Lent is almost upon us. Ash Wednesday is … well, Wednesday, when we begin considering the last 24-hours of Jesus’ life, how that time changed the world, and how it continues to change us.

In my last newsletter/blog entry, I ask “Are you hungry for some change this Lent?” I’m hungry for lots of things, which is part of the problem. And it’s the long list of things I’d like to see changed in the world and in my life that overwhelms, so I’m trying to narrow my focus to some incremental change that might actually benefit from my attention. Some adjustment that might be achievable. Some conversion that might take hold and stick beyond Lent. This Lent, I’m looking for a “fast” or change that might actually have a lasting impact…. I’d rather not give something up (like chocolate) for the sake of giving it up, just so I can change back after Easter (or earlier).

St. John Chrysostem offered this ancient wisdom on fasting in the 4th century:

 Do you fast? Give me proof of it your works.
If you see a poor man, take pity.
if you see a friend being honored, do not envy.
Do not let only your mouth fast,
    but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands
    and all the members of our bodies.
    Let the hands fast by being free of avarice.
    Let the feet fast by ceasing to run after sin.
    Let the eyes fast by disciplining them not to glare
        at that which is sinful.
    Let the ear fast by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
    Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.
For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes
    but bite and devour our brothers?

In preparation for Lent, I’ve been re-reading Margaret Bullitt-Jonas’ book “Holy Hunger: a journey from food addiction to spiritual fulfillment” which offers this wisdom about looking inside and trusting the spirit’s guidance there to nudge us in the direction of the change that is needed:

All too often we look outside ourselves for what we are hungry for since we live in a culture that is all too ready to tell us what we want and to create a climate of craving.
We are card-carrying members of a culture that urges all of us to eat, shop, buy, acquire; for there in the material goods around us, in possessions and commodities, prizes and grades, accomplishments and lovers, doughnuts and ice cream, surely we’ll find what we’re looking for, our heart’s desire.

What change would you like to take on?
The National Council of Churches invites folks to take on a carbon fast. When you sign-up, beginning Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, participants will receive a daily message with the day’s suggested carbon-reducing activity. When possible, this will include a quantitative measure of the carbon reduction resulting from the activity. Each daily message will also have a section suggesting a weekly focus for congregations. One of the past year participants said, “It’s one of the smartest things I’ve done in my 85 years, my electric bill dropped by $78 a month.”

The other blog I’ll be relying on to companion me through Lent is by my friend and artist, Jan Richardson. We’ve used her artwork and books as a guide before, and she has a new set of art/reflections out this lent at the painted prayerbook.

What change are you hungry for? Let us know on facebook or just drop me a line at pastor@elumc.org

Shalom,
kelly

[Reprinted from the ELUMC February Newsletter]

Lent, with its mysterious Ash Wednesday rituals, its haunting Maundy Thursday service and its quiet prayer vigil is a favorite season for many.  But for others, it’s a season of obligation to be endured, followed not by lasting change but by over-indulgence in whatever was given up for 40 days. 

Historically, Lent was developed as a time of preparation for baptism in the early church. Spiritual disciplines were ramped up for those preparing to “die and rise with Christ” (as baptism is sometimes described). The penitential aspect of Lent didn’t become dominant until the late 5th century when most baptisms were of infants, not adults in need of preparation. As a result, the rituals of Lent became focused on renewing our identity as followers of Christ by shedding those things that keep us from that journey.

But as these disciplines became fixed in tradition, they became less about freeing ourselves to focus on the things that really matter the most, and more about giving things up as a punishment or as a matter of course to appease a religious duty. Neither seem to serve us well.

What would feel different about Lent if we reclaimed that ancient focus—if we focused once again on preparation to renew our baptismal vows?  To move away from ‘business-as-usual’ and use this time for spiritual discovery?  To once again remember that we are called to live our lives as if death will never have the final say?  To learn (or re-learn) how to live as a resurrected people?

So let’s start again and ask: “What do we hunger for this Lent?” And let the answer not come from obligation or ease or thoughtlessness, saying: chocolate, sweets, salty snacks, red meat.

What if we chose a fast that has the potential to change us?

Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works.  For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes but bite and devour our brothers?  – St. John Chrysostem

Perhaps we may want to fast from food prepared by strangers and only eat what we cook or what is made by family and friends.  Or we might fast from mindless eating, choosing instead to savor our food and chew with gratitude.  We could fast from not knowing where our food is from or how it’s produced. Or maybe the fast you choose won’t have anything to do with food. Rather you will find yourself hungry for justice, choosing to fast from products that exploit, or mindsets that ignore the issues of equality. Perhaps your hunger for peace will lead you to fast from anger or from desires for revenge. 

Or perhaps you will find some other creative fast: like the ecumenical fast from carbon, or a fast from electronics, or a fast from speaking.

This Lent, may we come to know our longing to connect with the Holy. May we seek what our souls most deeply desire and let go of the lesser expectations and smaller wants that have kidnapped us again and again. May Lent be a season of discovery—of the change we are hungry for, of the modifications possible in our communities, of the alterations in our spiritual journey that are desirable. 

Shalom,  Pastor Kelly

The Epiphany Season celebrates the journey of the wise ones to visit the Christ child. But it’s also about our journeys to insight, enlightenment, and to moments of discovery. In our worship series, “Bread, Bath and Beyond,” we’re reflecting on how we can move beyond our limitations. As we consider moving beyond the horizon into unknown territory and beyond the boundaries we have set for ourselves (and those set for us by others), blogger Jan Richardson at The Painted Prayerbook offers this blessing for our journey.

For Those Who Have Far to Travel: An Epiphany Blessing

If you could see the journey whole
you might never undertake it;
might never dare the first step
that propels you from the place
you have known toward the place
you know not.

Call it one of the mercies of the road:
that we see it only by stages
as it opens before us,
as it comes into our keeping
step by single step.

There is nothing for it but to go
and by our going
take the vows the pilgrim takes:
to be faithful to the next step;
to rely on more than the map;
to heed the signpost of intuition and dream;
to follow the star that only you will recognize;
to keep an open eye for the wonders that attend the path;
to press on
beyond distractions
beyond fatigue
beyond what would tempt you from the way.

Whatever resolution you have for yourself this new year, or whatever change you have in mind, whatever label you want to get beyond, or whatever destination you’re headed to, you are accompanied by your faith.

ELUMC invites you to make mission a part of the next step on your path. Build community and cultivate relationships with others by being curious about what their concerns and hopes are for the region (if you need an interview sheet to help you or record the answers, there are copies in the office). And on President’s Day Weekend (Feb 18-20), you’re invited to help with storm recovery efforts in Springfield. We’re partnering with our brothers and sisters at St. Mark’s Episcopal and leaving from their parking lot at 9 a.m. each day with a orientation/organization meal on Friday night Feb 17. (Register this week. Download the registration form here and return it to St. Mark’s by next week.)

2012 is the year for us to GET OUT and INTO THE COMMUNITY and we want every member of ELUMC to be involved in mission.

Shalom,
revkelly

P.S. Respond to the following question (Leave a comment below, or on the ELUMC facebook page) :

What things create “hype” in our culture or distract us from the “main things” of our faith?

Your answers will be featured in a litany of distractions at our 2/12 worship service.

At the MLK breakfast in Springfield this morning, politicians, students, church people, concerned citizens and boy scouts gathered to honor for the 30th year of Wesley UMC’s Scholarship MLK Breakfast and this year’s scholarship recipient–the remarkable Brittney Marie Gonzalez from Central High (finishing 1st in her class, a math/science tutor, varsity volleyball & tennis player, school and church leader).  As a Flight Commander in the JROTC, she was flanked by her Colonel and she spoke passionately against militarism and war.

MLK’s wisdom, as well as the example he offered of “walking the talk,” live on and many of his speeches are as relevant today as when they were first spoken:

“I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values.  We must rapidly begin the shift from a ‘thing oriented’ society.  When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered.”

(“Beyond Vietnam”, 4/4/67)

“We find ourselves in a new era in our struggle for genuine equality and it is much more difficult because it is much easier to integrate lunch counters than it is to eradicate slums.  It is easier to guarantee the right to vote than it is to create jobs or guarantee an annual income.”

(“Why we must go to Washington”, 1/15/68)

Even more than the inspiring words of the MLK and the other speakers (and they were impressive) was the spirit of those gathered– a diverse audience of those committed to the struggle, knowing that it is not an easy road ahead but desiring to do what each has the power to do to address racism, materialism and militarism.  The Mistress of Ceremonies sent us out with this quote from Dr. King:

Let us therefore continue our triumphal march to the realization of the American dream.  For all of us today, the battle is in our hands.  The road ahead is not altogether a smooth one.  There are no broad highways that lead us easily and inevitably to quick solutions.

My colleague in Rhode Island, Ed Farrell-Starbuck asks this question of us in this political season….

When we come to worship we gather around God’s alternative perspective which promotes and celebrates a different set of values, ones revealed, preached and embodied in Jesus and those who have dared follow his costly way through two millennium.  How is the ‘Jesus perspective’ shaping your values, actions and voting preferences? What kind of witness is your life and mine making?

Happy Birthday Dr. King.   May we continue to dream with you and live into that dream.

Shalom,
RevKelly

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus as a baby. We rejoice that God come to us, not with glamor, power, and wealth, but through a vulnerable child born not in the seat of politics but in Bethlehem. Emmanuel shows us God with a human face. But Christmas is just the beginning and we follow not a baby but an adult Jesus. So we look to our scriptures to discover what kind of person Jesus became and what his life reveals to us.

At the Christmas Eve service, we got a chance to relive one of those stories about Jesus, on a hillside when there were lots of followers but some unexpected circumstances meant they were unprepared to feed them all. But they took an inventory of what they did have, blessed it and shared it, and behold, it was enough for everyone (with even some leftovers). So while we weren’t sure how we’d celebrate Christmas Eve without our Music Director, we ended up experiencing a multiplying of the loaves and fishes in music. Matt Chandler stepped up with his guitar to lead the hymns, Star and Moon led the choir, and the band joined in everywhere without being asked!!! And the results proved more than enough. It was a spirit-filled evening. Thanks to all those who helped out: readers, those who brought in the creche pieces, Advent wreath lighters, greeters, ushers, and the worship team extraordinaire who stayed late and set-up for the Sunday morning service.

We were also missing our usher and bell ringer Ellen who died suddenly on Friday; we surrounded her family and friends with our prayers and shared in their grief.  The funeral is planned for the church on Friday at 10:00.  With our sextons, the Clean up Crew, on vacation this week Chris Hutchison has stepped up to lead the clean up of the sanctuary and building and ready it for the funeral.  She invites your assistance.

At the Christmas Day service, we reflected on the hymn, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. The lyrics were written in 1849 in the aftermath of Mexican-American war and in the context of revolutionary movements sweeping Europe, slavery in the United States, and a growing agitation at the low wages, long hours, poor safety, and grinding poverty of industrial workers and child laborers. Its five stanzas develop the theme of the angel song of peace on earth (Luke 1:8–14), with a recurring emphasis on whether or not people listen to the song. Unfortunately, one of the stanzas is commonly left out of American hymnals:

But with the woes of sin and strife, the world has suffered long.
Beneath the angel-hymn have rolled two thousand years of wrong,
as warring armies clash and drown the love song that they bring;
O hush the noise of bomb and gun and hear the angels sing!

Starting this Christmas and beyond, we are invited to sing the angels’ song and follow in the way of the Prince of Peace.

Shalom,
RevKelly

Just finishing up some “baked goods” for the Coffeehouse tomorrow afternoon, although I notice that neither of my offerings — chili cheese logs or black forest fudge–are technically “baked.” Been listening to Christmas music all day — some very unusual arrangements of my favorites and it’s amazing how a new artist/band can make you sit up and take notice of a song that’s all too familiar.

Here are a couple of my favorites:
The Lower Lights offer a “O Come All Ye Faithful” version that knocks my socks off and Sarah McLauglin does a “In the Bleak Midwinter” that is haunting–unfortunately, the only full length sample I could find is a video postcard so if you click this link you must crank the sound and ignore the visuals. While you’re there, there’s also an overly dramatic cut of the movie “City of Angels” with her hit single “In the Arms of an Angel.” It shows one of my favorite scenes where the angels (all in trenchcoats) all gather on the beach to watch the sunset. We’re using a clip from the original, German, version of this film, Wings of Desire, in worship tomorrow to experience how there’s so much more to us than meets the eye.

What are the new arrangements/artists that make you listen anew to your favorites?

Last week our Advent study invited us to think anew about Joseph — what if he wasn’t a older widower but a teenager like Mary? How does imagining that scenario change the way you think of their willingness to say “yes” to a child? And what about when this young family flees across the border into Egypt to escape persecution?

And how does it enhance your understanding of the story to know something of the geography of the place: for instance, Bethlehem (city of David–a religious city with esteem) stood in the shadow of the great monument Herod built to honor his political superiority, and Nazareth was a tiny backwater place which no one considered worthy of anyone of importance?

This Advent, I hope you too are on the lookout for the details that make you rethink the story. I’m looking forward to the spin the fabulous line-up of artists at the coffeehouse will put on the season…. Looking for angels amidst it all.

Shalom, RevKelly

On this World AIDS Day, I’m challenged by Richard Rohr’s definition of Advent, “Advent is not about a sentimental waiting for the baby Jesus.” He asks us to focus our expectation and anticipation on the “adult Christ, the Cosmic Christ,” the Lord who challenges us to conversion and new life.

Jesus identified his own message with what he called the coming of the “reign of God” or the “kingdom of God,” whereas we have often settled for the sweet coming of a baby who asked little of us in terms of surrender, encounter, mutuality or any studying of the Scriptures or the actual teaching of Jesus.

This is what I am inviting you to this Advent. But be forewarned: the Word of God confronts, converts, and consoles us—in that order. The suffering, injustice and devastation on this planet are too great now to settle for any infantile gospel or any infantile Jesus.”
(Adapted from Preparing for Christmas with Richard Rohr)

The One campaign offers a new program beginning today “The Beginning of the End of AIDS“. On their panel discussion streamed live, they spoke about the important role of the church in help disseminating information, in offering services, in being a place of hope.

Some of our youth wear the white ONE wristbands because they are in the forefront in solving many of the world’s problems. Bono spoke about the campaign on last night’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The ONE campaign also offers us a way to get involved in ending hunger — we have postcards in the office you can send to Congress.

These are just some of the ways you can get involved making this Advent a true advent of the kin-dom of God.

Shalom,
Pastor Kelly

Dear Kindred in the Spirit,

Sunday’s gospel lesson, the parable of the talents (see Matthew 25:14-46), was both exciting and harsh.  Exciting in that it encouraged us to risk using our gifts (whatever they are) and know blessedness– reassuring us that in serving those who are overlooked or ignored we are serving Christ.  And harsh, because it warned us against letting our fears that we don’t have enough to give, or don’t have enough skill to give well, to keep us from trying anyway to give. Whatever gifts we’ve been given, we’re called to share them, to reach out and to serve.  Jan Richardson, in her blog, The Painted Prayerbook says:

The parable invites us each to offer our talents for the good of all creation for God is not content to let us hide what we’ve been given and urges us to uncover the treasure that has been placed within us–to show forth the presence of God in the way that only we can.

Each of us has a blessing to give that is uniquely shaped by our lives – by our hands, as Richardson says in the poem Blessing of the Talents:

This blessing
will find its form
only as you
give it away

only as you
release it
into the keeping
of another

only as you
let it
leave you

bearing the shape
the imprint
the grace
it will take

only for having
passed through
your two
particular
hands.

In the sermon, I offered the example of Sara — whose blessings bear the imprint of her particular hands. In the Sun City Hiking Club, she is known for designing unique and over-the-top hikes.  She loves being creative, organizing, doing research, then finding things to make her visions come to life.  Like the time she led the club on a “find-a-snake hike”–which is actually relevant in the Hill country of Texas, but when the hikers started down the trail they discovered a large, pink, stuffed boa-constrictor hanging from the branches of a tree and a rubber snake coiled beside the bridge.  Her latest brainchild was a “scat identification hike” and 45 hikers were each given a bandana to help in identifying which animal left which droppings.

She started us off with some trivia: for instance, did you know that wolf poo will often have hair in it?  And several types of animals will “go” in the middle of a trail to mark their territory.  A mother doe will eat the excrement of her fawn to avoid detection by predators. And African elephants excrete about 2-5 pounds of poo each time they go, enough each day to fill the trunk of a car.  Over the next two miles, there were 10 different types of scat that had to be collected, correctly identified and prizes awarded.

We were thrilled to discover the specimens were silicone and not fresh. Ask where she found such things as plastic scat–Sara beamed, answering “Craig’s list.”  Clearly, she’s found her calling and she’s willing to risk ridicule in sharing her “gifts” with others.  The investment she makes is appreciated; her generosity is certainly contagious.  (You can see the group in the attached photo, I’m the “young” one on the front row in a purple TCU hat)

After Sunday’s service, a visitor (a pastor from another area) told me he could never have gotten away with that example in his church–he loved that I could use the word “excrement.”  I told him ELUMC is a rather unique congregation–and most of us like it that way.  At 158 years old, perhaps we’re less concerned with achieving and performing, and more able to risk “raising the level of hope for those who cry out for love and justice.”  Like turning down the large rental income opportunity in September in favor of helping a small educational endeavor get off the ground.

In Richard Rohr’s book Falling Upward he talks about the two halves of life (here’s a brief intro video).  The first half’s work is about establishing our identity–climbing, achieving, and performing–to build a strong “container”; the second major task to human life is to “find the contents that the container was meant to hold.”  This later life task is a further journey into integrity, into discovering what we are to do with our “one wild and precious life” (to use the last line of Mary Oliver’s poem, The Summer Day).

Many in Sun City are on this journey.  On the hike, I got to know several of the “55+” (the age requirement for Sun City residents) folks.  They are mostly retired-types learning to create identities not based on occupation, but I wouldn’t call them “old” or even senior citizens ’cause they don’t strike me as either walking along in the rain (which is just a sprinkle in this territory plagued by drought).  Some seek to further feather their own nest but others, recognizing the warmth of their homes (both the physical and metaphorical one), seek to help feather others’.  After the meeting of the Social Committee of Hiking Club, ten of us sat around a long thanksgiving table overflowing with blessings (of the food variety and the life-experience kind).  They were not incumbered by the calendar being two weeks prior to the actual Thanksgiving date.  They played along, even seeming grateful for this early opportunity to “give thanks” — to live gratefully–to develop a life that responds to the blessedness we enjoy.  And as they left, they wished each other “Happy Thanksgiving.”  Which is my prayer for you this week.

Faithful stewardship is all about living in response to the blessedness we know.  If you are a member of ELUMC and have not yet pledged your financial commitment to our ministry in 2012, please do so this week.  If you’re not a member but part of the dispersed community which enjoys the “Pinch of Salt” devotional readings or our web-based ministries, and would like to make a contribution, we’d appreciate receiving whatever particular gift you have to give.  (Checks can be sent to the office at 215 Somers Road, East Longmeadow MA 01028 — we’re still working on that online donation option).

May you know the blessedness of your life and find adventure in living it more deeply and fully.
Shalom,
revkelly

Miscellany from my colleagues this week.

Deacon Cathy MacGovern just finished walking the 780 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, blogging her insights along the way.  She went on this 5-week journey to celebrate her 60th birthday.  Her journey has included the stories of many pilgrims of all ages who walk to grieve a loss, or mark a milestone, or overcome a challenge.  Her latest entry offers the wisdom she hopes to return home with:

I guess I´ve always thought of life itself as a journey. I don´t know when mine will end, but I can make choices about how I will live within this life. Along the Camino I have learned a lot about what I can tolerate (cleanliness is greatly overrated), I learned about my own impatience and the great blessing of those days when I remembered to be patient with others.  I have learned that each person has a story – a reason for the fear, sadness, joy, peace in their face.  I have learned that the aches and pains of one day can heal with a good night´s sleep.  I have learned that we can communicate with others in many more ways than language.  As I continue to process my five-week Camino I continue to harvest other lessons.  I´m sure they will continue to come throughout the following months.

So how shall I live in the years remaining? I hope that I will look for and find the blessings in each day.  I seek to be patient with others and to encourage rather than criticize.  I hope to be one who will listen to the stories of others, walk with them in times of happiness and sorrow. I seek the courage to speak out when I see injustice.  I pray that love and joy will lace through each of my days – and I know that it will be my own choices that will help to make that happen.  I will seek other adventures, pilgrimages, ways to break myself from my own routines, fears… those things that might keep me from changing and growing.

And a Presbyterian colleague from the Midwest sent me this insight.  There’s also a video sent from Reconciling Ministry Program offering military stories of what the removal of the ban on military service has meant (just ignore the last second political ad) In their Own Words.  With any luck I’ve included the entire RMN “flashnet” with the latest news from the movement including the video–but since I’m new at this tech stuff, I won’t be surprised if it’s messed up.

So… if the U.S. military, an institution that exists to defend the nation, wage war, and kill enemies, has welcomed LGBT folks in its ranks promising them no discrimination, then why cannot the Church, an institution that exists to worship God and love neighbors, welcome LGBT folks in its ranks promising them no discrimination?

Riddle me that, Batman!

This week in our continuing series on lament we explore the challenge of baptism to live as if death has no hold over us.

Shalom,
RevKelly

Two of my friends who are being treated for cancer have chosen to blog their experience and we have all been blessed by sharing their struggle.  They do not always put a happy face on their illness.  They don’t need to.  Sharing their difficulties seems to provide some pleasure for them and for us reading along in sharing their deepest fears and anxiety.  Today’s entry from Cynthia has relevance for our series on lament.

Quote of the day from Pema Chodron‘s  book, The Wisdom of No Escape.

“There’s a common misunderstanding among all the human beings who have ever been born that the best way to live is to try to avoid pain and just try to get comfortable.

A much more interesting, kind, adventurous, and joyful approach to life is to begin to develop our curiosity, not caring whether the object of our inquisitiveness is bitter or sweet. “

Even the name of the book is wonderful.  There is no escape from the dailyness of this journey, no escape from the process.  But I look for, yearn for an “interesting, kind, adventurous and joyful approach to life” so let me be curious and open to the mystery and wisdom of no escape.

This Sunday, we’re exploring our desire to deny our frailty, vulnerability and pain on the way toward discovering the wisdom of no escape.

Shalom,
RevKelly