9/6/09 - Pentecost 14B

Sun Aug 30 15:00:21 EDT 2009

Dear Gulf Coast Leaders,

September 6 – Pentecost 14B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/prov22.htm> Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 – 9Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah35.htm> Isaiah 35:4-7 – Say to those of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not be afraid.” He will come and save you.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm125.htm> Psalm 125 – Do good, O Lord, to those who are good.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm146.htm> Psalm 146 – I will praise the LORD as long as I live. (Ps. 146:1)
  <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/james2.htm> James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17 – Don’t show favoritism to the rich. Faith without works is dead.
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark7b.htm> Mark 7:24-37 – Syrophoenecian woman’s daughter.

Thank you

Outpouring of love and concern. 

In our Prayers

·         Pastor Jim Shears, Gethsemane, Chalmette, hernia surgery tomorrow

·         Pastor Dan Zimmerman, hospitalized

·         Healing: Pastor Manuel Morales, hospitalized

2009 ELCA Global Formation Event – October 2 & 3, 2009 at Living Word in Katy, Texas

$35. In only 1-1/2 days, you and your team can

• enhance your connections with the worldwide Lutheran family

• energize your congregation

• gain practical skills for mission

• give, receive, and serve more effectively

Experts and resources on global and domestic ministry under one roof, for one weekend, in one convenient location —so congregational leaders can build skills to be an effective part of God’s mission no matter where you are. For more information and to register, visit  <http://www.elca.org/globalevents> www.elca.org/globalevents. Stay Sunday for Living Word’s 6th annual Global Mission Festival on October 4 from 2–6:30 p.m.!

Gulf Coast Leadership Summit

Well, this weekend we had our first Gulf Coast Leadership Summit in Houston, and all signs are pointing north. We had 70-80 pastors and rostered leaders on Friday and 250 congregational leaders on Saturday. Mandy has been through the evaluations and they are overwhelmingly positive. We also learned some important things, that will help us figure out how we go about this in the future. Stephen Klineberg and Eric Law were very well received. Workshops on evangelism, governance, children’s ministries and so on were full and in some cases overflowing. It seemed like people were excited and relieved to be together. The mood was upbeat and forward-thinking. Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at Covenant, and to Mandy and the synod staff for their hard work. We look forward to coming to New Orleans in two weeks.

Drought and Economics

One of the concerns that was lifted up this weekend was the drought. Hay is gone. People are paying as much as $90/bale for hay. People are selling cattle. Pray for water. This has exacerbated the economic situation. Several factories have shut down. Needs are great. Keep an eye out here for opportunities to give. Send up prayers for the folks in the western-most part of our synod suffering drought and economic fallout, even as we remember the victims of Katrina out here in the eastern-most part of our synod. 

The Decision

Regarding the decisions made at churchwide assembly, I've received 26 emails about the vote regarding rostering of pastors in publically accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-sex relationships: 12 pro, 8 con, 6 neutral. I have received no emails regarding our vote to enter into full communion with the Methodist Church, our vote to enter into a $10M Malaria/AIDS initiative, the resolution on justice for women, or any of the other big votes.

Even though it seems the press and our polity structures are over-focused on this one issue nearly to the exclusion of the others, I’m finding that in the vast majority of our congregations, there is little fuss about this, and things are moving forward nicely. I told rostered leaders this weekend, “Whatever your number one focus was going to be for this fall, make sure it still is.” Those congregations with a strong sense of mission are staying focused on that mission, and not becoming distracted by the temptation to let their members descend into an all-consuming cat-fight with one another, that would derail the mission and become the congregation’s biggest agenda for the fall. 

Most pastors I spoke with this weekend seemed surprised that they hadn’t receive many if any calls or emails about this. Those who have had Sunday morning forums had fielded a wide range of questions and opinions, but with little drama. Very few have reported members saying they would leave over this. I sensed a corporate sigh of relief, even though some are clearly unhappy with the decision. The spirit at the GC Leadership Summit was spirited and joyful.

Leaders: Here is the result of the survey we did together at the Summit. You wanted to know how The Decision was playing out in various contexts. We ended up with 54 responses. I would remind you that these Sunday evening emails are for rostered leaders. You’re always welcome to forward, but keep in mind I’m writing for those who have the preparation and training to be church leaders. So use discretion on what and how your forward. The angle of vision from the pulpit and the angle of vision from pew should be stewarded pastorally.

Responses to The Decision:

1. We are elated! Responses: 0

2. We're good with it.  Responses: 4

3. Ho-hum. Who cares? This will have no effect on us. Responses: 8 

4. Some folks are upset, but nothing will happen. Responses: 21 (largest response)

5. We will certainly lose a few members (e.g. 2-4 families).  Responses: 12

6. We will lose a lot of families.   Responses: 2

7. The council will discuss leaving the ELCA. Responses: 4 

8. A vote to the ELCA will likely go to a congregational vote. Responses: 0

9. Without a doubt I can say they're outta here. Responses: 0 

10. They're out of here and I'm leaving with them. Responses: 0

(Three people wrote in a helpful category: "Not sure.")

Being the Church Together, in Mission

I am at Gethsemane Lutheran in Chalmette, in St. Bernard Parish, just outside New Orleans. I’m sitting in Jim Shear’s office on Sunday morning writing to you as he runs around preparing for worship. In the distance I hear the band warming up. The smell of coffee pervades the building. Last night I slept in a bunk in Gethsemane’s dorm with a bunch of Americorps volunteers. Yesterday, August 29th,  was the fourth anniversary of Katrina. If you had told me four years ago, that four years later there would still be volunteers coming (or that I would be the bishop) I would not have believed you. And there is still so much rebuilding to do. This is a decade project. 

Today Gethsemane is having their anniversary service. It will be an emotional day. Roots are deep here. People have lived here for generations and it feels like home to them. Smells like home: the marsh, the fish, the shrimp. Jim told me this might be the last year they do a Katrina anniversary service. In Chalmette 25% of the population lived at or under the poverty level before Katrina. Today Chalmette has come back considerably, but the white collar has left in droves, and the poverty is worse than before the storm. It’s a new day here in this community, and for this congregation that had 200+ in worship a few years ago, and now has 70-80. Today they will hopefully have 100. 101 Chalmatians. 

Post-Katrina photos are up all over the narthex. Also articles about the 37,000 Lutheran youth who came to serve in New Orleans. Chalmette felt their presence. 1,000 Lutherans in orange shirts a day for three days, picking up garbage (thousands of bags), planting trees, shrubs, flowers, painting, listening, caring. It makes a difference. There are people here in this heavily Roman Catholic area who say they would have nothing today if it were not for the Lutherans. 

The best line I heard was a lady who saw the orange-clad kids serving and asked, “Why are all these convicts here?”

The articles about the youth serving in New Orleans are moving. Here are just the headlines of the clippings on the bulletin board in the narthex:

·         Park gets forest of volunteers

·         Visitors excited to help 'clean house'

·         Orange Alert!

·         Chalmette Lutherans to join big gathering 

·         Lutherans help parish tidy up 

·         Flood of Love

·         Teens take on heavy work load

To their great credit, the theme of the day at Gethsemane is not disaster recovery, but mission. I’ve been asked to preach on Acts 1:8:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

As I studied this text that pops up for us each Ascension Day, I was struck by the command and promise that pervades so much of Scripture. We are commanded to go be and be witnessed to the ends of the earth, but we are also given a promise that we will receive supernatural strength. I’m reminded of Isaiah 40:

30Even youths will faint and be weary,
   and the young will fall exhausted; 
31but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
   they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
   they shall walk and not faint.

And of course the great commission (Mt. 28) is also command and promise:

19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ <javascript:void(0);> *

I’m intrigued by Jesus four circles of witness in Acts 1:8. Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. 

Jerusalem: Ministry begins at home. One of my mentors, Pastor Bill Waxenberg who now serves in Dallas, used to remind me: Your family is your first ministry. This rings true in a disaster. You can’t serve the world in Jesus’ name if your family is not taken care of. After Gustav last year Peggy and I went to Baton Rouge. It fascinated us that amidst the devastation, some churches were already passing out water, food supplies, medical supplies, and more. I can’t help others in my neighborhood or church or greater community if my family is not taken care of. Preparing my family for a disaster here in hurricane alley is vital. My prayer is that our families and our churches will be well-prepared, so that they can then be a blessing to the community.

Judea: For me Judea is the community. Jerusalem is in Judea, but Judea represents the immediate area beyond Jerusalem. We are called to be witntesses in the greater community, telling others about the love of Jesus, serving in Jesus’ name. Your witness is both what you say and what you do. After Katrina over a quarter of a million dollars flowed to this congregation from partners in this church. The synod coffers, bolstered by your gifts, and gifts from the Minneapolis Synod and various churches and synods around the country, paid Pastor Shear’s salary for two years. Volunteers poured in. Grants poured in. This is what is means to be a church, not just a private club, as Bishop Blom often said. And so the whole churched helped this congregation witness in Judea, or in this case, Chalmette. Gethsemane member Gaby says there are people here who say to her, “If it weren’t for the Lutheran Church, I would have nothing.” 

Samaria: Of course Samaria is the other. Samaritans were despised. They were called dogs. They had intermarried with other races and religions. An orthodox Jew could not have business dealings with a Samaritan, or shake hands, or even make eye contact. Most religious people going from Judea to Galilee went around Samaria, because one would become unclean. We often miss the subtle reality in the gospels that Jesus goes through Samaria and even camps out there. The woman at the well in John 4 was a Samaritan, and a woman, and a seven-time divorcee who was living with her boyfriend. Jesus uses a Samaritan as a hero in his well-known story of the Good Samaritan. Our call to witness is not just in the comfort of Jerusalem and Judea, but we are called to Samaria, to love the other, the outcast, the stranger.

The End of the Earth: This may be the hardest one. We are called beyond the friends and strangers in our zip code to do global mission, to the ends of the earth. The stark reality is that most of these communities are living in dire poverty and sickness. Half the world lives on $2/day or less. ¼ live on $1/day. Less than 10% of the world’s population own cars. Most have dirt floors. Our witness most confront these offensive and unacceptable realities. In a society with so much wealth this cannot stand. What does it say about us if we can do something, but don’t? Most people know John 3:16, but perhaps we need to memorize I John 3:16 now and 17:

16We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.

 17How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister <javascript:void(0);> * in need and yet refuses help?

It is disgusting to me to think that with a small fraction of what we spent on the war in Iraq we could eliminate malaria and provide fresh drinking water for everyone in the world for ten years. We stand at the edge of malaria now. It will likely be eliminated in our lifetime. The World Health Organization has set a goal of 2015. The $10M AIDS/Malaria initiative will allow us to be a part of it. 

So how is your congregation responding to Jesus’ call to be witnesses to the ends of the earth? To make disciples of all nations? Are you sending a missionary who is telling the world of God’s saving grace in Jesus?  Are you doing mission trips? Are you giving to world hunger?  The answer is yes, through the 10% your congregation sends in for mission support each month. You are supporting missionaries, global mission, efforts to eradicate the scandalous realities of hunger and disease. Together we are the church. We need each other. 

As I reflect on this passage, I feel somewhat exhausted. But I remember the promises: I am with you always. You will receive power from on high. Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up on wings like eagles. Not by my power, but the joy of the Lord is my strength.

שלומ سلام Peace,

Mike Rinehart 

Michael Rinehart, bishop

The Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

12707 I-45 North Frwy, Suite 580

Houston, TX 77060-1239                

281-873-5665

www.GulfCoastSynod.org <http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/> 

cid:image011.jpg at 01C9E257.E2D08BC0

Time after Pentecost 2009

September 13 – Pentecost 15B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/prov1.htm> Proverbs 1:20-33 – Wisdom cries out in the street. 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah50.htm> Isaiah 50:4-9 – The Lord has given me the tongue of a teacher.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm19.htm> Psalm 19 – The heavens are telling the glory of God.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/apocrypha/wisdom7_8.htm> Wisdom of Solomon 7:26-8:1 – Wisdom is a reflection of eternal light. She is more beautiful than the sun.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm116.htm> Psalm 116:1-9 – I will walk in the presence of the LORD. (Ps. 116:8)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/james3.htm> James 3:1-12 – Not many of you should become teachers. Tame the tongue.
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark8.htm> Mark 8:27-38 – Who do people say I am? Messiah. Get behind me Satan. If you would follow me take up your cross.

September 20 – Pentecost 16B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/prov31.htm> Proverbs 31:10-31 – A capable wife who can find? She is more precious than jewels.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/apocrypha/wisdom1_2.htm> Wisdom of Solomon 1:16 - 2:1, 12-22 – 20Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected.’
or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/jer11.htm> Jeremiah 11:18-20  — But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered!”
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm1.htm> Psalm 1 – How blessed is the one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked… he will be like a tree planted by streams of water.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm54.htm> Psalm 54 – God is my helper; it is the LORD who sustains my life. (Ps. 54:4)
  <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/james3_4.htm> James 3:13 - 4:3, 7-8a – Why do conflicts arise among you?
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark9b.htm> Mark 9:30-37 – Who is the greatest? Be a servant.

September 27 – Pentecost 17B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/est7.htm> Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22 – Haman is hung on the gallows prepared for Mordecai. 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/pentateuch/num11a.htm> Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 – Murmuring motif. Manna whining.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm124.htm> Psalm 124 – Had the Lord not been on our side, when our enemies attacked us, we would have been swallowed up.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm19.htm> Psalm 19:7-14 – The law is perfect, pure, better than gold. The commandment of the LORD gives light to the eyes. (Ps. 19:8)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/james5b.htm> James 5:13-20 – Healing text. Are any of you sick? Elders should pray and lay hands on you.
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark9c.htm> Mark 9:38-50 – Whoever is not against us is for us. 

October 4 – Pentecost 18B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/job1_2.htm> Job 1:1; 2:1-10 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/pentateuch/gen2_3.htm> Genesis 2:18-24
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm26.htm> Psalm 26 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm8.htm> Psalm 8 - You adorn us with glory and honor. (Ps. 8:6) <http://www.textweek.com/pentateuch/gen2_3.htm> 
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews1_2.htm> Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 - In many and various ways God spoke to the people of old by the prophets, but in these last days…
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark10a.htm> Mark 10:2-16 - Legal to divorce? Little children come to Jesus. Accept the Kingdom of God as a child…

October 11 – Pentecost 19B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/job23.htm> Job 23:1-9, 16-17 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/amos5a.htm> Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm22.htm> Psalm 22:1-15 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm90.htm> Psalm 90:12-17 - So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. (Ps. 90:12)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews4.htm> Hebrews 4:12-16
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark10b.htm> Mark 10:17-31 - Rich young ruler. Eye of the needle. For God all things are possible.

October 18 – Pentecost 20B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/job38b.htm> Job 38:1-7, (34-41) 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah52_53.htm> Isaiah 53:4-12
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm104.htm> Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm91.htm> Psalm 91:9-16 - You have made the LORD your refuge, and the Most High your habitation. (Ps. 91:9)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews5.htm> Hebrews 5:1-10   - More great high priest stuff
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark10c.htm> Mark 10:35-45 - Make us to sit at your right and left in the kingdom of heaven.

October 25 – REFORMATION SUNDAY 

Jeremiah 31:31-34
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm46.htm> Psalm 46 - The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Ps. 46:4)
Romans 3:19-28  

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn8b.htm> John 8:31-36

November 1 – ALL SAINTS

 <http://www.textweek.com/apocrypha/wisdom3.htm> Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 - The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah25.htm> Isaiah 25:6-9 - On this mt God will swallow up death. No more tears.
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm24.htm> Psalm 24 - The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it. They shall receive a blessing from the God of their salvation. (Ps. 24:5)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/rev21.htm> Revelation 21:1-6a - Holy city coming down. No more tears.
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn11.htm> John 11:32-44 - The raising of Lazarus  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah25.htm> 

November 8 – Pentecost 23B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/ruth3.htm> Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/history/1kgs17.htm> 1 Kings 17:8-16 - The widow of Zarephath
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm127.htm> Psalm 127 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm146.htm> Psalm 146  - The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:7)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews9b.htm> Hebrews 9:24-28 - More high priest stuff

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark12b.htm> Mark 12:38-44 - Widow’s mite

November 15 – Pentecost 24B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/1sam1.htm> 1 Samuel 1:4-20 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/dan12.htm> Daniel 12:1-3 – Michael, the great protector of the people is coming. Everyone whose name is written in the book shall be delivered.
 <http://www.textweek.com/history/1sam2a.htm> 1 Samuel 2:1-10 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm16.htm> Psalm 16 - My heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body shall rest in hope. (Ps. 16:9)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews10b.htm> Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25 – We have confidence to enter God’s sanctuary through the blood of Jesus.

  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark13a.htm> Mark 13:1-8 - The end is coming. Not one stone will be left upon another.

November 22 - CHRIST THE KING?

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/2sam23.htm> 2 Samuel 23:1-7 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/dan7.htm> Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm132.htm> Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18) 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm93.htm> Psalm 93  - Ever since the world began, your throne has been established. (Ps. 93:3)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/rev1.htm> Revelation 1:4b-8
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn18_19.htm> John 18:33-37

Wednesday or Thursday November 25/26 – THANKSGIVING

 <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/joel2b.htm> Joel 2:21-27 - Don’t fear O SOIL. Your threshing floors will be full. Your vats will be full with wine and oil.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm126.htm> Psalm 126 - The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed. (Ps. 126:4)
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/1tim2.htm> 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - Pray for public leaders.
 <http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/matt6b.htm> Matthew 6:25-33 - Don’t worry about your life… God will provide.

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