tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.comments2024-03-13T17:31:45.611-05:00Dancing with the WordUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger502125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-1404628033229548532016-10-06T16:07:41.941-05:002016-10-06T16:07:41.941-05:00Rev. Micki: Thanks for your words. Blessings!Rev. Micki: Thanks for your words. Blessings!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-47580710748525191042016-10-05T17:19:46.241-05:002016-10-05T17:19:46.241-05:00Thank you for this message, it reminds me how rele...Thank you for this message, it reminds me how relevant the Word is to our lives and how such an assignment can empower people on both sides.<br />Rev Micki Rios Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-6192820123162612016-09-25T08:22:02.408-05:002016-09-25T08:22:02.408-05:00I've been really glad we've 'seen'...I've been really glad we've 'seen' each other.Bill Schlesingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14304598437917344802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-78586903685185283622016-09-19T18:20:48.047-05:002016-09-19T18:20:48.047-05:00The thing that strikes me most in this parable is ...The thing that strikes me most in this parable is the dogs. When Lazarus is covered with burning sores the dogs come to bring him relief. There's healing in dog spit. God helps... I'm mindful of how frequently the homeless in our area are accompanied by canine companions--companions who do not judge them, companions who love them in any circumstances, companions who are faithful to them. Often, it is the dogs who humanize their homeless humans in the eyes of the community. It is the dogs who can help a conversation get started. It is the dogs who can inspire a gift of food or spare change. In the wealthy area where I serve there is growing anxiety about the number of homeless who are camping on our streets, in our parks and on our beaches. There is an ever-louder clamor for the city to do something about it, as if "the city" is somehow distinct from us. Our congregation has been criticized in public meetings for "enabling" the homeless because we give out sack lunches and blankets when those in need knock on our door. I find that, more and more, the attitude is not mere indifference to the poor but an overt antagonism. People are afraid--and sometimes with reason--but it's hard for them to see the situation as something they can personally address in any meaningful way. But I still believe that when enough of us decide to solve "the problem"--and it may be sheer frustration and annoyance that drive us to that decision--when enough of us decide that no one should be without shelter and food then we will find ways to begin to help make these people whole again. In the meantime, there are the dogs. Thank God for the dogs.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16020669290772029538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-65928003682452499792016-09-19T12:59:36.121-05:002016-09-19T12:59:36.121-05:00Excellent conversation and stories. Thanks.
Excellent conversation and stories. Thanks.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14837232050491652538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-79528121031975537692016-09-18T09:32:29.061-05:002016-09-18T09:32:29.061-05:00I like the 'holding the uncomfortableness clos...I like the 'holding the uncomfortableness close' comment. I'm remembering the children's sermon story: Pastor: What fuzzy and makes webs?" Child: 'Jesus!' Pastor: Why do you say that? Child: 'Because you never have us up here to talk about spiders!' <br /><br />We expect everything in the text to be about right and wrong. But Jesus' comments also exist to throw us out of our normal expectations. "The children of this world are wiser than the children of light." When you see a system collapsing around you, don't be trapped by it. Use what you can to make something happen for the future. This is a Schindler's List story - where he used the German Army contract money to bribe officials to let him keep people alive. Granted - the 'dishonest' steward was buying himself a future, but the 'moral' is - buy yourself a future with the resources you control vs. idolizing those resources.Bill Schlesingerhttp://www.pvida.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-79868293537853461472016-09-06T11:27:00.196-05:002016-09-06T11:27:00.196-05:00Thanks for sharing this story Pastor Janet. I too ...Thanks for sharing this story Pastor Janet. I too have felt "lost" at times in my life. Maybe not in the same sense you describe in your story but the feeling of not knowing how to find my way back "in" does resonate for me. Trying to find my way has been a difficult journey some days. It just takes some of us a little longer to find our way. Peace be with youAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10815378652336979263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-18145572013916864482016-09-04T08:29:01.421-05:002016-09-04T08:29:01.421-05:00ISTM that there's no way to be 'pure.'...ISTM that there's no way to be 'pure.' We stay in corrupt systems because all of them are corrupt - and because none of us can get outside our own complicity. We shop, use energy - there is no place to go to be 'clean.' Those who try to stay off the grid fool themselves if they think that exonerates them from responsibility for what's happening. We can't walk away from complicity, but we can create alternatives that push back. We can take responsibility for our world, knowing that we live by grace and not our own self-justification. We can 'sin boldly,' and build paths for ourselves and others that lead to less innocent suffering, knowing that whatever we do may have unintended consequences. Like inventing cell phones.Bill Schlesingerhttp://www.pvida.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-42027991934452538742016-08-23T21:10:17.036-05:002016-08-23T21:10:17.036-05:00Recently I met a homeless gentleman. He has a bicy...Recently I met a homeless gentleman. He has a bicycle for transportation, and it is loaded down with what possessions he has. He is a God fearing man, who has stumbled on his way through life, ending up on the streets. He carries a small battered bible and recites beautifully from it. For the first time, he showed up at my church's Saturday night service. I didn't initiate his attending, but smiled to see him there. He sat quietly in the back corner alone. I was several pews in front of him with my usual friends and family. I noticed him there just as the service was about to begin. He didn't take communion and slipped out the back before the service ended. "If" he comes again, I will surely invite him to join me. Will I get that opportunity?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-24279146498119545032016-08-14T09:03:51.046-05:002016-08-14T09:03:51.046-05:00One more. Division happens. It happens when we c...One more. Division happens. It happens when we choose to embrace others that some reject - and denominations split over gay marriage. It happens when we look beyond political differences to work together and some call us 'sell-outs' - from both sides. But our trust is beyond the divisiveness and our identity is more than keeping folk in our club. Bill Schlesingerhttp://www.pvida.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-35382289342326570592016-08-14T09:00:40.635-05:002016-08-14T09:00:40.635-05:00So there's a challenge here that pushes us. f...So there's a challenge here that pushes us. for one person the word 'father' is the supportive, loving presence in their lives. For another, an abusive, angry, judgmental figure. And either can project that on their experiences. We don't know what's going on. 'Faith' can be a defiant affirmation of a non-religious life as much as an engagement with an embracing congregation. The DNC had black youth chanting the words to Invictus - not exactly a Presbyterian or Lutheran hymn! We see the surface decisions, not the engagement of the heart and soul underneath the pain and frustration. And we trust that the encompassing love and compassion at the center holds us all in its grasp and does not let us go.Bill Schlesingerhttp://www.pvida.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-56378039096893903292016-08-13T13:54:47.295-05:002016-08-13T13:54:47.295-05:00You're welcome, Stephen. Blessings to you.You're welcome, Stephen. Blessings to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-49844715233032542932016-08-13T00:20:40.309-05:002016-08-13T00:20:40.309-05:00Janet........So refreshing lingering with the frag...Janet........So refreshing lingering with the fragrance of hope in the wind of so much despair. Thank you Stephennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-88981126157419013832016-08-07T09:25:20.707-05:002016-08-07T09:25:20.707-05:00So Thesauros is probably better translated as '...So Thesauros is probably better translated as 'treasure box' - where we store what's important to us. (It's what the magi opened up to give the gifts to Mary for Jesus). Jesse kept his treasures with his community, it sounds like...Bill Schlesingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14304598437917344802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-88476663243605757322016-08-05T22:36:51.075-05:002016-08-05T22:36:51.075-05:00Thank you Janet for your words of encouragement. I...Thank you Janet for your words of encouragement. I rarely comment but always read your message. I am also preparing for a funeral tomorrow and the story of treasure is very helpful. God bless you, your ministry and your writing<br />pastor RickPastor Ricknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-40057754647522902572016-07-31T09:13:25.809-05:002016-07-31T09:13:25.809-05:00Part of being 'rich towards God' is rememb...Part of being 'rich towards God' is remembering/figuring out what we were trying to do in the first place. Gathering stuff that is under our control - 'mimetic desire' - they have it so we need it - is different from 'here's a concern we need to address.' There's always a resource balance. What do we use up now vs. what will we need to do the job tomorrow? But if the focus is on the job we're trying to do vs. gathering stuff we're probably going to be more resilient, agile, and alive.Bill Schlesingerhttp://www.pvida.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-80884350585500141272016-07-30T04:42:29.933-05:002016-07-30T04:42:29.933-05:00I often have a hard time distinguishing between wh...I often have a hard time distinguishing between what is good news and what is bad news. When something happens that I perceive as unfortunate, it often turns out to be a blessing in disguise. Because of this, I am trying not to judge situations too quickly.<a href="http://www.mordocrosswords.com/2016/07/reply-to-shall-we.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.mordocrosswords.com/2016/07/reply-to-shall-we.html</a>Justin L. Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05068868452059665489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-10515683186280475262016-07-25T12:22:52.763-05:002016-07-25T12:22:52.763-05:00I read your blog each week. I'm a midwesterne...I read your blog each week. I'm a midwesterner transplanted to Montana. I love your reflection about Yellowstone.<br />Tracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01963085072628459797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-86977369138829045402016-07-25T03:58:02.469-05:002016-07-25T03:58:02.469-05:00Your pristine barn analogy is a subject I have bee...Your pristine barn analogy is a subject I have been pondering for quite a while. How can we do all of this better to free up funding for being the hands and feet without preserving all the buildings? Tough subject but an important one☺️Rgushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16106352295466342461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-42186653698525263882016-07-23T20:51:10.001-05:002016-07-23T20:51:10.001-05:00Bob, I'm glad you found you way to Dancing wit...Bob, I'm glad you found you way to Dancing with the Word today. I appreciate your kind words. God bless you as you proclaim good news to your people in these challenging times.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-88717714602707136592016-07-23T20:49:23.747-05:002016-07-23T20:49:23.747-05:00Thank you, Rev Rog, for sharing your unique experi...Thank you, Rev Rog, for sharing your unique experience in Cleveland this week. What a powerful experience it must have been for thousands to be in silent prayer for love and welcome. May God continue to bless you as you seek to lead your people in prayer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-24261267862517920182016-07-23T20:47:33.123-05:002016-07-23T20:47:33.123-05:00You are welcome, Rev. Kindle. Thank you for your t...You are welcome, Rev. Kindle. Thank you for your thoughtful reflection.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-13654021800087162302016-07-23T06:38:14.416-05:002016-07-23T06:38:14.416-05:00I am so happy to be led to your blog this morning....I am so happy to be led to your blog this morning. I preach summers in a small log chapel in the north woods to vacationers. I celebrate the connectedness you and your parishoners enacted and pray it continues and builds. The solidarity between pastors is a key to the healing of our broken nation and world. God bless you for your authenticity and wisdom. Bob Holum, Saranac Inn New York, Church of the Ascensionholumbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04761736665318597063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-88246238893188041692016-07-22T15:53:17.638-05:002016-07-22T15:53:17.638-05:00Thank you for sharing your prayer.
I serve a qui...Thank you for sharing your prayer. <br />I serve a quite diverse congregation in suburban Cleveland and when I heard about the Dallas shootings on top of the two men killed earlier in the week, we dropped our planned worship and did a Service of Lament. The following Sunday on the eve of the RNC a number of our members and I joined 3-4,000 people at an event in Cleveland called Circle the City with Love. It's purpose was to counter the spirit that we expected to see in the convention hall with a message of love and welcome. Those 3-4,000 people spent over 30 minutes in silent prayer and meditation in one huge oval that spanned the length of one of the downtown bridges. The silence and the spirit of the event was very moving. While our church service and the downtown event were very different, they were both needed, as was the centerpiece of both, prayer.Rev Roghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17543049478027305649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-69881268050777900952016-07-22T12:19:33.749-05:002016-07-22T12:19:33.749-05:00Yours is a reminder that prayer is most effective ...Yours is a reminder that prayer is most effective when coupled with action. Not only must we pray for God's realm to be realized on earth, we much live into it. Thank you.Steve Kindlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16634130965524334750noreply@blogger.com