Pastoral Blog of St. Matthew Lutheran Church

End of the world

2011-05-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

From some things I've been reading, it seems the world is supposed to end in a couple of days, May 21st.

Nuts! Life's been pretty good lately. Also, my daughter won't be happy ... that is her birthday. Oh well!

So what do we make of these predictors of the "end?"

First I think these folks are rather arrogant, and, even biblically challenged. They claim to have inside religious info ... even more than Jesus, who said, "...about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mt. 24:36)

Second, as I understand it, one predictor of the end, still asked for money. I wonder why? I don't think they would need groceries if the world ended ... would they?

Finally, scare tactics seem to get more press than love language does. It seems scare tactics "sell" a little easier.

So, what am I going to do this Saturday ... attend a meeting ... talk with a gentleman about what it means to be a Lutheran Christian ... mow the lawn (I hope) ... and attend a niece's wedding. Sounds like a wonderfully full day.

See you Sunday :)

Pastor Dave Anderson

Civility

2011-01-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

The terrible tragedy of Saturday, January 8th has fueled much discussion.

We read, see and hear pundits clamor that our political conversations need to be more civil. Others clamor back that civility has nothing to do with a mentally ill young man intent on a murdering.

What is my take on this? I see both civility and mental illness as important in the converstion.

About civility ... who hasn't witnessed families, couples, organizations or congregations ripped apart by incivility? I bet we all have witnessed words wounding others deeply. Then, the deeply wounded taking out their own word arrows and aiming them sharply ... retaliating and escalating the diatribe. One concrete help in creating civil conversation might be to use an adaptation of the old golden rule ... speak to others as you would have them speak to you.

About mental illness ... too often psychiatry, counseling, or getting mental assistance are thought of as signs of weakness. I would offer the opposite. Knowing I need some help, or, getting help because those who love me ask me to, is a sign of strength. Just as a broken arm needs tending ... so does our mental health need tending.

As a Christian I believe we are called to be both civil, and, to advocate for mental health and the mentally ill.

2010-12-23T11:06:00.001-08:00

I read a fascinating article this morning, written by a Rabbi, who started by saying, "I love the Christmas season." This sentence caught my attention.

His reason? He senses that people are generally in a better mood, a bit kinder, more outgoing, and more likely to smile at Christmas time! He believes that the majority of the Christian population in America catches what many have called, the spirit of Christmas.

He knows that, just like in his community on different holi-days, some Christians only attend worship at Christmas. But, rather than begrudge that fact, he believes it shows a yearning to connect.

I like these observations.

I hope that each of us will be drawn to worship during these twelve days of Christmas. I hope we experience the joy of community in song, thanksgiving, prayer and praise.

Enjoy the wonder of the season and may the spirit of Christmas be alive throughout 2011.

Rookie-time

2010-08-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Soon it will be time for the September "call-ups" in Major League Baseball. This is a time when rookies get to see if they have the skills for the "big-leagues".

In welcoming you to the St. Matthew pastoral blog ... that's what I wonder ... will I have the skills to play in the blog-leagues! We'll see?!

What I hope this blog becomes is a forum to examine our everyday lives through a theological and spiritual lens. That means that our everyday encounters, and, the questions arising from these encounters will be the "grist" for this blog.

I won't be able to get to the blog every day ... but, I hope to blog a thought or two, and/or respond once or twice a week.

Now, an initial thought ... one that came to me as I reflected on seeing a school bus Monday morning. What about prayer in schools?

First of all, I think we'll always have prayer in school ... especially when there is a math test :)

More seriously, perhaps this issue is mis-named. Perhaps it would be more accurate to ask what we think of "prescribed" prayer in schools? Do we really want a prescribed prayer in school? If so, who should write it? Should the principal? Or, the teacher? Or, a local clergy-person? If a clergy-person, of what faith tradition?

What if the principal, teacher, or clergy-person's faith is different from my child's? Should my child need to pray their prayer? For instance, what if the writer is a fine Roman Catholic, and, devoutly prays the rosary. Should a Lutheran child need to pray the rosary? What if the writer is a devoted Hindu? Should every child need to pray a Hindu prayer? I have kiddingly said that if I could write the prayer then I'd be happy!

We live in a land of religious freedom. We are a melting pot. Our diversity is part of what makes the USA great! In my opinion, having a prescribed prayer in school does not contribute to the notion of democracy.

So what should we do? I think it would be fine to have a time for the student to pause and pray, meditate, or simply be quiet. Perhaps, this "time-out" would set the tone for a calmer school day. But, what do I know ...

Your thoughts ...