Longing for Unmasked Sounds of Joy

 

I must admit I am struggling this Advent.  It is not the season itself.  I am enjoying the Advent devotions and am reading some of my favorite seasonal books.  One tradition I have is reading again Walter Wangerin’s account of Christ’s birth in The Book of God.  He is a gifted writer and I so much appreciate the “human” aspects of his account.  I am also enjoying for the first time Gordon Giles O Come Emmanuel devotional book that focuses on the hymns and carols of the season.

Our tree is up and the magi have begun their annual trek through the house.  Our tradition is they do not arrive in the manger until Epiphany.  We have even attempted to make this year special by breaking out some of the decorations we have not used in years.  Outside the lights are up and the luminaria are lit each night making a path for the Christ Child to come to our home and hearts.  My favorite Christmas CD’s are playing while I write and I have Pandora playing the Michael W. Smith Christmas station when I am in my car.

I guess the reality of this Christmas season hit home last Monday.  I met with our daughter, Katie Seale, to record my part for the virtual choir for Christmas Eve.  Katie serves as music director at our church, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Carrollton, TX.  Usually, I am surrounded by friends and we prepare for the Christmas Eve service.  This time it was just me, a microphone, computer screen and a virtual conductor.  I left realizing how much I miss the lack of fellowship this Christmas season.

This year Barb and I will attend the 4:30 outdoor Christmas Eve service.  We will sit in our car and listen on the car radio.  I am sure we will wave at a few familiar faces.  Somehow singing Joy to the World and Silent Night in that setting comes up a little lacking.  The gift of the Christ Child still has the same impact on my faith.  It is just hard to sing shouts of praise when you are wearing a mask.

I guess the secondary ‘good news” is that there is hope on the horizon.  Hopefully with a vaccine, we are able to get the pandemic under control.  Perhaps next Christmas we will at least be able to safely gather again.  Maybe even the choir might return in person instead of appearing on a screen looking a little like the opening to The Brady Bunch.  At least I have singing in the heavenly choir to look forward to.  There will be no mask in heaven, only eternal praise.

 

 

A Traditional Holiday

 

As we approach this holiday season, I recall a conversation that I had with a mom over forty years ago.  Marge was one of my Sunday school teachers, and her husband Bob was chairman of the Board of Trustees.  They rarely missed a Sunday.  Marge and Bob had one daughter.  She was a college graduate student who I barely knew.  She had gone off to college before I had joined the staff at the church.  Her reputation was as a popular, over-achieving student, who was rarely seen around church during her high school years.  Other than Easter and Christmas Eve, I do not recall having seen her.

On this day Marge stopped by my office in tears.  She wanted my counsel on an issue.  It seems that she and Bob had planned a Christmas vacation in the Colorado mountains.  They had included their daughter in the plans, figuring she would be excited over the opportunity to spend some time on the ski slopes with them.  She was shocked when her daughter vehemently objected.  She wanted a traditional Christmas at home.  Marge was especially surprised when her daughter stated she would most miss being in church on Christmas Eve. 

I honestly do not remember how Marge and Bob’s dilemma was resolved, but that is not important.  What is significant is that we keep in mind how important celebrating the holidays with a traditional celebration is to young people.  They might go their own way much of the year, but come Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve they want to celebrate at home with family.  That is why year after year, churches are packed on Christmas Eve.

The traditional family celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas are in jeopardy this year as we are warned to avoid both travel and large gatherings.  Some colleges and Universities are actually telling students if you leave campus for Thanksgiving, don’t come back until 2021.  Others schools are testing students before they leave campus, with a promise to do the same once they return.

It is a challenging time for churches and those who minister to college students and their families.  How do you connect in a meaningful way?   How can you be a messenger of grace and hope when face to face contact is impossible?  Somehow, I think Christmas cards and care packages are going to be more meaningful this Holiday Season.  Those young people who treasure a traditional Christmas are going to need a little extra love this year.

 

 

Reflections on the 2020 Election

 

This past Saturday I, along with many other Americans, watched as thousands of people flocked into the streets to celebrate the election of Joe Biden as the 46^th President of the United States.  I was not surprised to see so many young people in the crowds.  The festivities took on the same passion as commemorating a World Series Championship or Super Bowl victory.  I suspect that many of them were even first-time voters.  Sure, there were a few gray heads in the crowd but for the most part, it was the under forty voters who turned the tide in this election.  At the same time there were those protesting the legality of the election, alleging the Presidency was stolen from Donald Trump.  While most of those in that camp were over forty, I am sure you could find some young faces.

I could have predicted the outcome of the election.  I quite frankly surprised that the results were not different four years ago.  The Democrats lost that election because they chose Hillary Clinton and not Bernie Sanders as a candidate.  Bernie was the choice of Millennials and those Gen Z’s old enough to vote.  When he was out of the picture, they boycotted the process.  I felt eight years ago that it was the last time that Baby Boomers would have their way in a national election.  I was only four years off.

It is tough being on the losing end.  It is also difficult seeing so much change and having it out of your control.  There is no denying that values have shifted.  A few years ago, Pew Research reported that over half of Millennials (54%) felt things had changed for the worse, that compared with 77% of Baby Boomers and 70% of Gen X’ers. 

It is tough to except change, especially when we view the modification as a borderline-revolution.  How do we live in a world where same-sex marriage is a reality, women can choose to put an end to the life within them and even the impact of the Christian Church is on a rapid decline[T1] [T2] .

I think the key to survival is to realize that for us as Christians, nothing has changed.  We feel like we are living in Babylon but God is still on the throne, and Jesus still reigns victorious.  As the people of God, we are called to do the same things we have always done.  We must be Jesus in the world.  That requires loving people for who they are, not who we want them to be.  It means being people of hope and grace.  Only when we embrace the change and view it is a new opportunity to share Jesus will the church survive. 

 

 

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There's Got to be a Morning After

 I have had the song The Morning After stuck in my head recently.  If you are not familiar with the song, it was featured in the 1972 disaster movie The Poseidon Adventure.  The plot centered around survivors aboard a cruise ship that had capsized in a tsunami.   Most of the film takes place underwater as they try to find an escape route. The irony is it popped into my mind at a time when I feel trapped inside the 2020 election process.  As I write this, there are only ten days left till all the ballots are cast.  Still, I am looking for an escape route.  I am weary of the negative campaign ads on television.  I am tired of the anger and the rhetoric. I even had a sleepless night after watching the first presidential debate.

In the film, six survivors do finally escape.  For them, there is a “morning after.” I am not sure we can anticipate much relief on the morning of November 4.  The reality is there are going to be a lot of angry and frustrated people once the results are finalized, whether it be that day or in the days or weeks to follow.  It is hard to recall a time when our nation has been more divided.  The level of angst boggles my mind. 

I think that pastors, and others who are in ministry, need to be ready to care for and support those who are faced with the defeat of their candidate for president.  I do not think the anger is just going to disappear.  The challenge for the church, myself included, is how do we be people of hope and healing at such a time as this.

As always, I looked to the Bible, as a history of the relationship between God and His people. It is there that we find hope and guidance.  I am drawn back to God’s people in the Old Testament.  The Children of Israel went through many times and circumstances that were more troubling than what we are facing right now.  God brought them through every situation.  He truly was “the Deliverer.”  Ultimately his rescue is found in the Cross of Jesus and the Open Grave.  The things of this world are only temporary. 

Yes, we will be delivered from our current situation.  There will be a “morning after.”  In the mean time we need to be the people of God, standing confidently focused on the cross.  That means rising above the current fray and being messengers of hope. 

 

 

In-Person Worship: Guess Who Might not Come Back

Barb and I have opted not to return to in-person worship, even though our church has opened back up.  It is a combination of both of us being over seventy and the fact that her “pre-existing conditions” place her in the “high risk” group.  While we miss the fellowship with our church friends, we recognize that this is just a season we are going through.  One unexpected benefit is we are able to be part of our children’s individual ministries.  Our sons, Peter and Mark, are both pastors.  We are able to worship with them virtually, and still participate with our church family at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where our daughter Katie serves as director of worship and the arts.

Though the view of the congregation is limited, we are able to see a few familiar folks at Prince of Peace.  Yes, there are a few folks who are our age and older who are in attendance.  We are okay with their choice.  In-person worship is not something we feel comfortable with right now.  With the latest data indicating another spike in COVID-19 cases, we recognize it could be several months before we feel comfortable being out and about again.

I am well aware of the fact that folks are anxious to return to church.  Early in the pandemic my brother Jim reminded me that “we are not designed to live alone.”  When the opportunity to gather with friends and family becomes available, people will flock to be part of it.  I am hearing reports from my friends in youth ministry that when they hold events now, the kids come in droves.  It does require some adjustments for social distancing, etc. but even with the restrictions the kids want to be around their friends.  I suspect the same need is driving adults to return to worship.  The experience in the sanctuary fulfills one need and the fellowship in the parking lot and around the coffee pot satisfies another.

As people drift back to worshipping in-person, I hear one generational group is conspicuous in their absence.  Millennials, probably more than any other group, have been impacted by the pandemic.  While we still tend to think of them as being young people, the reality is that the oldest of the Millennial Generation are now approaching forty.  Do the math; If Millennials are the generation born between 1980 and 1995, they are now, for the most part, established in their careers.  Many are parents with young families. 

Many Millennials have been forced to work from home, while also supervising their children.  They are juggling their own jobs while also overseeing their children’s education.  As a result, many are in overload.  Their own needs, including spiritual, have been put on the “back burner” as they function in survival mode.  Even if their children are returning to in-person instruction, it is difficult for them to see much normalcy in the midst of the pandemic.   As a result, they are probably going to be the last generational group to return to in-person worship…. if they come back at all.

Millennials are not big on on-line worship.  The two things they cherish in being part of a worship community are lacking in virtual worship.  They want to be engaged.  That means involvement and fellowship.  Unlike many older adults who are content sitting in the pew, Millennials desire to be actively engaged in ministry.  They want to be in leadership positions and involved in hands-on ministry.  They also desire to network with others their age.  That is especially true for young parents who are looking for support and emotional encouragement. 

The challenge for pastors and church leaders become, how do we minister to and equip those who are not physically present? The truth is most Millennials still have the need but might not ever return to our church buildings again.  The new reality is finding ways to do ministry outside the physical church structure.  In the future, ministry is not going to happen in the church, but through the church touching the lives of people where they are at. 

I have long maintained that older adults and Millennials have much in common.  Now, the pandemic has added another element to the list.  At this point in time, many of us are sheltered at home.  That does not lessen our need to hear the gospel message and to be equipped to share it with others.

The Church, Science and Teen Faith

 

A few years back I found myself on the same program as creationist Ken Ham.  If you are not familiar with Ken Ham, you probably have heard of the Noah’s Ark Creation Museum.  Ken Ham is the Australian who was behind the project.  His “Back to Genesis” lecture series focuses on the first eleven chapters of the Bible.  In Ken Ham’s opinion, evolutionary theory has led to cultural decay in our country.  We were both speaking at a teacher’s conference.  I remember his statement to the audience of mostly Lutheran grade school teachers.  “More students lose their faith in high school than in college.”   The litmus test is evolution.  What happens when what they are taught in Biology Class runs contrary to what they heard in Sunday school. If the church cannot be trusted on that issue, what else can they be lying about?

Even among churchgoing teens there are shadows of doubt when it comes to how they view science and the church.  According to research from the Barna Group, 49% of Christian teens feel “the church seems to reject much of what science tells us about the world.”  When you add the reality that many teens do not “see the church as a safe place to express doubt (27%}, you can begin to see the problem.  Many Christian teens see the Bible and science in conflict and when that happens almost one in four (24%) consider themselves on the side of science.  That compares to only 17% who would consider themselves on the side of the Bible in such a debate.  Just a little over one in four (28%) see the Bible and Science as being “complementary,” meaning they support each other. 

This becomes a predicament when they head off to college, especially if they attend a public university.  What happens when the professors share a “world view” perspective that not only runs counter to what they were taught about creation but many of the values that Christians hold dear?   That puts a tremendous burden on parents and those who are involved in church youth ministry.  According to a report from the Barna Group, less that half (48%) feel “very prepared” to discuss science and the Bible with their teens. 

The current pandemic has brought this issue even more to the surface.  The question in the minds of many teens is not over who to listen to, but rather why are we not listening to the scientist who have the information?  Here again the church must take the lead in responding to the situation with appropriate action.  It also means creating a forum where the issues of science and The Bible can be discussed. 

Stop... Listen... and Learn

My friend, Jerry, invited me to play golf last Friday.  Jerry volunteers as a marshal at a local course and he was excited to show me the layout.  He had reserved a tee time and instructed me to meet him in the parking lot a half hour before.  Since I had never been to the course I left early and was there plenty early.  On arrival I sent Jerry a text saying that I was waiting and then proceeded to get out my clubs and change into my golf shoes.  As I was doing so, a fellow rode up in a golf cart and asked if I needed a ride to the club house.  Turns out he was waiting for his playing partner as well.  Before I could accept his offer my phone vibrated.  I checked and had a text message from Jerry; “Wait.”  I declined the fellow’s offer and ask what his tee time was.  It turned out he had the time just before ours.  As he responded he became quite agitated.   “This guy is always late,” he complained.  “He’s a young guy and he doesn’t wear a watch.”

 I reached into my car to get my face mask that I would need to enter the club house.  “You know this whole virus thing is a hoax,” he boldly stated.  He then proceeded to give me a lecture on how the virus was a plot to keep President Trump from being reelected.  I wanted to tell him I had lost an Uncle to the virus, but decided it was not worth the argument. 

Fortunately, my friend Jerry soon arrived.  I was grateful I had read his text.  Turns out since Jerry volunteers at the course he had enough hours credited so that he could cover my greens fee.  Unfortunately, Jerry had not had to hear the same discourse from my new friend.  The upside was that he offered Jerry a ride to the clubhouse so he could check-in and get our golf cart.  I followed behind carrying my clubs. 

I arrived at the staging area to find Jerry in the cart waiting for me.  “We won’t have time to hit any practice balls he reported.  The group ahead of us is waiting on one person, so we can move up.”  My mind immediately went back to the fellow we had met.  In the mean time a call had gone out over the speaker that someone was to report to the #1 tee immediately.  Within a minute our friend from the parking lot raced past us heading for the tee box.  It turns out his friend had been waiting for him the whole.

Since we had arrived at the tee as well, we were privy to a rather heated exchange.  It turns out the fellow waiting in the tee box had tried to text and call his waiting partner.  Our new friend was so caught up in his anger and frustration that he never checked his phone.  He just assumed he was right and the other gentleman was late.  Fortunately, the golf course starter intervened and got them on their way, alas ten minutes behind schedule.

As we waited for our turn, we had an opportunity to process what had taken place with the marshal who was serving as starter.  He shared our opinion that what had happen was so typical of what is wrong with our world today.  People do not communicate.  Messages are sent, but all to often we get caught up in our own opinion and biases. That keeps us from hearing the messages and opinions of others. 

I’ve sensed it as I visit with my neighbors and discover the barriers created by the political signs in the front yards.  I have heard it in visits around the coffee pot at church and seen it played out in social media.  Unfortunately, we all witnessed it in the first Presidential Debate.  We have lost our ability to listen, and learn from each other.  We have lost our ability to be civil and fair with each other.  And, we have lost the ability to love one another. 

I pray we can again learn to stop… listen…. and learn.

and seen it played out in social media.  Unfortunately, we all witnessed it in the first Presidential Debate.  We have lost our ability to listen, and learn from each other.  We have lost our ability to be civil and fair with each other.  And, we have lost the ability to love one another. 

I pray we can again learn to stop… listen…. and learn.

Standing in the Gap

We are still six weeks away from the national election and I am already weary of the political rhetoric.  We have stopped answering the house phone, knowing most of the calls are political in nature.  I pretend to have blinders on when I take my evening walks around the neighborhood trying to ignore the political yard signs.  I do not watch much television but when I do it is usually pre-recorded so I can fast-forward through the political commercials.  The one place I cannot avoid the political rhetoric is Facebook.  Social media is part of my life.  I use it not only to network with friends but share my ministry.  I can block the political ads but I am not going to unfriend someone just because I find their political statement offensive. 

Jesus is not pro-republican or pro-democrat.  When Jesus died on the cross, He did so for all people.  He loves those who are pro-life, just as He does those who are pro-choice.  He loves the gun rights activist the same way He loves those who pursue legislation to restrict who has the weapons.  He loves those who come to our borders seeking a new life in the same way he loves those who live in gated communities.  He loves those who want to make America great again, in the same way he loves those who cry for social justice and the end of racial inequality.  I pray each morning for President Trump in the same way I pray for Vice President Biden. 

From my perspective, I am called to stand in the gap holding high the cross of Jesus Christ.  He continues to be the only hope for our broken world.  The heated voices from either side only dishonor the Savior who died for us.  What our world needs is the hope and healing only Jesus can provide. 

Yes, I have an opinion.  When it comes to casting my vote, I will express that at the ballot.  In the meantime, I am standing in the gap praying for both sides.

 

The Eyes Have It

I have recently returned from a road trip.  It was my extended venture out into the new world.  Our son, Mark, and I traveled 2500 miles in seven days to attend a funeral in Michigan.  My 97-year-old uncle was one of the early victims of COVID-19 but we were not able to have a family gathering until now.  Uncle Don was a World War II vet, so he was buried with military honors.  He loved bagpipes and we were able to find an excellent piper to provide the music for the grave-side service.  Other than his pastor and the honor guard, the service was limited to family.

Trip itself seemed a little surreal.  We spent five nights in hotels and seldom saw anyone.  The lobbies were deserted and, with one exception, there was no complementary breakfast.  The people who served us were all wearing masks, which severely limited the conversation.  With two exceptions we ate only in fast-food restaurants, trying to use drive-thru when possible.  We restricted our rest stops to travel centers where we felt the restrooms would be clean and spacious.  Overall, I felt safe, and seemed to have returned home healthy.

I do have a few observations that I think will help us all as we move forward.  I say that because I now believe this is a long-term situation.  I think we are going to be living in this environment until there is a vaccine that is available to all who desire it.  That could be as long as a year from now.  So, as you venture out, here are some things to expect

People are more respectful. People are social distancing and as a result they seem to be more considerate of others.  People are not only giving each other space but seem to be more patient as they wait their turn in line.  In my time on the road, I cannot recall hearing one harsh word.

People seem distant.  What can I say?  I miss the casual conversations with people.  I enjoy meeting other travelers and those local people who serve me.  I enjoy talking with the truckers when I stop at a travel center and the spontaneous conversation with the people around me when I stop at a restaurant.  My mask creates an obvious barrier.  There is also the reality that there are few people close by to visit with.

Intimacy is a challenge.  I attended a funeral but there were few hugs.  The embraces I did receive were awkward.  As a result, my words need to convey more.  I need to go out of my way to express the things that I am feeling.  In the process I am giving other people the opportunity to express their feelings as well.

The eyes have it.  With our facial expressions hidden behind a mask, our eyes must become the way we reveal who we are.  Eye contact is not enough.  Our eyes must convey the hope that we have as the people of God.  If there is fear and despair in our hearts, that will be communicated through our eyes.  If there is one thing the world needs today, it is a spirit of hope. 

 

 

Tribute to a Mentor

 

In many ways I had lost my way in the winter of 1964.  I had graduated from Lutheran High School East the previous spring.  I did not have much to show for my four years at LHE.  While most of my classmates had plans for college, I woke the morning after graduation with no agenda.  That’s what happens when you are ranked in the bottom 10% of your class.  Other than a varsity letter in cross country, I was ranked 7^th on the team, I had accomplished little.  I was not a bad kid, just one with low self-esteem, who therefore let others make decisions for me.

That is probably why I enrolled in trade school.  My friend, Chuck Denner, was heading there to study electronics and he convinced me to tag along.  It took me six weeks to discover that I had no aptitude for or interest in electronics, and another six weeks to make the decision to quit.  My dad intervened.  The church janitor was having health issues and needed an assistant, and I needed a job.  He strongly suggested it would be a good match.  Hence my career in ministry began cleaning bathrooms, emptying wastebaskets and making sure the church lawn was trimmed. 

Our church had a vicar that year.  Part of my daily routine was visiting his office to collect his trash.  We always had a brief visit.  It did not stop there.  We started sharing our “brown bag lunch” together.  He was a Cardinal Fan and I rooted for the Tigers.  Bob Gibson was his hero and mine was Al Kaline.  We also talked about life.  He was the first person who planted the seed that maybe I could do something with mine.  I had to admit that my past poor choices were weighing on me and I was having trouble sleeping.  At his encouragement, I enrolled in a local college for the second semester.  I did well enough in the two classes that I took that I applied to Concordia Teachers College.  My vicar wrote a letter of recommendation.  Much to my surprise, they accepted me.  So, in the fall of 1965 I headed off to River Forest, Illinois to begin my journey in ministry.  I was motivated.  I wanted to work with kids and help them make better choices than I had.

I am sharing that story now because my first mentor recently died.  His name was Alan Harre.  Dr. Harre served his vicarage at St. James Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.  He returned to St. James and served as associate pastor while working on his doctorate at Wayne State University.  He went on to join the faculty at Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska and then served as president at Concordia-St. Paul.  He then spent over twenty years as President of Valparaiso University.  It was there that our paths crossed again, when our son Mark, went to Valpo as a student. 

I thought of Dr. Harre often as I worked with students.  He is the reason I always had a heart for the kids who seemed to slip between the cracks.  It was easy to work with the star athletes and the students who were motivated academically.  I sought out the ones who blended in, or worse yet were ignored.  At graduation my colleagues would applaud the honor students, but I always did a “happy dance” for the kids who were just walking across the stage to get their diploma.  Often, I was the only one who knew their back-stories. 

Now you know mine.

Rest in peace, Dr. Harre.  Well done faithful servant.

 

 

 

 

Wilderness Wanderings

 

The Children of Israel spent forty years wandering in the wilderness.  What should have been a one-year journey from Egypt to Palestine was extend because of some poor decisions made by their leaders early in the trip.  At the root of the problem was a lack of faith.  As a result, people were inconvenienced and many lost their lives.  I believe God put the story in the Bible in hope that we might learn from their experience.

I have been focusing on the Children of Israel and their trials in the wilderness a lot over the last few weeks.  I see some similarities in our current situation.  We are now five months into the COVID-19 pandemic and there is no site of the end.  In my opinion, some decisions made by our leaders early in the pandemic has lengthened the journey.  The “promised land” of normalcy seems a long way off, as we wait for a vaccine. Like the Children of Israel, we have no conception [T1] [T2]  of what life after the pandemic will look like. 

As I studied the story in Exodus, I note that two things sustained the Children of Israel during their wilderness wanderings.  God provided for their needs and he was also visibly present in their lives.  On a daily basis he gave them the gift of manna and quail so they could eat.  He also miraculously supplied them with water, even though they were in a barren land.  He also led them throughout their journey with a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night.  The religious leaders also constructed the Tabernacle where they could worship.  It also served as a “tent of meetings” so Moses could personally converse with Yahweh.

As I wander through this wilderness of the COVID-19 pandemic I am very much aware of God’s presence.  In many ways this has been a spiritual journey unlike any I have ever experienced.  I am reminded of God’s goodness each morning during my personal quiet time and at night after turning off the light.  I have a scripture verse that I select each day.  Those words sustain me each day.  God is good, and Barb and I have lacked for nothing during this time, aside from the obvious absence of fellowship.  God’s Word serves as my cloud and pillar of fire. 

Aaron’s words still sustain me:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

(Numbers 6:24-26)

 

 

 

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Is Our Freedom Killing Us?

 

Like most older adults, I do not venture out much these days.  Other than trips to the doctor and dentist, my only times out are to go to the store.  I cannot say that I have adjusted to the new normal, but I usually feel safe when shopping.  The employees are all wearing mask and in general folks seem to be social distancing.  It is difficult to be friendly with people when they cannot see your smile, and even showing gratitude toward the person at the checkout counter is difficult when they are behind a Plexiglas barrier.

I did encounter one exception to the COVID-19 protocol when visiting my favorite Aldi last week.  There was clearly a sign on the door informing shoppers that “face mask is required.”  Normally there is even an off-duty Dallas Policeman stationed on security duty near the front of the door.  In the midst of my shopping there was one woman who seemed oblivious to the rules.  She moved up and down the aisle seemingly unaware of the guidelines that were set down to protect her and others.  She was not wearing a mask and she seemed to be ignoring the directional arrows on the floor.  I would have estimated that the offender was about my age.  The way that she was dressed led me to believe that she led a very comfortable lifestyle.  It was hard not thinking, “she should know better.”

Unfortunately, she represented a certain segment of the population that, A) thinks the pandemic is a hoax or B) believes the requirement to wear a mask is a violation of their freedom.  Either way, I think those folks, estimated to be around 10% of the population, are responsible for the pandemic still being out of control.  It is not just the bikers who recently gathered in Sturgis, South Dakota or the college students who are seen partying on the beach.  There are a good number of older adults who are ignoring the plea to “wear a mask.”

The debate continues on the source of the virus and even whether or not it is part of a conspiracy.  Health experts world-wide are calling it a pandemic.  They are united in their appeal to social distance and “wear a mask.”  In the midst of this the United States seems to be the one country that cannot get things under control.  I believe we are also the only country that has turned the “wearing of a mask” into a political issue.  As a result, our freedom is literally killing us. 

COVID-19 is real.  In April, my 97-year-old uncle died from the virus.  I have talked online with folks who have battled through the virus and their testimony is all the proof I need.  Don’t mess with COVID-19.  Anything you can do to prevent the spread should be a requirement. 

This is especially the case for older adults, who cannot afford to get the virus and should also be taking the lead in stopping its spread.  I do not like being sheltered at home.  It saddened me to have a family gathering where we could not hug each other.  Wearing a mask is not comfortable, but I also know it is the thing to do.  The Bible is clear in the command to obey those in authority.  In this case the voices are unilateral in their plea… “wear a mask.”

 

 

Bible Reading Down During the Pandemic

A good number of years ago I was serving as the head of hotel life team for a national youth gathering.  As is typical, we have a meeting with the hotel staff prior to the event.  In addition to the hotel convention manager representatives from the other departments within the hotel from the front desk to catering were present.  In the middle of the meeting the hotel manager stopped by introduce herself.  I was immediately impressed.  There was something about her that led me to see her as someone who was a cut above.  When she stated, “If you have an issue that you feel is not being handled well, let me know.”  While I would have expected such an invitation, I sensed this person meant it.

We did have an issue, but time has caused me to forget what it even was.  I just remember being frustrated.  One morning I happened to pass by the manager’s office and notice that her door was open.  I knocked on her door and she invited me in with a smile.  As she stood to greet me, I noticed an open Bible on her desk.  She listened and promised to address the concern immediately.  When I commented on the Bible, she said that she started each day with a scripture and kept the Bible open all day as a reminder.

The experience stayed with me.  At that point in my life, my devotional life left much to be desired.  Being a full-time DCE, husband and father were taking its toll on me.  From then on, starting each day in the office in Gods Word became my routine.  During my years as a high school counselor I started the pattern of having my devotional time at home.  The reality of my world at that time was when I walked in the door to school my time was not my own. 

The importance of my private devotional time has become vital during this pandemic.  Like most home-bound folks, I have struggled to stay productive and positive.  My search to find some spiritual support has led me re-read some of my favorite devotional books by Max Lucado.  I have also discovered the writing of Robert Farrar Capon.  I am weathering this storm because I am into God’s Word on a daily basis.

I share this in light of a disturbing new report.  The American Bible Society, in cooperation with the Barna Group, does an annual State of the Bible survey.  According to their newest data, Bible reading as sunk to an all-time low since the beginning of the Pandemic. The percentage of Christians who read the Bible on a daily basis has dropped from 9%, down from 12% a year ago. 

I really view this as a challenge.  It is a personal challenge to ramp up my own study of God’s Word in preparation for my personal walk of discipleship.  It is also an encouragement to find ways to encourage others to come along side me in this walk.  If we are to survive this difficult time and come our strong on the other side, we need to rely more on God’s power and less on our own planning and busyness.

 

 

Angry Americans

If it seems as if the level of anger in our country is at an all-time high, you are correct in that assumption.  A perfect storm of a national pandemic, racial tension and a contentious political climate has raised the level of angst to an explosive level.  As a person of faith. I struggle daily to remain hopeful and positive.  Like John in his closing thoughts of Revelation I find myself saying, “Come quickly, Jesus.”

A recent report from Pew Research has helped me understand not just the source of the anger but the alarming intensity.  Over 70% of those polled were “angry” about the current state of our country.  Additionally, two-thirds (66%) of those who took the survey were “fearful” about the state of the country.  Probably, the most surprising thing was how universal the feeling of “dread” was across generations.   Anger was strongest among young adults ages 18-29, 76% “very” or “somewhat” angry, but all other generational groups were in the 65%-67% range.  The feeling of “fear” was also consistent across all generational groups, 65%-67%.

The degree of anger is rooted in the fact that the level of “satisfaction” with the direction of our country is at an all-time low. Just 12% of Americans say they are satisfied with the way things are going in this country today – a 19 percentage point decline in national satisfaction since April. Nearly nine-in-ten (87%) now say they are dissatisfied with the way things are going.

While it can be disheartening to live in a culture where negativity seems to run so high, it really underscores the higher calling for those of us who know Jesus.  The history of God’s people is full of examples.  The wanderings in the wilderness, and the Babylonian captivity come to mind.  The New Testament church lived under the constant threat of persecution.  There were plenty of reasons for anger and fear.  Instead, the early disciples were moved all the more to share the message of grace and hope.    

The church was created for such a time as this.  “God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.”  (2 Timothy 1:7) There should be no room in our lives for anger and fear.  We need to be people of hope and encouragement.

Being a Christian in a World of Gender Options

In the world I grew up in, boys were boys and girls were girls.  I was taught the Biblical principle that there were two sexes and we accepted that.  My first real experience with someone who lived outside those boundaries came during a summer job when I was in college.  I was working in a natural gas testing and research lab on the west side of Detroit.  It was strictly a male world, the only female being a receptionist in the front office.  One particular employee was the target of ongoing teasing and ridicule.   I knew that unlike my other colleagues he was not married but instead lived with his mom even though he was in his mid-forties.  We had a one-hour lunch break and he was the only employee to leave the building during that time.  Rumor was he went home to check on his mom but one day I observed another man dropping him off after the break.  The way they parted shocked me.  I never mentioned it to anyone because, quite frankly, you did not talk about such things.

  

How different is our world today?  Not only has being gay or a lesbian become an acceptable behavior, but now same-sex couples can marry.  A recent article that I read on the dating app Tinder opened my eyes even further.  If you are not familiar with Tinder, it is a popular dating app.  In the contemporary world, it is not just a matter of matching up males and females.  According to the report, those who complete a profile on Tinder can choose up to three of nine options with identifying their sexual orientation.  The choices include: asexual, demisexual, pansexual and questioning.  It seems to me that it gives young folks the option of changing their sexual preference on a daily basis as their needs and mood change.

I recall a time a number of years ago when we had a same-sex couple as next-door neighbors.  During that time, I tried to be a good neighbor.  While we never specifically addressed the issue, she knew I was a Christian and in full-time ministry. That did not stop me from accepting their offer to share a line from their generator when the power was off.  I loaned her my weed-eater when hers stopped functioning in the middle of cutting her lawn. We had many pleasant conversations, the last ending with a word of “thanks for being a good neighbor.” 

During a recent devotional time, I was considering Jesus’ parable on the weeds (Matthew 13).  In the story a farmer plants a field of wheat but while he is sleeping one night his enemy comes and sows’ weeds in the midst of the wheat.  When the weeds begin to appear, the farmer’s servants want to pull up the weeds but the farmer say “no.”  The farmer notes that he will separate them at the time of harvest. 

For me the application is clear.  In this world, wheat and weeds will grow together.  As Christian, we are called to live side-by-side with those who are evil and might be living lifestyles that in our opinion are outside God’s plan.  It only underscores the last thing 

Online Worship is Like Eating A Fine Meal without Taste Buds

Barb and I have settled into a Sunday morning routine.  Being sheltered at home has provided the unique opportunity to join all three of our children for online worship.  At 8:00 AM we watch our son, Peter, lead outdoor worship at First Lutheran in Towson, Maryland.  At 9:30 AM we switch to our home church, Prince of Peace Lutheran in Carrollton, Texas.  Our daughter, Katie, is director of worship at Prince of Peace and usually up front helping lead the singing.  At 10:30 we are able to join the service at Tree of Life Lutheran Church in Garland, Texas where our son, Mark, serves as pastor.

The pandemic has offered me more opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection.  I participate in an online devotion with one of my pastors each morning at 8:00 AM.  In addition to the reading I am doing as research for my latest project, I am revisiting some of my favorite Max Lucado books.  I have also discovered the writings of Robert Farrar Capon.  I am especially enjoying his insights into the Parables. 

You might think I am in a good place spiritually right now.  I am surviving the pandemic and managing to stay healthy, but something is missing.  The emptiness that I am feeling comes from the lack of fellowship with other believers.  Seeing their names in the chat box during worship is not the same thing as being with them on Sunday morning.  I miss the handshakes and hugs.  Probably even more, I long for the intimacy that is found within the family of God.  We share struggles, support each other in times of crisis and pray together.

 

In some ways, online worship is a little like enjoying a fine meal with no taste buds.  You know the food is good, but can only imagine what it actually tastes like. 

Evidently, I am not alone in my feelings.  A recent report from the Barna Group reveals that one third of Christians are not worshiping during this pandemic.  If worshipping online is the only option, they are opting out.  The trend is even more dramatic among Millennial Christians.  A shocking 50% of Millennials who were attending worship regularly prior to COVID-19 have not participated in online worship.  So they are watching religious podcast and reading devotional books, but many have simply put the practice of their faith on hold.

If it is a challenge for me, I know that it is double for pastors, church educators and others who lead.  How do you create a feeling of fellowship among believers at a time when we are forced to social distance?  Somehow, I know the answer lies not in me but in turning to the Holy Spirit.  I can only cry, “Come Quickly.”

Stupid Young Adult Tricks

It was my last night on campus at the end of my freshman year in college.  I had two exams still to go.  I had my notes for my Biology final in front of me.  The final was important.  I was barely maintaining a C in the class.  My studying was interrupted by a knock on the door.  Two of my dorm friends enter the room grinning from ear to ear.  They were inviting me to an off-campus party.  The offer to spend one last night celebrating with friends.  We could not have alcohol on campus.  The opportunity to share a case of beer with friends was too tempting. 

Reflecting back, it was just another example of the poor choices I made during my high school and college years.  Somehow, I survived although my C in biology slipped to a D.  Funny, I struggle now to remember the names of the two friends.  As I recall they did not survive the cut and didn’t make it back for their sophomore year. 

I have thought about some of the sins of my youth in recent days as images of young people celebrating The Independence Day Holiday have been featured on the news.  There was even a report of a fraternity party where they placed bets on who would be the first person to contract the virus.  The images of young people partying shoulder to shoulder, beverages in hand, on beaches were indeed disturbing.  No mask and definitely no social distancing.

The unfortunate reality is we should not be surprised.  Young people are not wired to always make wise choices.  The pre-frontal cortex, the portion of the brain where decisions are made, is not fully developed until the mid-twenties.  When you add in the fact that early on we got mixed messages about the effect of the virus on young people, it is easy to understand why they might not get it.

 

So, it is incumbent on those of us who are older to focus on two things.  First off, we need to take care of ourselves.  As much as I do not like having to be sheltered at home, I know it is what I need to do.  Secondly, we need to be examples of faith and hope at this time.  Granted, most of our communication these days is limited but still what we share with our friends, whether it be via phone, zoom or social media, needs to reflect the hope we have in Jesus.  The world, perhaps even some young folks, is watching.

National DCE Day

Yesterday was National DCE Day.  The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod observes the day each year as a way of recognizing the ministries of Directors of Christian Education.  DCE’s are commissioned ministers within the LCMS. 

I sorta came into DCE ministry through the side door.  I like to joke that I flunked student teaching, but the truth is God put me exactly where I needed to be.  Along with my wife, Barb, I graduated from Concordia-River Forest in 1969.  There were over twenty calls for DCE's and only two were graduating from the program.  The fact that I had a minor in youth ministry made me a likely candidate. 

In many ways I was one of the round pegs they put into a square hole; lots of gaps around the edge.  I served four congregations as a parish DCE and then spent two years on staff with the Texas District.  I finished out my full-time ministry as school counselor at Lutheran High School of Dallas.  In retirement, I am a writer/consultant equipping others for ministry in this challenging time.  I am now, and always have been, proud to say I am a DCE!

I have had great mentors, starting with Dr. Stephen Schmidt who headed the youth ministry program at Concordia.  Along the way I had fellow DCE’s who came along side me.  During my Northern Illinois days Larry Brandt, Jack Giles and Mark Diefenthaler come to mind.  Since moving to Texas in 1988 I have also been surrounded by a great support system.  Ron Scherch, Doug Widger, Serena Pace and especially Dave Rahberg come to mind.  On a district level I valued the ministry of Rev. Bill Ameiss, Dr. Keith Loomans and Paul Krentz.

 

I have been blessed.