. It happens in our very midst. It happens when the primary question posed is, "What can I do for you?"

Yes, it's a new decade. And I haven't heard anything from a butterfly lately - or even long ago for that matter. But, the story is apt, maybe even worth trying out in this new decade: knowing that people NEED you, and knowing the joys of life are not in hoarding but in giving, not in accepting but affirming, not in anything less than looking around you to see where your step, your word, your embrace of another, might be the great visibility of a butterfly's notion.

And what I believe is this: the butterfly knew about this Christmas baby, then this adolescent, then this man, who, time and again did more to understand than to judge. Time and again he registered then reduced the needs of those around him, never asking what they believed. Never once. Only considering what they needed and how he could address that. Prosperity? Not in the ka-ching of money in your pocket. But in the pulsing heartbeat knowing you have made the life of someone around you more blessed, even sacred. That's the prosperity of knowing goodness through caring, and as a result, abundant happiness and joy.

That's not an ego-drill. Not at all. That's a message for the heart to convey to the mind, saying our self-worth comes more from caring than anything else.

A new decade is before us. The voice of the butterfly makes sense. Let's be into being needed and doing something about it. It's the gospel of recognizing and reducing human need.

Go for it.

Mark Henry Miller
Epiphany 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

December 28, 2009
Old and New for a New Year

Some thoughts, maybe more than that, perhaps even truth-credos, as we look to a new year.

This quote from Reinhold Niebuhr graced a Christmas card:

Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by HOPE.
Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore, we must be saved by FAITH.
Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we are saved by LOVE.

A story from Christmas Eve:

A little girl awakened one night, her sleep disturbed by nightmares. The darkness added to her distress and she cried out to her parents. Her mother sleepily called back, "Go to sleep, dear. You'll be all right. God is with you." The little girl called out again and again. The mother sought to reassure her, telling her she wasn't alone, that God was with her. And the child replied, "I know that God is with me. But I want someone with skin on."

And, finally, a quote that didn't make the 4th Advent Sunday sermon, but needs to be shared...from Brett Younger, McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, when claiming differences between happiness and joy:

Most commercials indicate that holidays are for happy, successful people with smiling, wealthy friends. We tend to look for Christmas where most people look - giving good gifts, getting good gifts, bright lights, time off. We look for happiness in good jobs, nice homes and mostly normal families.
But someone said, "Happiness is what you feel when you think you've got everything you want. That's why nobody is completely happy." We either do not get what we want, or we get it and find out it does not deliver the happiness we're after.
Joy is a different experience. Joy is what we feel when we discover we already have what we most need.
Joy is still present when life is hard. Christ comes for grieving people with broken homes and broken hearts. Christmas is the promise that God cared for children who hunger for good, the lonely who hunger for love, and all who hunger for peace. The word becomes flesh wherever there is sadness, fear or emptiness. God comes to be with us in our dark valleys, bind our broken hearts, and carry us when we're tired and weary. Sorrow may come, but it cannot defeat God's joy. Sadness may bring tears, but Christ brings hope.
Christmas is for those who've known tragedy and discovered that grief isn't the final word. Wendell Berry writes, "Be joyful, even though you have considered all the facts." God's gift of joy doesn't deny sorrow, but overcomes it.

My prayer is not stranger to my hope: For each of us, as we embark upon the journey into a New Year, named 2010 on the calendar, but, I trust, growth and discovery and joy In our lives, is that you each may know God's presence in the gift of each day, as counseled by Mayo Angelo, Yesterday is history; tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift; that's why it's called the Present.

Grace and peace to each of us,

Mark Henry Miller
Christmas 2009
Saying Welcome! To 2010

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

December 21, 2009
Best Christmas Present?

Your thought? First response? Hits immediately?

When asked, What's your best - all-time-best - Christmas present ever?

Waiting for your response, my mind zooms to a probable response: something in form...an engagement ring, your first bicycle, a cruise-gift-to-sun-and-splash, your first black-white-Philco-21-inch-television-set [even though there was no television station in Portland, Oregon in 1949], an I-Pod, the first Sage fly-rod.

Nothing wrong there, for after all, a gift is generally an item, something we can hold and use. So far, so good.

For me, it's not one gift. It's being told the diagnosis of pre-diabetic is errant; it's Diane finishing her first semester at seminary now including exegesis, eschatology, homiletic, parousia in her vocabulary [well, not at the breakfast table] and having less back pain; it's sharing in ideas with a Sunday school class; it's knowing the family is healthy with all grandchildren now walking; it's a cousin about to accept a new job, thus ending almost a year of search; it's pondering - oh, it's soooooo powerful - the poignant and plaintive, "Mary, Did You Know?" by Kenny Rogers.

The focus, though, this morning, is about people who have disappeared, Christine, Sally, Betty, Rachel, Ruth, Gladys, Karen, Alex, Sandra, Danielle, Suzette, Blanche, Gertrude.

I didn't know they fled. Until three weeks ago. They've been around for over 40 years, maybe more. They've argued with each other. Ruth was the most dominant...and the angriest...trying to get her way, ever complaining and chiding and blaming and threatening.

But, now, they are gone, not even a memory. Certainly not a presence that tears asunder.

What is this?

It is about a very special friend who for years beyond counting was connected to each of these people - within.

Truth? She was fourteen people, all contending for attention, then control. It used to be called Multiple Personality Disorder; now it's a Dissociative Personality, or close to that.

What matters is the phone conversation when my special friend said she was only she, one person, one character.

The voice was strong and enthusiastic, deliberate and not hesitant, and ever grateful. The others have fled, the splitting forces no longer. She is she and no other. She is the first, the original, ever dynamic and energetic and creative. With no contending forces pushing her in so many directions.

Goodness. One voice. One heart. One soul. One friend. It is amazing. It is beautiful. It is heartening. And soul-ing. And life-ing.

Thanks be to God this Christmas that everyone fled and there is peace within for my special friend. What a day. And now. What a great future.

I was speechless, the quiet rustled a little by the wiping of tears.

Thank you, dear God. Wholeness and not partitioning. What a great day. For my special friend. What a blessing to all of us who care for her and are cared for by her.

Merry Christmas.

Mark Henry Miller
Advent 2009

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

August 2009

It is tempting to glow in the Oregon sunset, to describe the joy of picking wild blackberries, catching Coho salmon, walking the Oregon coast with my grandson Dylan perched on my shoulders, lulled to sleep each night by the surf, plunging into the ocean, measured at 57 degrees, with my son, Andrew, a Miller Boys tradition for over 30 years, walking the beach with Diane, marveling in God's creation and rejoicing in our 8th wedding anniversary as we shared wedding vows in the sanctuary at Cannon Beach where we were married.

Goodness. Filled with goodness. And family. And fishing. And rest and relaxation and 72 degrees temperature with no clouds in sight.

And with that...truth held firmly and raised affirmatively...my gratitude for our first shared steps in ministry were not absent. You're right. Vacation is vacation and time away can be a good thing. Yet, in the mix of it, I was very much aware of how and where we are, pastor and people.

The thoughts are good, the memories fresh and the hopes real.

For the good of the order, not with any prioritizing here's an update on our shared ministry:

...A delight to welcome Mattie Howard to our church staff as our Director of Children's Education. Mattie will provide gifts of faith and knowledge and wisdom, with no little energy and enthusiasm, to increase our valued ministry for children 5th grade and younger and their parents.

...Expanded Church School classes for parents, single parents, step-parents with children at home [other adults certainly invited!] as Chase and Teri Stapp and I offer conversations about parenting and marriage and the Christian Life on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Ever offered this: Why won't you pick up your room? First class will be next Sunday, August 30 at 9:30 p.m. Be there or be rectangle. [That right?]

...Jack Knox expanding our mutual ministry for youth and young adults, by teaching the CYF Sunday morning class and inviting young adults [initial focus will be Texas State Students] to have a meal, worship and conversation on Sunday evenings at our church at 5 p.m.

...Begin new stewardship emphasis program, approved unanimously by our Board at their August 13 meeting. The program, "Consecrating Stewards," will gather members and friends of the church in conversations focused upon the value of First Christian Church and your faith. The belief is the best giving as Christians is a statement of faith. Not a gift that meets a budget's needs. More on this will be offered soon, but for now, the basics will include meetings with members to reflect upon the strengths of our church, the areas we need to strengthen, what you need in ministerial gifts for your settled/called pastor, and how you'd like to participate in our life and mission. Church members will share during worship in October on what our church means to them.

And then....make that in capital letters, AND THEN...we'll have a Special Sunday worship on November 1, 2009, All Saints Day, when we will all personally dedicate our 2010 pledges in support of the church's life and mission. PLEASE PUT ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR THE DATE: BE AT CHURCH ON 11/1/09!!!

...Life is good, God is full of wonder and graciousness and guidance and encouragement, and I'm having a most positive experience. In fact, ministry in our first shared steps is close in joy to catching one of these fish pictured below...just had to share!

Hope to see you in church next Sunday, August 30...we'll take on the Pharisees, and ask the question, "If you had to choose, which religious language works for you: language about...or language of?" We'll look at Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, and 21-23, to see how the language of the heart handles our challenges, our struggles and our heartbreaks...yes, it does.

Grace and peace and blessings, as we keep casting, knowing that God is with us...no matter what.

Interium Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos
512-585-1132

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June 2009

Burnt Offerings - Happy Trails!

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted...a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak. - Ecclesiastes 3

This is hard. Very hard. Harder than most anything I've ever done. And yet, it's most definitely time.

It's time for me to leave this job I love, and hit the dusty trail back to the Panhandle.

I've accepted the position of Chaplain at Hospice Care of the Southwest, in Amarillo. I'll start there the first week of July.

Two years ago when I accepted the call to First Christian Church, my conviction was that Ellen would join me here shortly. We all shared that belief. The search committee that brought me to the church would not have recommended me otherwise. Who knew?

But real life happens. My separation from Ellen since moving to San Marcos has become unsustainable. I dearly love First Christian Church, but my first priority is my relationship with Ellen.

I pray the members of the church can understand and appreciate that. I love and miss my wife, and need to be with her. In the big scheme of things, being with those we love far outweighs anything else; life is far too short to live as I have been doing, without the one I love.

Ellen believed in my dream of living and working here as much as I did, thus she let me go ahead of her with every good hope that she would soon follow.

She spent an enormous amount of time, energy, and cost seeking employment in this area over the past two years, to no avail. She dearly wanted and tried to move here. Despite her considerable talent, experience, and dozens of resumes sent out and an equal number of interviews and job leads, nothing came to fruition, much to our frustration.

Much to our sorrow, much to our regret, and much to our growing realization as the days turned into weeks and into months and into years, we realized that things could not go on like this indefinitely, with no end in sight.

We grew weary of crying in each other's arms as we said goodbye at an airport drop-off zone, and then me sitting and staring at the back of the seat in front of me as the airplane zipped me away from her, and wondering, "When?" It became a very costly and worn-out scene, played out dozens of times.

Finally, I decided: enough is enough; this is no way to be married.

With two households and mounting travel expenses and three kids in college to support, we realized the emotional and financial toll was more than we could manage.

Please trust that my sincere intention was to stay at First Christian Church for many years to come - even to retire here - and do my best to help the church blossom and grow. Being the pastor of First Christian Church has been a dream come true. It kills me - more than you know - to leave such a fabulous job.

I deeply regret this turn of events, any hurt it may cause, and any concern it might raise about the state of the church. I've spent many hours in prayer, in conversation with friends, and in contemplating the future of the church as well as my own.

I've no doubt that First Christian Church will flourish. There's nothing at all wrong with this church; in fact, there's so much that's just right. You are a tremendous bunch of folks, full of incredible talent and imbued with a gracious and resilient spirit. You will thrive. God loves you.

Regardless of the pastor who may fill the pulpit, trust me: it's you, the members, who make this church great, not any one minister. You are the ones who bring to life the Kingdom of God that Jesus Christ envisioned and promised.

We preachers come and go, spouting our particular notions as if we're a sprinkler commanding a section of lawn. But you, the members, are truly and consistently the church of Christ who makes the grass grow.

At the same time, I will always cherish my time here (my time spouting off), the dear friendships I've made, and the solid work we've been able to accomplish. I cannot adequately express the depth of my thanks and appreciation for this church and its members, who have been so supportive, loving, and helpful.

The church has been able to acquire the services of a transitional senior minister, so the church's ministry will not be hindered in the least. And fortunately, the church has a very capable associate minister in Jack Knox.

However, while he's more than able to do anything and everything as an ordained minister, senior minister duties aren't what Jack signed on for. So please be fair and gracious to Jack; as a ministerial colleague of his, this transition is not a situation I would wish on anyone. Be considerate of him and his time.

My last Sunday will be June 14th. I don't look forward to that day, nor did I expect it to happen.

Please trust that I deeply appreciate the privilege of serving as your minister for this moment in time, and will always be your thankful and faithful friend and servant.

But now, it's time for me to go. And for First Christian Church to go forward.

Please pray for me - and Ellen - as I step into a new chapter of my ministry and life. You will always be precious to me, and will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

I want you to call an energetic and thoughtful new permanent senior minister who can help lead you into a wonderful future.

For you and me, let's simply be thankful to God for our special moment together. I have been blessed beyond measure by you, and I thank you.

Happy trails to you - and God's love - to all of us!

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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May 2009

Burnt Offerings

Whew! The Lenten Season and Easter has now come and gone. One of the online newsletters I subscribe to describes this current period as the "Easter Hangover."

It's true. Enjoying the annual experience of Easter, I had to take the day off after Easter, just to regroup my mental and emotional self.

We seem to expend so much energy as a church this time of year that it's a good thing to take a breather and then begin preparing for the rest of the church year that includes Pentecost (the birthday of the Christian Church in late May), Graduation Sunday, Mother's Day, summer camps, Vacation Bible School, the Youth Mission Trip, and our hosting of Camp Hope, which utilizes our facilities for young children for several weeks during the summer.

We also need to begin looking beyond summer to our Veteran's Day Celebration, the Fall Fun at First Festival, and Advent.

Maybe it's just me, but I like and need to look ahead.

Life goes on. Our life as a church goes on. And we will surely make a positive difference.

One positive initiative is that we need to pro-actively maintain our building and facilities. There are many areas that need basic trim and door work to maintain property maintenance.

Our property chairperson, Rick Hardy (and resident hugger on Sundays), has been terrific in identifying and correcting property concerns. God bless Rick!

Our church is now over 20 years old, and it's showing. Trim and door paint need touching up or completely re-doing. Floors need to be stripped and resurfaced. The siding on our building needs to be replaced; the whole of the area underneath the roof and beyond. Many areas inside need repair or replacement.

However, our building is not an end to itself. It should be thought of as an instrument of ministry...not as something static, but as a reflection of our commitment to being the very best that we can be as followers of Jesus Christ.

It should be remembered that in his lifetime, Jesus never had a building nor any property in which to do his ministry. We are quite blessed, therefore, to have a physical place to further his ministry of hope, peace, reconciliation, and love. We are called - among greater things - to simply take care of Jesus' house.

If we're a first-class facility...if we strive to reflect God's amazing grace...if all we do is an expression of our salvation and thanks...then, our physical facility at FCC should certainly reflect that reality.

Our calling is to care for this special place, to honor and accentuate it, to maintain it as a first-class instrument, and to seek to grow it according to the gifts of those who have contributed to it. Our church property is a living thing, just as our faith in Jesus Christ is a living reality.

As always, I am proud and grateful to be your pastor,

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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March 2009

Burnt Offerings

Preparing for Easter

The liturgical season of Lent begins with the solemn observance of Ash Wednesday and continues for six weeks, culminating with the church's joyous celebration of Easter. Also, during the period of Holy Week, which begins with Passion/Palm Sunday, churches around the world have special worship services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and on Saturday--the Great Vigil of Easter.

The word Lent is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word for springtime, which is a literal translation of the lengthening of the days. In the early church, the Lenten period was used as a time for preparing new converts for Baptism on Easter Sunday. Today it is a time for preparation, reflection, growth, and change. The forty-day period of Lent was established in the middle of the fourth century. (Sundays are not included in the count, since Sundays are considered "little Easters," all of which celebrate the resurrection.)

The liturgical color for Lent is purple, a solemn color, a color for royalty and repentance. The liturgical color for Easter Sunday and the Sundays between Easter and Pentecost is white, signifying purity. White is the liturgical color also for the Season of Christmas and All Saints' Day (November 1).

Some Lenten Definitions:

Shrove Tuesday, the eve of Lent, has become a time for celebrating. Also known as Fat Tuesday, it is a traditional day to serve pancakes and eat all the foods that will be forbidden during the fasting of Lent. "Shrove" is derived from the Latin word for "shriven" or "confessing of sins." The Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") celebrations in New Orleans and other cities include parades and parties, while the German celebration Fasnact (eve of fasting) includes eating special donuts.

Ash Wednesday is the official beginning of the Lenten season. It is a day of prayer and public confession of sins. In many churches the sign of the cross is made with ashes on the foreheads of believers. The early Israelites took the ashes from burnt offerings, mixed them with water, and sprinkled them over unclean persons and their belongings (Numbers 19:17-18). In the third century, the church began the custom of burning the branches used on Palm Sunday; saving the ashes and marking sinners, such as robbers and murderers with these ashes. Out of sympathy, family and friends of these 'marked' persons began using the ashes also.

Palm or Passion Sunday is a day of change from the joyful celebration of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem to the solemn knowledge of what lies ahead for him in the coming week. The custom of waving olive twigs in the procession began in the fourth century. It was not until about 400 years later that palm branches were first used, and they continue to be used today.

Maundy Thursday (from the Latin word "mandatum" or "commandment") focuses on the Lord's Supper and the new commandment to love one another.

Good Friday was probably first called God's Friday. On this day we remember Christ's suffering and death on the cross.

Easter and the seven weeks following is the oldest celebrated liturgical season of the church year. The season of Easter ends with the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after Easter.

How FCC is Observing Lent

Stations of the Cross

As in years past, our congregation's most visible manifestation of the Lenten season will be our offering of the Stations of the Cross on our property. A number of other local congregations and groups will be participating by sponsoring one or more of the 14 stations, preparing the trail, and providing leadership on Good Friday, when guided tours of the stations will be offered following a brief service in the sanctuary at 12:00 noon.

While Good Friday (April 10) will be the only day when guided tours are offered, our goal is to have the stations trail ready and open to the public by Sunday, April 5, in order for people to walk the trail on their own during Holy Week, April 5-12. Please contact me if you, your family, Sunday School class, or fellowship group would like to sponsor a station or help in the trail preparation or leadership on Good Friday.

Our Men's Ministry Group - now known as "Male Call" - will be taking the lead in preparing the trail. Every Saturday from now through April 4, there will be work available to perform, so please come by or contact Jason Braun or Keith Ralph for details. Maundy Thursday Seder Meal

As noted above, Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus' last supper with his disciples, during which he commanded them to love one another. This year on Maundy Thursday (April 9), we will enjoy a special Seder (pronounced say-der) Meal in the fellowship hall at 6:30 PM, coordinated by our youth and young adults. The Seder Meal is a form of worship in itself, with every element of the supper having a symbolic significance related to the Jewish Passover. As noted in the Gospels, the last supper of Jesus and his followers was in fact this very same Passover observance. Due to the nature of our Seder Meal, reservations will be required; please contact the church office to reserve a place at the table.

Prayer, Reflection, and Reaching Out

The Season of Lent provides us with a special opportunity to focus our individual and congregational prayer life on the meaning of self-sacrifice and our journey of faith as Christians. It's a time of asking penetrating questions: Do my actions and words as a follower of Jesus truly reflect his loving example? How can I do better and be more responsive to the needs of my neighbors, friends, and family? Have I put my faith into deeds of compassion, forgiveness, and loving-kindness? What can I do to live out and share the Gospel message of acceptance, redemption, and life that is eternal?

Posing those kinds of questions of ourselves and our church is something we should do year-round, but Lent presents a unique moment to dig deeper and listen more attentively to God's leading. In worship, our scripture passages, prayers, hymns and songs, will have a particular focus on Lenten themes. This kind of reflection is appropriate in preparing for the joyous and amazing announcement of the empty tomb.

There is never a bad Sunday to invite a friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker to visit our church, but this season leading to Easter may be particularly meaningful for many. The challenges we all face on a daily basis can be brought to the altar of God's understanding and healing love as we worship, study, and live in communion with each other. Every human being is wired with the need for authentic relationships and belonging; what better place to meet those needs than our church?

If you've not been present at church in a while, now is the time to come back. If you know of anyone not regularly attending church or whose life would be enriched by being part of a caring community of faith such as our own, invite them to come to worship with you, or try any number of our fellowship or learning opportunities.

First Christian Church has so very much to offer, and we need to share that message. In the weeks to come, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, please join me in prayer, in reflection, in worship, and in making an intentional effort to invite others to share in our journey.

Blessings,

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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January 2009

Burnt Offerings

I love the New Year, and the hope it always brings.

Biblically, over and again we are invited to share in new beginnings. Abraham was invited to take a journey into a new land and become the father to a new people. Moses was challenged to begin again as the deliverer of his people from bondage. Esther was at the crossroad of remaining comfortably as the queen of a great empire, or saving her kin. Isaiah was instructed to call his people out of darkness and complacency from bondage in a strange land and look forward to a new future. Peter was a simple fisherman who pushed us all to the notion that God had done something amazing and life-changing in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

All of these folks took risks - dangerous and life-changing risks. In many ways, the Bible is a book about risk-takers.

So, what, in this New Year, are you and I called to do?

I think that we're simply called to listen to God's call on our lives, to respond positively, and to be risk-takers.

This year, 2009, at First Christian Church, we are faced with many challenges. The manner in which we respond to these challenges will reflect greatly on our devotion to our church, our ministry together, and our mission. The way in which we respond will show whether or not we are risk-takers.

The good news is, none of our challenges are insurmountable. But they will require our diligence, vision, and commitment.

One aspect of our ministry together is that we clearly recognize the need to grow and enrich our ministry with children and youth. To that end, we have called the Reverend Jack Knox to become our full-time youth minister, effective January 19.

Jack just graduated from Brite Divinity School, with honors, and was a Plan II honor student at UT. In other words, he's a very smart guy. I've known Jack since he was a youth (he's now 29), and as I've told many, Jack is wonderful. He'll be a terrific asset to our staff, and he deserves our complete support. Jack especially desired to serve FCC-San Marcos upon the completion of his seminary training, and we should feel honored to have him working with us. He's an extremely talented minister who views youth ministry as his particular calling.

Of course, Jack has to make a living wage. Our budget for 2009 has had to be expanded to accommodate his salary. This will mean that for each and every one of us who desires for First Christian Church to move ahead positively, we will need to step out in faith and give more than what we have done in the past. It's as simple as that.

Of course, our ministry with youth is not the only thing we're about...but it is a huge part of what we're about.

And maybe most importantly, it's a strong signal to our members and guests alike that we are growing, moving forward, and doing great things for our families, for our community, for the church, and for the sake of God in Jesus Christ.

Let's do so. I know we can.

I'm always proud to be your minister and servant,

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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December 2008

Burnt Offerings: The Meaning of Advent by Charles Moore

Though Advent (literally "arrival") has been observed for centuries as a time to contemplate Christ's birth, most people today acknowledge it only with a blank look.

For the vast majority of us, December flies by in a flurry of activities, and what is called "the holiday season" turns out to be the most stressful time of the year.

It is also a time of contrasting emotions. We are eager, yet frazzled; sentimental, yet indifferent. One minute we glow at the thought of getting together with our family and friends; the next we feel utterly lonely.

Our hope is mingled with dread, our anticipation with despair. We sense the deeper meanings of the season but grasp at them in vain; and in the end, all the bustle leaves us frustrated and drained.

Even we who do not experience such tensions - who genuinely love Christmas - often miss its point.

Content with candles and carols and good food, we bask in the warmth of familiar traditions, in reciprocated acts of kindness, and in feelings of general goodwill. How many of us remember the harsh realities of Christ's first coming: the dank stable, the cold night, the closed door of the inn?

How many of us share the longing of the ancient prophets, who awaited the Messiah with such aching intensity that they foresaw his arrival thousands of years before he was born?

Mother Teresa once noted that the first person to welcome Christ was John the Baptist, who leaped for joy on recognizing him, though both of them were still within their mothers' wombs.

We, in stark contrast, are often so dulled by superficial distractions that we are incapable of hearing any voice within, let alone listening to it. Consequently, the feeling we know as Christmas cheer lacks any real connection to the vital spirit that radiated from the manger.

We miss the essence of Christmas unless we become, in the words of Eberhard Arnold, "mindful of how Christ's birth took place."

Once we do, we will sense immediately that Advent marks something momentous: God's coming into our midst. That coming is not just something that happened in the past. It is a recurring possibility here and now. And thus Advent is not merely a commemorative event or an anniversary, but a yearly opportunity for us to consider the future, second Advent - the promised coming of God's kingdom on earth.

Such an understanding of Christmas is possible only insofar as we let go of the false props of convention and seek to unlock its central paradox. That paradox, to paraphrase the modern martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer, is the fact that God's coming is not only a matter of glad tidings but, first of all, "frightening news for everyone who has a conscience."

The love that descended to Bethlehem is not the easy sympathy of an avuncular God, but a burning fire whose light chases away every shadow, floods every corner, and turns midnight into noon.

This love reveals sin and overcomes it. It conquers darkness with such forcefulness and intensity that it scatters the proud, humbles the mighty, feeds the hungry, and sends the rich away empty-handed (Luke 1:51-53).

Because a transformation of this scale can never be achieved by human means, but only by divine intervention, Advent (to quote Bonhoeffer again) might be compared to a prison cell "in which one waits and hopes and does various unessential things... but is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside."

It is a fitting metaphor. But dependency does not release us from responsibility. If the essence of Advent is expectancy, it is also readiness for action: watchfulness for every opening, and willingness to risk everything for freedom and a new beginning.

That is why the imagery of nativity scenes is not sufficient to explain the Christmas message. Yes, God came into the feeding trough of an animal.

But it was not only as a baby that he lay there. This child was the same man who was crucified on Golgotha, and who rose again. Within the manger lies the cross - and the hope of redemption and resurrection.

To recognize this requires reverence and humility. It requires faith. We might ask, "What grounds are there for such hope?" Or we might seek to become like children, and believe. Mary did. So did the shepherds and the wise men of the East. So can each of us, wherever we are.

An Advent Meditation
Advent should admonish us to discover
in each brother or sister that we greet,
in each friend whose hand we shake,
in each beggar who asks for bread,
in each worker who wants to use the right to join a union,
in each peasant who looks for work in the coffee groves,
the face of Christ.
Then it would not be possible to rob them,
to cheat them,
to deny them their rights.
They are Christ,
and whatever is done to them
Christ will take as done to himself.
This is what Advent is:
Christ living among us.
- Archbishop Oscar Romero

Special Christmas Offering - in support of Regional Ministry

At the heart of the "Nineteenth Century Reformation", led by Stone and the Campbells, was the call to form congregations modeled after the simple essentials of the church of the apostles. State Evangelists were charged with the responsibility of forming numerous congregations and preaching points.

But early Disciples soon discovered that cooperation was necessary for congregations to get their start, to survive in times of need and to minister effectively. As mission societies developed, the position of State Secretary was created to coordinate the mission of the church. With the adoption of the Design for the Christian Church, Disciples affirmed the covenant relationship between "Regions" and the other institutional expressions of the church.

Each Region is led by a Regional Minister who not only serves as a programmatic leader and as an administrator for the many and varied ministries of the church, but gives general pastoral oversight of all members of the church in a given Region. Each Region is charged with the responsibility for working to fulfill the mission of the church and providing for the continuing renewal of the life of congregations, members and ministers.

With the gifts they receive, Regional Ministries support congregations through:

Planning, visioning, pastoral care and conflict management
Empowering leaders through workshops, resources and networking
Strengthening ministry through calling new ministers
Licensing, ordaining and maintaining current ministers
Growing faithful disciples through camps, conferences, youth ministries and ministries to men and women
Providing outreach through establishing new congregations, eradicating racism, sharing in mission with projects and trips, and ecumenical partnerships

With your Christmas Offering, you support the ministries offered by the Region that serve your church.

In Christ's Love,

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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November 2008

Almost twenty years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. I'd spent the previous several years managing and developing movie theaters. But I was burned out. I was weary of too many hours spent away from home and my family, an odd work schedule, hassles with the corporate office...and always having the smell of popcorn permeate my clothes and hair.

Mostly, I found myself approaching the age of 30 with a growing unease that I was spending my life not doing what was intended or what I needed in order to find fulfillment and meaning.

I abruptly quit the theater business with no real idea of what to do next other than mentally regroup and explore my options. I did a lot of reading and researching, evaluating my personality and skills. I took night classes at a community college to patch up some holes in my academic resume.

I also took some graduate courses in counseling, with the idea of becoming a licensed therapist. I became increasingly involved in my church, helping sponsor a youth group, serving on a few committees, and even spending a couple of years as the church treasurer.

As my church involvement grew, so did the dawning realization that at church I was indeed finding the fulfillment and meaning that had been previously lacking. It also just so happened that my own ministers began nudging me in the direction of considering ministry as a vocation. They told me that they could see I had certain gifts that would be well-suited for ministry, and finally, with enough of their encouragement I made the decision to enter seminary. The rest - as they say - is history.

One potential stumbling block on the path of earning a seminary degree was the question of how in the world I would finance my education. A quick bit of research revealed that our denomination provided many different types of grants for seminarians, even those like me who didn't attend a Disciples-related institution. I received a generous grant through the Disciples of Christ's Division of Higher Education, without which I wonder if I would have ever been able to afford seminary.

I later discovered that the funding for the grant I received came directly from special offerings received at local Disciples congregations. It's quite accurate to say that special offerings - like the upcoming Thanksgiving Offering this month - received right here at First Christian Church, along with thousands of other Disciples congregations doing the same, made it possible for me to become a seminary-trained, ordained minister. In other words, you helped put me through seminary. Thanks!

These days, the need in our growing church is greater than ever for qualified ministers to serve our congregations. We are experiencing a dramatic number of clergy retirements that is leaving us with more churches fishing from a smaller pool of available, seminary trained pastors. As was true in my case, knowing that Disciples strongly support higher education - knowing that grants and scholarships are available - can be critical to a potential minister's decision of whether or not to make the leap into seminary.

Perhaps that's something we don't often consider when we think about the church and the future of the church. Pastoral and lay leadership is something we've grown to expect and often take for granted. We believe that there will always be someone who steps up to chair a committee, teach Sunday School, take on an elder or deacon role, lead our youth or become a pastor.

God's vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is to become a faithful and growing church. To be faithful and growing, we must be intentional about developing effective leaders for the church, both lay and ordained. More than 1,500 Disciples students at Disciples colleges, universities, and theological institutions are learning the skills they will need to help us be a faithful, growing, church. These institutions also educate more than 27,000 additional students for lives of service both in North America and around the world.

Their educations will help them lead in their churches and communities. These "faces of the future" will be pastors, lay leaders, Christian educators, and ministers of music, as well as physicians, lawyers, business people, and school teachers. These new leaders will strengthen our church for decades to come.

On November 16 and 23, we will receive the Thanksgiving Special Offering. This offering will be used to support leader development through colleges, universities and theological institutions related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). As you prayerfully consider your gift to this special offering, please keep in mind it is giving over and above your regular gifts to this congregation.

Remember, leadership development is vital for a strong future. Please give generously to support this effort.

In Christ's Love,

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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October 2008

The weekend of September 19 and 20, many of us attended a wonderful all-church retreat at the Disciples Oaks Retreat Center just outside of Gonzales. This is the same campground where our children and youth enjoy summer camps and weekend retreats. Our very own Cari and Dale Fowler are the center's on-site management team.

Many of our members and staff worked quite hard to make this retreat a success. The Fellowship Department, led by Jeanne and Gary McCaffrey, provided our meals. Char Wood worked especially hard on food and other logistics. We are very fortunate to have Char on our staff and as a member. Plus, she makes a mean plate of baked beans!

Our Minister Emeritus, Dr. Jimmy Cobb, led adult keynote sessions that focused on healing and forgiveness. As only Jimmy can do, he opened our eyes through scripture to the possibilities God offers each of us and our congregation for reconciliation and peace. What a wonderful friend and mentor he is!

Perhaps my greatest thanks and highest regard is due to Melissa Benedict, our seminary intern. The planning, execution, and leadership of this retreat was Melissa's project from the get-go, and she did a fabulous job. It was a true pleasure to sit back and witness her good work. As her supervisor, I believe she deserves an "A+."

Overall, it was a supremely relaxing and rejuvenating weekend. I witnessed our members coming together in a very meaningful way. I witnessed the love of Christ made real. And, I hope this event will be something we can continue as an annual tradition.

It's quite true that we face a lot of issues as a congregation. We're challenged by money concerns (but who isn't these days?), issues with the maintenance and upkeep of our beautiful facility - Jimmy reminded us over the weekend that FCC moved into our current location almost exactly 20 years ago.

The very notion that a medium-sized congregation two decades ago would take such a huge step in faith as to purchase and build a property like ours continues to amaze me.

But what I witnessed during our retreat was that very same can-do spirit...that same faith that God will provide...that God continues to have great plans for us.

In God's space and time, I've no doubt that First Christian Church will continue to grow and thrive.

Thank you for sharing and praying with me for that bright future.

In Christ's Love,

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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September 2008

It was a Thanksgiving morning a few years back. With a house packed with hungry family and friends, I was pulling a large tempered glass casserole from the oven - bubbling and filled with a green bean casserole. I was using my trusty oven mitts that promised protection from burns.

My oven was set at about 450 degrees Fahrenheit, when the corner of the dish I was extracting rested just long enough on my left forearm to begin to make a sizzling noise; my oven mitt did not reach that far up my arm. I'd never been personally cooked like that before, and it was not a pleasant experience. In that moment I hollered a very un-Christian-like curse that did not help ease the pain, but somehow it made me feel better anyway. After applying some ice cubes and Neosporin, I was just fine.

Since then, I've been fascinated by the resulting scar tissue that developed on my forearm.

First of all, I'm amazed at how small the actual scar has turned out to be. Based on the pain I endured that day, I'd assumed the scar would be much larger; that it would be some kind of big and gnarly badge of courage to good cooking. But the severity of the burn was actually less and the scar much smaller than I originally imagined.

I don't know what that might mean, except perhaps that the scars I have endured may actually be much less of a big deal than I first believed them to be.

I think that's probably true for all of us. I don't want to diminish the reality of anyone's pain, but honestly, while the hurts we experience may at first seem to be insurmountable and perhaps, given the benefit of time and the work of healing - if we will actually allow the healing process to happen - we learn that the scars we've endured are really more like bothersome blemishes than permanent disfigurements.

Sure, they're there, but are they truly such a big deal?

We are a lot more resilient than we think we are. So often we unnecessarily and even proudly carry with us the wounds of the arrows that have been flung our way. We allow them to cling to our flesh and dig into us and cripple us from being the people whom God created and calls us to be.

But aren't we better than that? Does God really intend for us to be that way...to carry our wounds as points of pride, indignation, and insult?

Surely, scar tissue is there for a reason. It reminds us of where we have been and what has wounded us. But the very fact that there is new and supple skin than replaces the wounded spot ought to tell us something: that we don't need - nor are we required - to hold on to old hurts.

Life goes on in spite of those hurts, and if we hang on to them, then that's our doing - that's our problem - and that's not the way God has engineered things.

After all, God is all about healing and creating something new whenever hurt has occurred. God is about placing a salve - salvation - on the things that wound us, so that we can get beyond them and get on with the work that God needs us to do, which is always about helping others find their way - even as we are finding our own way.

At the same time, God knows that there is simply no way that we can live without being hurt.

It's inevitable that we will all be wounded by slings and arrows. We will all get burned. Some wounds will be physical, some emotional.

For example, on an almost daily basis, a member of our church will relay to me their story of the hurt they experienced a few short years ago as the church went through a troublesome time. Some are eager to move beyond that moment, while others are having a harder time doing so. Again, scars. Wounds.

I never want to minimize the hurt that was caused. It is real and needs to be addressed and appreciated for what it is.

But at the same time, we need to remember something essential: the good news of the gospel is that Jesus of Nazareth has already endured anything and everything that we might also endure. He proved, through God's power and love, that there is a way we too can endure and that there is a hopeful reality beyond this one.

No doubt, there are scars here. No doubt, there are festering wounds. But there's also no doubt that, as people of faith, we're called to believe in a power that's stronger and more enduring than our own.

His is the way of self-giving, self-emptying, self sacrificing love...and even in the midst of our scars, that is the way our lives are meant to be and where we know most significantly that we are the children and the healing instruments of God.

Because:

When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross,-- so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds -- you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:23-24)

In love and gratitude for the gift of being your pastor,

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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August 2008

"Seed, Scattered and Sown, wheat, gathered and grown, bread, broken and shared as one, the Living Bread of God." ("Seed, Scattered and Sown," The Chalice Hymnal, #395)

Every month, our Finance Department meets a week prior to our board meeting. One of the documents the finance folks produce is a "barometer;" including three graphs that track our congregation's income, spending, and worship attendance, compared to budget expectations and the previous year.

It's always an illuminating report, and it's reprinted in this newsletter every month. It shows, in graphic detail, what our numbers are. Some months look better than others. Trends can be tracked.

But as helpful as this barometer is, I often wonder if it offers the big picture of what our shared ministry is like at First Christian Church. The barometer does not track how many folks who've been lifted up in prayer, how many pounds of food we've collected for the Hays County-Area Food Bank, how many of our home-bound members have been lovingly served communion by our elders, or how many kids were positively affected by Vacation Bible School or Camp Hope.

Numbers are important. They illustrate the bottom line in black-and-white. But as important as numbers are, they don't tell the whole story.

Numbers can't accurately show how our youth were affected by their experience in repairing hurricane-damaged homes in New Orleans. Numbers don't reflect how our youth and children are impacted by attending church camp. Numbers don't tell us what it means to hold someone's hand at the close of worship when we sing our benediction song, and to know that we belong and that we are loved.

We live in a culture dominated by numbers. The price of gasoline. The stock market. The cost of a loaf of bread at HEB.

And in the church, we can easily be distracted by numbers, high or low. We tend to judge success or failure in terms of numbers.

One Sunday in July, I happened to preach a sermon about numbers, based on Jesus' parable of the sower. In that passage from Matthew's Gospel, God - the sower - is revealed as being pretty indiscriminant about where his seeds are sown. Some fall on useless ground, while other seeds take root in fertile soil. The funny this is, he tosses the seeds every-which-way, regardless.

It would make sense, in the way we think about the economy of things - about numbers - to assume that there's a finite quantity of seeds...or dollars...or...you name it. And, that we should be careful about where we toss our seed. But in God's economy - or more accurately - in God's Kingdom, there is no scarcity, no limits. Only an endless supply of seeds. In other words, an endless supply of grace.

Numbers do matter. But what matters more - abundantly more - is our reliance on God's grace, and our understanding that small seeds blossom into great things, and that we should be as extravagant as God in terms of where and how much we sow.

I invite you to focus with me on how we can best sow those small seeds of grace, and watch them grow.

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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July 2008

By now, I hope that all of you have had the pleasure of meeting Melissa Benedict, our seminary Intern who will serve us through December as an Associate Minister. When she completes this internship, she'll be awarded the Master of Divinity Degree and be ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

We were first approached by SMU-Perkins School of Theology last fall about the possibility of taking on one of their Disciples of Christ seminary students, and I eagerly accepted the prospect. It was a no-brainer to have someone serve our church full-time at a bargain rate, especially after I met with Melissa and reviewed her resume.

This young woman has had a near-perfect grade point average both as an undergraduate and as a seminarian, and she impressed me with her poise and her devotion to ministry. Her mother is a Disciples pastor in Plano, and she's married to a career Air Force Officer, Tim, who's completing his Doctorate work in physical therapy. When Tim has finished his training, he and Melissa hope to be stationed in Europe.

Many of you have already experienced Melissa's abundant skills in worship. And, she's already interacted with our youth by serving as a counselor at the CYF Conference summer camp. One of our obligations to this program is that we have a "Lay Teaching Committee" that meets with Melissa every three weeks for evaluation and direction. As her mentor/supervisor, I meet with her weekly to hear how she's doing at FCC, and offer her advice.

One big mistake is to see Melissa as our youth minister only. While it's true that she'll be an integral part of our youth ministry, Melissa's academic task here is to have the full range of ministry experience. She'll be with me at the hospital, to serve communion to home-bound members, and to respond to any pastoral needs.

She'll also serve in worship in a variety of roles - including preaching - and she'll serve as a minister who'll work with most every department and committee of the church. In other words, Melissa should be considered by every member as a fully bona-fide minister of our congregation.

As a congregation, we should view our time with Melissa as a very special blessing for the whole church. We're in the privileged position of helping to train and build up a minister who will benefit the whole Body of Christ.

And who knows...Melissa may one day return here. Stranger things have happened.

All I know is this: Melissa Benedict is most worthy of our time, attention, effort, prayers, and encouragement of her call to ministry and it's the least we can do to support that calling. So, please give Melissa your effort, your support, and your love. She's worth it...and so are we all.

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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June 2008

A Year in Our Life

As I write this, I'm attending a preaching workshop that's held every year, my week of "continuing education" covenant with you. This year I'm attending an event called "The Festival of Homiletics,' in which very big-name preachers and teachers of preaching from prominent schools of theology dispense their pearls of wisdom upon those of us who struggle every Sunday to share our understanding of the Gospel from the pulpit. I'm enjoying it immensely.

As enlightened as they may be, however, these teachers of preaching have only rarely been actual pastors in practice. Most have not often held the hand of a church member who is dying. And, for the most part, they have also not experienced all of the plus-side of being a pastor; of witnessing all of the wonderful things that happen through and because of the church.

In the past twelve months, I've been incredibly blessed by being the pastor of this congregation, and I can hardly believe that it's been an entire year since I packed up my stuff - a lot of it, at least - and moved here. We've accomplished a lot in that time, and I count so many of you among my blessings.

We had a great Vacation Bible School last summer; we updated our Nursery area; we had a wonderful Fall Festival and a terrific Advent season with a great Christmas Pageant; the Stations of the Cross was a huge success; we had a large number of children who were baptized on Easter, lots of graduates this spring, a bunch of new members to welcome...so much to be thankful for.

We also transformed our Narthex to make it more beautiful, and enhanced our worship space with a projection system that brings our worship experience into the 21st Century. More enhancements and improvements are in the works.

Most importantly, I feel that we've done a lot of healing and have worked honestly with the pain that has been present in the unfortunate recent past of this congregation; some tough stuff has been dealt with -and will continue to be dealt with - but I also know that we will persevere through it all, and come out victorious, because I believe that is God's will for us.

We will indeed emerge as God's triumphant and victorious people, doing God's gracious will. The past is the past, and God has a very bright future for us.

When I was a child, an elder in my church handed me a wooden token, just about the size and shape of a half-dollar coin. He had asked me a question - I don't recall what - and I had responded "I'll get around to it." He laughed, reached into his pocket, and handed me this small wooden disk. Boldly imprinted on one side of this "coin" were the words, "ROUND TUIT." On the flip side were the words, "Please be patient. God isn't finished with me yet."

I've long since lost that "round tuit," but I've never forgotten the truth that we are all works in progress, and that God is never finished with us. That's true for me, for all of us, and especially for our church.

We will continue to grow, and learn, and serve sacrificially, and prosper as a congregation. I will continue to learn, grow, lead, and move forward with you. Please pray for me and with me. I love you and am committed to serving you to the best of my ability. With God's help and grace, we'll keep on getting a "round tuit."

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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April 2008

Beyond Easter

What a glorious Easter we experienced! A cool and blustery but well-attended Sunrise Service, lots of folks - many first-time guests - in the 10:30 service, the ever-popular egg hunt, a terrific breakfast, and also during the 10:30 service we witnessed six baptisms, and on top of that, the addition to our family of seven more folks joining by transfer. I had to go home afterward and take a nap!

Easter came and went early this year. Actually, Easter never really "went" anywhere, as if we don't celebrate the risen Christ every Sunday we gather. And, until we reach the Day of Pentecost, the official "birthday" of the Christian church, we'll continue to be in the Season of Easter on the liturgical calendar.

This season focuses on how the event of the resurrection energized the followers of Jesus to take their first fledgling steps into becoming the church, as they began to understand who Jesus was in light of Hebrew scripture, and what his true identity, mission, and ministry were all about. They were connecting the dots between all that had happened and what they were called to do next.

In many ways we are like those early followers. Some of us still wonder about the resurrection, and for good reason: it was an earth-shattering moment in time where all of our presuppositions about life, death, and ultimate destiny were turned upside down.

We also resemble those disciples in that we constantly ask one another and ourselves, "What do we do now? How do we respond to this good news? How does this impact our lives, our families, our community, and our world?" Do we keep this news to ourselves, or risk our necks by sharing it?

One truism is that any community, ancient or modern, can easily become complacent or insular, believing that, "Yes, this is what we believe, we're happy with it, and if others want to join us, we're glad about that - but they must come to us."

Churches often take on that kind of unhealthy mindset. The post-resurrection disciples and other followers of Jesus were in turn frightened, jubilant, anxious, and eager. Some wanted to return to their old way of life: "Let's go back home to Galilee and do some fishing." Some wanted to stay in Jerusalem and hash things out with the Jewish religious establishment, who were suspicious - to say the least - of the claims being made about Jesus' resurrection.

There was the pull on the one hand to return to normalcy, and on the other, to reach out in ways that might prove dangerous. It wasn't until the Holy Spirit arrived like a rushing wind some 50 days after Jesus rose from the grave that those followers became full-fledged evangelists, boldly filled with the very same power that had propelled Jesus forward in his life and ministry.

But before the Spirit came, and in the absence of Jesus, I suspect there were far more questions than answers, more confusion than clear direction, more of a "circle the wagons" mentality than the desire to share the good news.

Thankfully, the Spirit did come, they did reach out with great vigor, and as we later learn, "...day by day, the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47)

As a church we then have an enormous benefit the disciples did not enjoy prior to the Day of Pentecost. We already have that same Spirit with us; a Spirit that energizes, gives direction, consoles, provides confidence, and builds community. And on top of that, we have a really great story to share. The best story of all.

According to the Bible, then, the Lord should add to our number day by day. But if that's not happening, we need to seriously reflect on why.

I've observed that the members of our church, like many churches, enjoy attending because it's a time to reconnect with good and faithful friends. There's certainly nothing wrong with that; we all yearn for a place where we know we belong, and we're naturally drawn to people we know and love. We want to catch up on things with them. How are your kids? Is your mother doing better? How about those Spurs?

But in the midst of that kind of important interpersonal fellowship, we also need to be very aware: aware that we have, on a regular basis, a fairly high number of guests in our midst, visiting us perhaps for the first time, or those who may have become inactive and have returned to check things out.

It's crucial that each of us have a heightened sense of alertness to these folks, who have taken the time and made the often frightening but brave decision to get out of bed on Sunday morning and walk through our doors.

If every person who visited us once were to actually return twice, three times, ten times, and eventually make the decision to join us, our growth would be explosive. But so many of our first-time guests do not return, and that's a cause for concern.

It could be that they were searching for something different in terms of worship style, or preaching, or music. There might be any number of reasons, as unique as each individual.

But in all my years of ministry, I've discovered that the number one reason a person feels the desire to return, get involved, and join a church boils down to one word: relationships.

Relationships with other members, in the midst of seeking a closer relationship with God. Feeling as if they've found community, a safe place, friends they can trust. For the vast majority of folks, having valuable relationships matters a great deal more than almost any other aspect of church life.

Obviously, if you're a guest in church and that element is missing because precious few or - Heaven forbid - none of the members have recognized and affirmed your presence, if you haven't been introduced by a member to other members, if you haven't been invited to attend an event or activity, if you feel as if it didn't make a difference to anyone that you were even there - that you were invisible - it's highly unlikely you'll return. Who could blame you?

The bulk of our members no doubt feel that we are a friendly church. No surprise there; we already have friends here. But it takes a much more intentional effort to extend that friendship to others. Between services and after worship, so many of us cluster in small groups or make a beeline toward the parking lot after exchanging a few pleasantries.

Please stop. Look around. If an unfamiliar face enters your field of vision, go ahead and make the assumption that person is a guest. If they're already a member you simply didn't know previously, then rejoice because you've met a fellow member.

But if that person is indeed a guest, look them in the eye, smile, shake their hand, ask their name (and remember it), and tell them just how much it means to you that they would visit us. And don't stop there. Ask how they heard of our church, and as you're doing so, gather other members into your conversation so that they can also meet this guest. Surround them with love. Invite them back. Let them know about the next activity your small group is doing. Tell them what a great congregation this is. Introduce them to me.

That, my friends in Christ, is the answer to "What do we do now?" in light of the resurrection. This is what we do, with the help of the emboldening, guiding, energizing, community-building Spirit, after Easter: we invite others to share in that resurrection light. Everyone we encounter, whether before or after worship, or anywhere. But first, we must encounter them. That is how we will grow in number, day by day.

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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March 2008

Burnt Offerings: A Ton Plus Eight in 2008

First Christian Church members have very generously donated hundreds of pounds of nonperishable food to the Hays County Area Food Bank in the past several months - 201 pounds in January alone. Most of this food has been brought forward by our children during worship, collected from members, as the kids come forward for the children's sermon. During the 8:30 service, members bring food as they come forward to receive communion.

This past month we also collected a bunch of food for the annual Souper Bowl of Caring, coinciding with Super Bowl Sunday (wasn't that a great game, by the way - even if the Cowboys didn't play?).

This offering of food matters very much to families who are our friends and neighbors; folks who depend on the food bank for basic staples that most of us take for granted when we're in the grocery store. It's a clear reflection as a congregation of our response to Jesus' calling to feed the hungry and care for those less fortunate.

Now, a creative and exciting challenge: during the year of 2008, I believe that as a church, we can easily donate 2,008 pounds of food for the Hays County Area Food Bank. In other words, "a ton plus eight in 2008." Our Outreach Department will post a barometer in the Narthex illustrating our progress toward that goal.

This will mean that all of us will need to intentionally remember this challenge every time we visit the grocery store. Simply pick up an extra can or two of beans or corn, a box of rice or dried mashed potato flakes, a couple of cans of soup...that you devote to bring to church on Sunday. Perhaps we can think of it as our "grocery tithe".

When we get home from the store, we then set these items aside in a bag and bring them to church on Sunday. During worship, the children (or in the 8:30 service, anyone) will take these items forward. We will then deliver them all to the food bank the same week and families right here in Hays County will enjoy a decent, nutritious meal. It's as simple as that and it's what we're called to do as disciples of Jesus Christ. Hardly anything could be easier.

Just think of it: 2,008 pounds of food! What kind of difference will that make in the lives of people in need? What kind of statement will that make about our commitment to being followers of Jesus Christ? What other church in San Marcos will take on that kind of challenge?

I believe we can and I believe we will! Remember: A Ton Plus Eight in 2008!

Public Awareness

The Public Awareness Team has designed a new bumper sticker that will be available to all members soon. The design includes a stylized Disciples Chalice (I think of it as the Chalice on steroids) and our website address.

After receiving much helpful feedback from members regarding the use of the Chalice versus using an oak tree design, it was determined that the Chalice was the way to go. I hope all our members will display this bumper sticker proudly on their vehicles, each becoming a rolling advertisement for our church. The bumper stickers will be available free of charge in the Narthex, so please pick up one for each vehicle you own, and stick it on!

Growing the Church

One of the most important tasks I agreed to take on when I was called to FCC last summer was that of growing our church. We need to approach this job honestly, intentionally, and as a long-term effort.

First of all, we need to acknowledge the fact that many members of FCC departed roughly three years ago when a tumultuous rift occurred. Some of our members left with a former minister to form a new congregation and some simply left out of disgust or disappointment at the way things were going.

I don't want to downplay the impact of that event. Many members were terribly hurt, disillusioned, and disenfranchised. Almost every day, I speak with members who are still seeking to heal from that catastrophe. It's such a shame that this happened, but it did. While we have to face that reality, we also need to address the question of whether or not that event will define us or limit us in the future.

One of my favorite authors, Viktor Frankl, wrote in his best-seller, "Man's Search for Meaning," that whatever happens to us is far less important than our response to what happens to us. He should know, because he survived a Nazi concentration camp. In other words, we have the power to respond in positive, constructive ways to negative events. They need not define us. We have control over how we'll move forward. More importantly, we have the ever-creating love of God to empower us.

With that power in our hands and hearts, here's what I'd like to see happen:

That we acknowledge the mistakes and other issues of our recent past.
That we forgive those who we feel abandoned us or betrayed us, wish them well, and simply let them go their way, with our blessing.
Trusting in God's infinite ability to heal, transform, and reconcile, we look forward to an exciting future.
That we intentionally seek to bring back into our fold those members who felt as if they were set adrift; those who've not found a church home, or who would like to return to us but might feel as if they would not be welcomed. We need to express to these folks that they are indeed welcome and needed. We want them back.

I have every confidence that we will grow and prosper as a church and do amazing things in Jesus' name. But to make that happen will require the very intentional effort of every member. We must not be complacent; we must be proactive. Each of us must make it our personal mission to invite the people with whom we interact on a daily basis to visit our church. Every member must see it as his/her personal goal to hold forth the gracious invitation to be a part of something wonderful, being part of a loving, supportive and growing family of faith in Jesus Christ. Every member must "buy in" to our new slogan, "Everyone Belongs," and think of it not merely as a slogan but a reality that each of us is called to live out.

While we're at church, we need to be on high alert for unfamiliar faces. Don't assume that any person has already been greeted by a member. Guests are doing us a huge favor by paying a visit; the least we can do is acknowledge and welcome their presence. Resist the habit of clustering only with a small group of friends, with your backs to those guests who are strolling by unnoticed. Reach out, introduce, be genuine, ask questions, smile a bunch, and exude true biblical hospitality.

Ours is the best church in town...so let's be darned proud of that fact and let people know it!

I know and believe that we will grow and I thank you for your efforts. As your minister, I'm going to do all that I can and am depending on every member to do his/her part. This is an exciting, growing moment for us...let's keep this excitement and growth moving forward!

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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February 2008

Burnt Offerings: Ash Wednesday

Growing up as a Disciple, I didn't experience many of the varieties of religious expression my Catholic, Episcopalian, Lutheran, and other friends enjoyed. Disciples and similar "free-church" traditions typically shunned practices that smacked of being too "high-church." We were down-to-earth, plain-spoken, and simply not interested in too much sacramental mumbo-jumbo that might get in the way of proclaiming a straightforward gospel message.

However, as time went on and more Disciples congregations began reaching out to other traditions - at least to compare notes - we discovered a treasure trove of liturgy, ceremony, and worship elements that can truly enrich our spiritual journey without compromising our basic tenet of "No creed but Christ."

Observing the Season of Lent is one of those practices we've embraced, but for many Disciples it still remains something of a mystery.

Lent, in most denominations, is the forty-day liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where he endured temptation by Satan. Different traditions calculate the forty days differently.

The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer - through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial - for the annual commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

In Western Christianity, Lent lasts from Ash Wednesday until Holy Saturday - the day before Easter. The six Sundays in Lent are not counted among the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter," a celebration of Jesus' victory over sin and death.

In the English language, Lent was formerly referred to by the Latin term quadragesima (a translation of the original Greek tessarakoste, the "fortieth day" before Easter). In the late Middle Ages, as sermons began to be given in the vernacular instead of Latin, the English word lent was adopted. This word initially simply meant spring and derives from the Germanic root for spring (specifically Old English lencten; also the Anglo-Saxon name for March - lenct - as the main part of Lent, before Easter, usually occurred in March).

This year we will initiate the Season of Lent in an Ash Wednesday worship service, during which, worshippers will be invited to receive the sign of the cross made on their foreheads using ashes. Traditionally, the ashes are made by burning palm leaves that were used during the previous year's Palm Sunday celebration. The palm ash is ground up with a little bit of oil - olive oil is my favorite - to form a paste that will adhere to the skin.

Ideally, we would have our Ash Wednesday service first thing in the morning, to allow folks to wear the sign of the cross all day. If you've never experienced that, trust me: you do receive some curious stares. However, in the interest of having the service at a time when most every member could attend, it will be at 6 PM. Not much cross-wearing time, but you still get the idea. By the way, it's a good idea to wash your forehead before going to bed, unless you want to wake up with a messy pillow-case!

Worship Attendance

Lately, our worship attendance has been lagging. I keep offering that it might be because of the lousy preaching, but everyone I talk to insists that's not the case. Whatever may be keeping you at home or anywhere else but church on a frequent basis, please know that your presence is needed. The Membership Committee has organized a phone-a-thon on Wednesday January 30 (which of course will have already happened by the time you read this) for the express purpose of checking up on inactive members, making sure they're okay, and letting them know we miss them and need them back.

I've read a lot of books and have attended several seminars on church growth and maintaining an active membership, and one constant, very simple action guarantees a growing, vibrant church: members being intentional about asking people - individually - to come to church with them. That also goes for our own members who've become inactive: invite them back!

All the advertizing in the world won't grow a church if the members don't feel personally responsible for the church's growth. It can't be relegated to an evangelism committee or to the pastor or to snazzy billboards. Every member must see it as his/her mission to invite a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or family member to come. We shouldn't assume those aforementioned folks already belong to a church, but even if they do, so what? I seriously doubt anyone being offended by being asked, "By the way, would you be interested in visiting my church?"

As it happens, I invite people all the time, but that kind of thing sort of happens naturally with me once someone I just met discovers I'm a preacher. If you have that dread common among church members of appearing like a raving zealot if you were to ask a friend to church, get real. Be your wonderful self. Give it a shot. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. You may just be handing someone the best gift they've ever received: an invitation to become part of a warm, loving, compassionate family that worships a gracious God. That's something to be proud of and to share!

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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January 2008

Burnt Offerings

In this New Year First, Christian Church will be making a concerted effort to heighten the awareness of our congregation in the community and draw in potential new members. A new group, the Public Awareness Team, is working on strategies to affordably and effectively market the church. My wife, Ellen, chairs this group, which includes Kerry Rash, Mike Wood, Brenda Damron, Rudie Stallings, and me.

Ellen, as you may know, already does this kind of thing for a living as Dean of Communication and Marketing at Amarillo College. She oversees a multi-million dollar advertising budget, has oversight of the PBS television station in Amarillo, and has many years of experience in the field of advertising, public relations, and television journalism. Even if she weren't my wife, Ellen would be my first choice to head up this effort. The team does its work by telephone conferences with Ellen, until she is able to join us here next summer. And by the way, since she is my wife, I can't wait for that to happen!

One issue this team has been developing is a "branding" for our church. Branding essentially means that we have a theme, logo, and color scheme that will be employed consistently in any advertizing or promotions we do. This will take the form of bumper stickers, any print advertizing we buy, any signs we develop, flyers, our letterhead and business cards, our web site, our worship bulletins, the little cards placed in every pew that indicates an interest in joining the church, etc. Just about anything you'll see that relates to the church.

As a Disciples of Christ congregation, we have appropriately used our denominational symbol of the red chalice with the Saint Andrew's cross in many of these applications. This stylized chalice was adopted in 1968 as our official logo when our "brotherhood" - after about 130 years - finally decided to organize formally as a denomination for the purpose of more effective mission work and organization both at home and abroad.

The red chalice with the Saint Andrew's cross is near and dear to the hearts of many Disciples, because it speaks of our identity, our practices and of the primacy of communion in our worship life. The Saint Andrew's cross adorning the chalice is a nod to our Scottish Presbyterian roots. If you have any doubts, take a close look at the British Union Jack flag - and you'll find our white cross right there among the red, white and blue of that banner.

So, it might seem like a no-brainer that we would employ the chalice in any advertizing or marketing we undertake.

However, when it comes to marketing the church to non-Disciples, the chalice quite honestly can pose a challenge. Some will accuse me of heresy for suggesting the following and as a born and bred and diehard Disciple, it pains me to admit this...but...hold on to your hats...I believe our chalice may not be the best logo in the world in terms of marketing our church today. Okay...now please don't burn me at the stake!

First of all, I know how important the chalice is for many if not most of our members, and I'm not suggesting we discard it as our symbol. Far from it. When someone visits or joins our church, I want to educate them about the symbolism of the chalice and its importance to our identity.

But from a marketing standpoint - when we want to promote our church to the general public - we must take a sober look at reality. And that harsh reality is our beloved chalice means absolutely nothing to people who don't already have a Disciples background.

As a chalice-loving person, I've been dismayed over the years when I've encountered folks who are clueless about what this logo represents. I've actually spent time on a busy street corner in Austin showing the chalice to passersby, asking them what they thought it meant. Not one person had any idea, but several thought it must be a logo for some group that condemned drinking alcohol. That might come as a surprise to those of you who occasionally enjoy a drink, but it's true.

When I've explained to friends, co-workers or the average Joe that the chalice logo is a symbol of my church, quite often the question has been, "So, your church is against drinking?" "Not exactly," I'd respond, and after five or ten minutes, they would be enlightened as to the real meaning of the chalice.

Friends, let me tell you, if it takes five or ten minutes to explain what a logo represents, it's not the best marketing tool in the world.

I know what you're thinking. If we don't use the chalice in our marketing and public relations, then how will other Disciples be able to recognize us as a Disciples church? How will they find us? Will we look like an Independent Christian Church, God forbid? Those are valid questions, and I've pondered them myself.

But again, let's do a reality check. There are approximately 750,000 active Disciples in the U.S., and that's a liberal estimate. We're not a large denomination, and there are simply not that many free-floating Disciples out there. And one of my main beefs about our denomination is that we're guilty of recycling Disciples.

By that, I mean that some Disciples churches grow in number primarily by attracting Disciples who have relocated to their area. That in itself isn't a bad thing, but my burning question is: shouldn't we also be growing new Disciples - folks who don't have a Disciples background already?

We're guilty, as a denomination, of shuffling the cards: concentrating our efforts on reeling in the few Disciples to our congregations who've left another Disciples congregation. To me, that is an insufficient formula for growing a congregation, much less a denomination. And that is no way to rely on growing our own church. We can't and shouldn't depend on those few Disciples who happen to move here to bolster our numbers.

Let me be clear. We will continue to use the phrase "Disciples of Christ" in all of our advertising and promotional efforts. So let's give those few Disciples who might move to San Marcos a little credit: they can easily identify us and visit us if they wish - Chalice logo or not.

In fact, I've learned that some Disciples congregations are moving away from using the chalice for precisely the reasons I've outlined. Not to move toward independence from the denomination, but to do a better job in promoting their congregation.

On the other hand, the argument could be made that the chalice - like it or not - does distinguish us from other churches. It sets us apart in the community. And we ought to utilize it. It's us.

But who is "us", exactly? The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is an incredibly diverse collection of churches. From one congregation to the next, the theology, styles of worship, and forms of church organization are all over the map.

Many times, I've had a Disciples visitor from let's say, Alabama, come to me and comment, "This doesn't seem like a �real' Disciples church," based on their own experience back home. If you've ever attended a general or regional assembly, you know what I mean. Disciples range from very conservative to very liberal in their theological stance, or from having a "high church" form of worship to having a very casual, praise-and-worship type of service, or from having a quite rigid eldership and board oversight to having a pastor-makes-all-the-decisions organizational structure.

In other words, to think that all Disciples believe and practice the same thing is to not be in touch with reality. I personally find this variety to be refreshing and expressive of the vast range of God's work in the world. One area assembly worship service I attended several years ago was led by Hispanic Disciples ministers, and it was downright Pentecostal in nature. Many of the folks seated around me were grumbling, "This isn't what we are as Disciples!" But I thought it was a wonderful expression of our diversity.

My point is that Disciples are not a monolithic group, that every congregation is different and that our common point of reference comes more from our shared Restoration Movement based history.

The Restoration Movement, which was part of the Second Great Awakening in 19th Century America, sought to unite all Christians into one body that would mirror or restore the church as it was expressed in the New Testament, and particularly in the book of Acts.

Our founders - Alexander Campbell, Barton Stone, and others - believed that if the New Testament church was replicated in its purest form, the Kingdom of God would be ushered in once and for all. Over time - and especially following the Civil War and into the 20th Century - this movement gave birth to at least three distinct groups: the Churches of Christ, Independent Christian Churches, and the Disciples of Christ.

As it happened, the Disciples of Christ turned out to be the more open-minded of these groups, accepting of a greater range of belief and practice, and permitting such things as women serving as elders and clergy, the use of instrumental music in worship, and embracing other denominations - and even Catholicism - as truly valid forms of Christianity. In other words, at our best we accept all believers, and we don't pretend to have an absolute claim on the only way to be a Christian.

So, we are the beneficiaries of a long history of faithful folks who have sought to include all Christians under one roof. And, that is a legacy I firmly am committed to: I believe that one of our greatest strengths is that we are inclusive of all followers of Christ, and that we must be open and accessible to anyone who is a seeker of faith in Jesus, just as I am.

I couple this with the fact that increasingly, and particularly among young adults, there is a mistrust of organized religion. The explosive growth of huge nondenominational churches owes much to this phenomenon. Many times I've been asked the question by a potential member: "Does this church belong to a denomination?" When I respond in the affirmative, even though I explain that each of our churches function independently, own our own property, and are free to make our own decisions with no hierarchy calling the shots from on high, that's usually the last time I'll ever see that person.

So, perhaps we need to rethink using a denominational symbol from that standpoint. For those who join us who do harbor suspicions of denominations, I'd prefer to let them see for themselves that their fears are ungrounded as they become engaged in the life of the congregation. But waving a denominational banner in their face from the outset may have a chilling effect.

Normally, a decision made by a committee or task group - and no decision has been made in this case - should be respected by the rest of the members, who are always welcome to join a committee if they have an opinion on any subject. But in this case, I believe it is appropriate to have a friendly, broader discussion because of the emotional and pragmatic concerns related to how we use the chalice.

So, I'd appreciate your feedback. By the way, the other option we've discussed in the event we choose not to use the chalice is a logo of an oak tree. Not just any oak tree, but a drawing by Bernice Scott of the beautiful tree nearest our main entry. The tree logo, for me, expresses growth, permanence, stability, beauty, and our location in the Hill Country. Plus it's our tree!

Please do let me know your thoughts and feelings on this issue. It's important to me that we all "buy in" to any marketing or promotional effort we undertake, and that whatever we do is truly expressive of our wonderful congregation. You can contact me at the church, 396-1926, or .

Proud to be your pastor,

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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September 2007

Burnt Offerings

Many exciting things are happening in the life of First Christian Church in the month of September.

We'll be in full swing with our new Sunday School classes for all ages (and a very spruced-up Education Wing, Nursery, and Toddler Room); our Wednesday night "Family at First" program of dinner, adult Bible Study, and children's and adult choir rehearsals; our Friday "Dinners With David" in member's homes; my installation service at 4 PM on the 23rd; Consecration Sunday on the 30th, and much more.

In the midst of all this, there is one special event I want to highlight in particular and encourage you to mark on your calendar.

Our Trustees have established a new Permanent Fund at FCC, and to educate us on how such a fund benefits our congregation and its members, we have invited the Reverend Bobby Hawley, a Disciples' minister who serves the Christian Church Foundation, to preach during both services and offer special presentations on Sunday, Sept. 16. The Foundation serves as the trust department arm of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and helps in the areas of planned giving and stewardship of permanent funds.

Bobby worked with our trustees last year to help develop the Permanent Fund. He knows how important it is for us to now begin the process of educating the congregation about it and build the fund as a crucial asset for our church.

On the 16th, Bobby will make a presentation in the Fellowship Hall during the Sunday School hour at 9:30. I wouldn't normally encourage anyone to play hooky from Sunday School, but that day would be the exception. We want as many adults as possible to attend because the information Bobby will share is so valuable.

Following the 10:30 worship service, any members who cannot attend the 9:30 presentation or who are interested in a more in-depth discussion with Bobby are asked to RSVP to the church office no later than Wednesday Sept. 12 (396-1926). A lunch will be served, but we first need reservations.

Why are we doing this? In all my years of ministry, I've learned that many church members need basic inheritance information. They need it from someone (a) they can trust, (b) who understands the importance of the church, and finally (c) someone who is not trying to sell something. Too many folks make decisions from an uninformed position. I want you to be informed with absolutely no obligation.

I also know that too few people have a legal will - one that directs affairs the way they want. Without one, the State directs how things happen. I know many of us don't like thinking about such things, but instead, imagine how you can plan now to take care of your family and your cherished causes, all in the way you want. And while you do, you might be able to save yourself significant tax dollars!

That's why we've invited Bobby to meet with us. His presentations are for information only. They will equip you with basic tools to help you know what questions to ask concerning the development of your estate.

The Christian Church Foundation has been very helpful to ministers and churches around the country and it doesn't cost a thing. Hundreds of congregations and thousands of church members have benefited by using their services through the years.

Please come and meet Reverend Hawley on Sunday, Sept. 16, and plan on attending his presentation at 9:30, or make a reservation to attend the presentation following the 10:30 service and enjoy lunch with us. Our time with Bobby will be well spent. I hope to see you there.

Your Partner in Christ,

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

DR. ROBERT "BOBBY" W. HAWLEY is the vice president of the South Central Zone of the Christian Church Foundation. He is responsible for working with members, congregations, regions and other entities of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Great River, Oklahoma and Southwest Regions. Before joining the Foundation in November 1998 as assistant vice president in the South Central Zone, Hawley served nine years as senior minister at Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in El Paso, Texas. He also has served as an associate minister at Alamo Heights Christian Church, San Antonio, and chaplain for Juliette Fowler Homes in Dallas. He is married and his wife, Diane, is on the faculty of Harris School of Nursing at Texas Christian University. They have three children - Alicia, Kelsey and Noah.

A Texas native, Hawley (who prefers to be called Bobby) earned his bachelor's degree in social work from Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, his master of divinity from TCU's Brite Divinity School and his doctor of ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Austin, Texas. He is a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) and a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Bobby has a pastor's heart and is wholly committed to his ministry to help individuals and families take full advantage of the planned giving instruments that are available in order to bring maximum benefit to themselves, their heirs and the church they love.

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August 2007

Burnt Offerings — A Resurrected Church

Resurrection is a core belief for Christians. We believe in the resurrection of Christ, and the promise of our own resurrection to new life when this life comes to an end.

But resurrection as a theological concept can go much deeper. We can have a taste of resurrection any time we experience a reawakening of our faith, when with awe we witness the return to health and vitality of a loved one who had been near death, or when we find reconciliation and forgiveness in a personal relationship. All of these are resurrection experiences because they point to new life, to hope, and to the awesome power of love over all else.

Churches can also experience resurrection. Vitality, growth, unity and healing can emerge from lethargy, decline, brokenness and hurt. Excitement can emerge from anxiety. Purpose and direction can emerge from indifference and aimlessness.

If we truly believe in the concept and the sheer power of resurrection, we can and ought to believe that nothing - absolutely nothing - is beyond God's ability and reach...and we should all recognize that First Christian Church is in the midst of nothing less than resurrection.

I witness the signs of this every day, and it is a beautiful thing to behold. So many members are coming to me to offer their enthusiastic help and support for a wide range of initiatives and programs. Whenever my friends, family, and colleagues ask how things are going for me here thus far, I respond, "I'm having a ball, and the members here are chomping at the bit to get things going. It's truly exciting, and it's a joy to be here."

I could easily write a small book about the wonderful signs of resurrection that are occurring at First Christian Church, but allow me to highlight just a few:

The MILES Team

We have established a new Member Integration, Life, Enrichment, and Service (MILES) team that will operate as an independent sub-group of the Evangelism, Membership, and Outreach committees. Chaired by Claire French, the MILES team is comprised of only a few members and myself, who will coordinate their activity with the aforementioned committees.

The goals of the MILES team are to:

Track and encourage the progress of FCC guests toward membership;
Mentor new members toward integration into specific areas of interest in the life of the church, including fellowship groups and Sunday School classes;
Keep track for one year of each new member's involvement in the church and provide follow-up and encouragement;
Move each new member into some aspect of service (or outreach) within or preferably beyond the church.

The MILES team will not necessarily perform this work by themselves, but will act as a coordinating body, recruiting and training existing members to act as mentors for prospective and new members. The team will rely heavily on the cooperation of and communication with the Evangelism, Membership, and Outreach committees to perform their task.

One important component of the MILES concept is the offering, up to three times per year, of a Membership Class, led by me during the Sunday School hour, for a period of four consecutive weeks. This class will be geared toward prospective and new members, and will cover Disciples of Christ history and structure, the history and structure of FCC, beliefs and practices, and expectations of membership.

Education

We are making real progress toward the hiring of an associate minister to act as youth director and education coordinator. With hope and the grace of God, we will have someone on board by September. Mattie Howard and Teri Stapp, Education co-chairs, are a busy pair these days. One initiative is an updating of our nursery facilities and policies, to make that area more attractive and welcoming for parents and their children. We are looking to renew a children's church program for children in preschool through 2nd grade. Two new fellowship groups will be developed for early elementary and older elementary age kids, to compliment our Chi-Rho and CYF groups.

*Please note: A Back to School Kickoff Sunday will be held August 26. In lieu of the 8:30 worship service that day only, we will have a breakfast, an open-house tour of the classrooms for children and youth, and recognition of children during worship. Throughout the year, Sunday School attendance and other awards will be presented to children during worship. Beginning August 26, a lectionary-based curriculum will be used in our children's Sunday School classes, and I will lead a lectionary Sunday School class for adults. In this way, children and their parents will learn the same Bible lessons that will also be our focus during worship.

We are also bringing back a Wednesday evening supper and program night, "Family at First," which will begin with a meal at 5:30, and follow at 6:15 with fellowship groups for children and youth, and an adult Bible study led by myself that will essentially cover the same material for that week's upcoming lectionary selection that will be studied during Sunday School and worship. Among other things, Sunday School teachers who attend the Wednesday night Bible study can learn more about the passage they will teach on the following Sunday. Chancel Choir rehearsal follows at 7:15 PM for those of you who want to add music to your ministry here at FCC.

Worship

A "Kids Welcome Wagon" will be stationed in the Narthex (A large red Western Flyer-style wagon) containing personalized bags, each containing materials that children can utilize during worship. Each bag will include crayons, a current children's worship bulletin (also lectionary-based), coloring books, and other age-appropriate magazines, books, and devotional materials. Beginning August 5, we are implementing a new practice during the second service: as the children come forward for the Children's Sermon, they will collect non-perishable food items from the members (who will need to bring one or two items with them each Sunday). The children will place these items in a large basket located immediately in front of the Communion Table. This practice allows the children to make a tangible offering each Sunday, it will be a sign of our congregation's dedication to serve the hungry in our midst, and for all it will be a clear sign that children are important to us. The food collected will be donated each week to the local community food pantry.

*Please note: during the month of August, in addition to or in lieu of food, the children will collect school supplies for underprivileged children in the San Marcos School District. You can always bring food items, but I encourage you to bring school supplies this month. You may bring an individual school supply item or provide for an entire set of supplies for one child in a sealed bag marked with the appropriate grade level (please refer to the supply list on the back of the August calendar in this newsletter). Want to be truly generous? Buy a complete set of supplies and place them in new book bag or backpack to make a child completely ready to start the school year off right! We will deliver the supplies to the SMCISD administrative offices, where they will be distributed to campuses with students in need.

Christian Men's Fellowship

We are initiating a men's fellowship group with a kickoff breakfast on Saturday August 4 at 7:30 AM. Robert Pruett is initially coordinating this group which will focus its efforts on a combination of fellowship and work; primarily work projects at the church, but also beyond. This is one of the most exciting developments to emerge since my arrival and I encourage all men to get involved!

SALT Groups

The newly-formed SALT groups (ask Lenore Bolton to find out what SALT stands for) provide a system for our elders and deacons to be organized for serving the church and its members. In late June the elders and deacons gathered on a Saturday to learn about the expectations and significance of their roles. It was a wonderful time of sharing and fellowship, and I so much appreciate the work of our elders and deacons, especially in the realm of helping care for our own members in times of illness or crisis.

Again, these are only a handful of some of the exciting things now happening at First Christian Church. I am grateful beyond words for the opportunity to be your minister, your friend in Christ, and your co-worker in these efforts. To serve a resurrected church is every minister's dream come true and I am living that dream. Thank you, God.

Your Brother, and Friend in Christ,

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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July 2007

Burnt Offerings

Hospitality: perhaps my favorite biblical concept, liberally sprinkled throughout the scriptures, but often overlooked. Hospitality is something we're regularly reminded of in the Bible, something we're called to demonstrate as individuals and as a church, and is behavior that is clearly pleasing to God, so much so that if we behave in a hospitable manner, God deems us as righteous.

My favorite hospitality story occurs in the book of Genesis, chapter 18. Out in the middle of nowhere, in a place called the Oaks of Mamre, living the nomadic existence of a tribal chieftain with a certain promise of God resonating through his head and heart, Abraham is interrupted from his daily routine by the sudden appearance of three dusty strangers straggling into his encampment from out of the vast wilderness.

Abraham doesn't ask these travelers what their business is or what in the world they're doing trekking about the desert. Even though Abraham is the revered leader of a substantial group of families, servants, large herds of livestock, and men-at-arms, he instantly - and incongruously - assumes the posture of a head-waiter at a posh restaurant when these complete strangers shuffle up to the threshold of his tent.

The three guests, who unknown to Abraham are actually angelic creatures (one of them turns out to be Yahweh himself in disguise!), are treated by Abraham to the very best of what he possesses. The best drink, the choicest meat, the coolest spot in the shade. Abraham literally runs to and fro to satisfy their every need, waiting on them hand and foot... because such is the tradition of the ancient Near East from time beyond memory.

Not that everyone in the region honors that tradition. Far from it. In the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, not too far distant, the residents have apparently forgotten this time-honored code of conduct, subjecting visitors seeking refuge to cruel and unjust treatment, up to and including sexual harassment as a form of sport to amuse the locals.

But not Abraham. He exhibits the best of what hospitality truly means, and it pleases God. So much so that the three strangers affirm that he and his wife Sarah (who rightfully should have long retired to a comfortable community in south Florida and been content playing Canasta every Thursday) would indeed be blessed with a male heir. Not surprisingly, Sarah chortles at this impossible idea - only to later deny her incredulous laughter...somewhat unconvincingly. And, by the way, the birth of Isaac occurs not long thereafter.

Perhaps almost as intensely as the famous test Yahweh later slaps on Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, this episode seals the deal in God's eyes that Abraham is truly a righteous human being worthy of God's enduring promise and blessing. And, it all has to do with the kind of hospitality God desires for all humanity.

Interestingly, many people of faith misconstrue the subsequent tale of Sodom and Gomorrah as an indictment of sexual deviancy, when in fact - viewed as a whole with the preceding story of Abraham and the three visitors - it is much more about hospitality, or the consequences of the lack thereof. In other words, viewed honestly, Sodom and Gomorrah isn't about homosexuality. It's about the absence of hospitality and the destructive consequences of such behavior.

So, what has this to do with us? Everything, as it turns out.

Consider for a moment the ministry of Jesus. At every turn, much to the consternation and conniption fits of the religious authorities of the day, the increasingly popular Jesus exhibited an outrageous form of hospitality. He welcomed and dined with sinners (prostitutes, those who had made themselves ritually unclean, etc.), tax collectors (reviled collaborators with the Romans), and other social outcasts.

By not only associating with, but by happily hosting such ne'er-do-wells, Jesus placed himself firmly as the model that God valued, and in mold of Abraham who welcomed unknown (and potentially unclean) visitors into his tent, who situated them in a place of honor, and who promised them a place in God's Kingdom.

Such activity earned Jesus no fans among the proper and upright citizens and keepers of the true faith, but he stubbornly kept on insisting that the Kingdom of God included any and all comers, even (gasp!) Samaritans, of all people.

The examples go on and on, but one more might bear discussing. In the Book of Acts, Peter tells of a wild vision wherein he is commanded to eat of all sorts of food strictly deemed unfit for observant Jews. In a nutshell, that vision is Peter's life-altering moment when his "Berlin Wall" must come down and he is from that point on able to welcome Gentiles into the burgeoning Christian movement.

God clearly wants us to be people who are hospitable, welcoming, accepting, nurturing, understanding, forgiving, and capable of getting over our old prejudices in order to fully embrace new friends in Christ.

The interesting thing is, in these biblical stories there doesn't appear to be any test for membership into God's family. The real test, it seems, is of how willing we are - as people of the covenant already - to welcome outsiders without qualifications.

After all, can any of us really say that we qualify to be included in God's kingdom? I cannot say that for myself. If I am included, it's an act of pure grace that I did nothing to earn. I'm surely not worthy, and by all rights I should not be welcomed. I'm as much a recipient of God's gracious, forgiving, and extravagant hospitality as anyone.

And we, as a church, should reflect that very same extravagant hospitality.

Let us welcome those who've felt disenfranchised by the church; those who've felt unwelcomed because they've made mistakes, or because they've been branded as unworthy. Let us welcome those who have honest questions and doubts about faith and life and where to go from here. Let us welcome those stragglers from the deserts of life. Let us welcome any and all comers.

Let us live out the kind of radical hospitality that earned Abraham the blessing of God and that Jesus died to make real. Let us be hospitable.

There are tangible and subtle ways we can do this; it really isn't all that difficult.

For instance, very simply, all of us can wear our name badges at church. We can make sure our facility is clean, inviting, and nurturing for people of all ages - especially for families with young children. During the moment in worship when we pass the Peace of Christ, we can seek out and embrace those folks we don't already know. We can invite our family members, co-workers, neighbors and friends (yes, even friends who belong to another church) to "give our church a try." And do so persistently.

We can discard the notion of being passive about whether or not someone will be welcomed at First Christian Church, and instead be proactive to ensure that hospitality will be everyone's experience here.

We can discard the language of "visitor" and replace it with the more appropriate word, "guest." After all, a visitor could be a strange alien from another planet, but a guest is someone we shower with attention and affection, a person we genuinely want to be in our midst, someone who walks away with the thirst to return because of the warmth and excitement they've experienced.

Hospitality begins with each and every one of us, and it has a power that transcends us, much like a pebble tossed into a still pond. The ripples will grow far beyond our expectations. It can expand to numbers greater than the stars in the sky, or the grains of sand on the shore. As a result, like Abraham, we can be deemed righteous by God. As followers of Christ, we can seek that same righteousness through his example.

I believe that First Christian Church will grow, both in God's Spirit and in number. I hope you share that belief with me. It is up to all of us to be the ambassadors of God's gracious hospitability. Let no one be a stranger here.

A radical, loving, accepting, forgiving, gracious, biblical hospitality is my own personal calling, my goal, and my dream, and I pray that you will share and live that dream with me...and that God in the grace that goes beyond our wildest expectations...may deem us as righteous.

Your Brother, and Friend in Christ,

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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June 2007

Friends in Christ,

I am excited and honored to begin serving you as Senior Minister of First Christian Church. I take seriously the task before us, but I also plan on us having a lot of fun together. There is much I could share with you about my specific plans for the weeks and months ahead, but the primary message I would like to offer is that I truly want to be a servant-leader among you.

First, I wish to acknowledge and offer my thanks for the ministry of Dr. McKibbin during this interim period. It is obvious he has done superb work in helping this congregation to heal, grow, and move in positive ways toward the future. Thanks be to God for ministers like James!

I am also very thankful for the hard work of the search committee under the leadership of Cindy Casparis, of Jackie Cable's warm and welcoming help in making my transition here a smooth one, and for Char and Mike Wood's eager and gracious counsel in many ways. All have made my coming to San Marcos a delightful experience.

As your new pastor, I pledge to take care of you, to listen to you, to consult with you, to pray for and with you, to be honest and straightforward with you, to be transparent in all matters, to not have any agenda beyond what is in the best interest of our church, to be your friend and confidant, and to do my very best in every aspect of my ministry among you.

I know your confidence in me will need to be earned. Unfortunately, based on your experience of the past few years, I am aware that some of you may have lost a measure of trust in the authenticity of the position I now hold. However, I respectfully ask you to step out in the faith that I will indeed be trustworthy and true; please grant me the opportunity to prove that I will do right by you, our congregation, and the gospel. I promise that your trust in me will never be violated.

That being said, I will need your help. I am not the Lone Ranger, riding in on a white horse to make all things right on my own. I do not pretend to know it all or be able to do it all. In order for First Christian Church to become the community of faith God desires it to be, your investment of heart, mind, and soul will be required. Your investment of time, talent, and treasure will be required. I will depend on you for many things. You deserve excellence on my part, and I'm prepared and happy to deliver. By the same token, my expectations for each of you are also very high. Our church deserves as much. God deserves as much - the very best we have to offer.

By the way, I want you to feel free to contact me at any time. I will always be accessible and available to you. My home address and phone number are available via the church office. My cell phone number is pending, but will be made known as soon as it is established. My email is .

For your gracious invitation to call me as your pastor, I am grateful, humbled, and more than ready to begin. Let's have a wonderful, positive, creative, enduring, growing, and blessed ministry together.

Ready to get started? I am!

Senior Minister
First Christian Church of San Marcos

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Sunday Worship Schedule Change
Please see our Summer 2010 schedule.
Exciting news!
FCC has found a new minister! We invite you to read her message to us.
VBS 2010
All the info is here!
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