Wow... it is a good thing my living does not depend upon my blogging ability. I believe the last time I blogged was June 11. Perhaps there will be a New Year's resolution in the making concerning my consistency in this endeavor. On another note, I saw this quote on a Facebook page and it has resonated with me. A Gospel That Unsettles Oscar Romero

A church that doesn't provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn't unsettle, a word of God that doesn't get under anyone's skin, a word of God that doesn't touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed--what gospel is that? Very nice, pious considerations that don't bother anyone, that's the way many would like preaching to be. Those preachers who avoid every thorny matter so as not to be harassed, so as not to have conflicts and difficulties, do not light up the world they live in.

I have struggled with not preaching with a prophetic edge. It is easier to offer sermons which do not offer the good news that Jesus proclaims in the Beatitudes. There is an edginess in Jesus' words found in Matthew 5-7 which provokes a response. I am grateful to be in a church that is seeking to clarify its mission. Not only clarify the mission but examine whether or not a ministry reaches the criteria of seeing lives transformed. A active church without a clear mission is simply busy. Jesus calls us to be much more than a program church. I will endeavor to better in blogging each week! As this month progresses, I hope you are taking time daily to be thankful for the blessings all around us. On the journey, Alecia

Living An Uncommon Life

At the end of the sermon yesterday, I posed four questions as a homework assignment. There were:

*10 years from now who will you be? *What and who will be impacted by your uncommon life? *What is your bowl of stew? *What is going on in your life that you don't want others to know?

If we choose to live intentionally or by design, rather than where life takes us, then these questions become important so we do not migrate from the pathway. In putting together the sermon, I was struck by how much Esau lost(Genesis 25). I was surprised how sad I was. Esau endured the loss of respect from a father. He endured ridicule every time he was called Red. He lost the opportunity to do something uncommon by simply using a lack of judgment. The sadness translated to me thinking through poor choices in my life. I am continuing to think through the decisions that were common and easy; whereby losing the ability to lead an uncommon life. I am trying to understand my fears and appetites better. Being in the small group, Crave, has helped me to put my eating issues into God's hands. The accountability of the small group has allowed me to not trade my craving for God for something as simple as a sugary delight. I want to live intentionally- be it as a woman, a wife, a mother, a friend and a pastor. I would be curious to hear your answers to these questions on your journey. If you are a part of a small group or have a circle of friends, try posing one of the questions when you gather next. On the journey, Alecia

40 Days in the Word

I am excited about the current worship series on the Bible. Our engaging scripture at a deeper level will play out in a myriad of ways as we seek to live out God's mission. Most of all I look forward to good conversations that come out of such an endeavor.
If you were not here on Sunday or one of the folks who picked up a recycled bulletin, here is a quick synopsis of the sermon notes. The topic for the day was, Is the Bible true? The passage was 2 Timothy 3:16-17. I believe scripture is God-breathed and inspired. In looking at its validity, I looked at:

1. Historical Accuracy where we noted the verifiable data within the text.
2. Scientific Accuracy where we looked at what was included in the text, as well as what was not included. The prevailing belief of the day made up part of the sermon.
3. Prophetic Accuracy where we examined the astronomical odds of Jesus fulfilling the 300 prophecies made concerning him.
4. Thematic Accuracy where we discussed the over-arching theme running throughout the Old and New testaments concerning the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ.
5. Personally Accurate as it serves a mirror into my life.

The 40 Days in the Word is series in which a number of churches are participating throughout the country. As part of this series there is a Bible study/small group, which I will host beginning the first Sunday night in May beginning at 6:00 pm. Yes... I am aware that May gets busy, yet I am sure we can figure out a way to work through the 6 weeks. This is God's Word. I personally think this will be an exciting series.

I look forward to hearing about what you are learning and hearing as you read God's Word. If you would like to join in a daily reading schedule, try this set of scriptures this week:
Monday -- Philippians 1. Focus on verse 6
Tuesday -- Philippians 1. Focus on verse 27a.
Wednesday-- Philippians 2. Focus on verse 13.
Thursday-- Philippians 3. Focus on 12b.
Friday-- Philippians 4. Focus on verse 6.
Read the chapter and then write down your observations and thoughts about the focus verse applies to your life.

On the journey,
Alecia

One Sinner's Church

I shared a story on Sunday about two pastors approaching me with questions about our congregation. In essence they were asking who exactly attends this church. While I guessed where they were attempting to steer the conversation, I let it play out. I love speaking about this congregation. I greatly appreciate the openness and welcoming heart to all the individuals that cross our threshhold. Anytime I can share the story of the congregation I know it's a good day!

I spoke of moderates, conservatives and liberals. I talked of agnostics and seekers. I named the folks whom are lovingly drug to worship on a regular basis. They said you have sinners -- active sinners in your midst. Ah... finally the crux of the matter. Yes... I said. I am one of them. They tried to re-direct the conversation so I could truly understand. I did understand. I am grateful to be part of a congregation of sinners -- black, white, brown, republican, democrat, moderate, young, old, grey haired and no hairs, gay, straight -- we are all broken in need of the grace of God. Thank goodness resurrection morning is coming.

I believe St.Paul said it this way in Galatians 3:28:

There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and famile. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Friday may be upon us, but Sunday is coming.

On the journey,
Alecia

I Thirst

One of the final sayings of Jesus causes me to think about my actions. When I hear the words, I thirst, I realize I need to see how I respond to the suffering Christ. Would I bring wine to the lips of crucified One? Would I remain invisible as part of the crowd? Would I hide as did the disciples? Would I be courageous in the face of anger and violence or would I seek to protect myself, my energy, my time? When I see the simple words from John 19, I have to wonder if I see Jesus around me: the broken man in need of money for the hotel, the harried cashier, the undocumented worker, the angry teen or any number of folks. Maybe the question is not whether I see people around me. Perhaps I need to allow God's Spirit more entrance into my heart, as Jason Detra so eloquently put it during yesterday's service.

Speaking of Jason, go to Facebook and search for Exercise Your Heart. While the FB page is new, I like how Jason wrote the 4-part premise:
1. Cardio workout 15 minutes a day
2. Heart healthy meals
3. Do a good deed
4. Exercise your time with God.
I thought Jason's words were compelling as he testified about God's presence in his life.

On the journey,
Alecia

Lenten Journey

I just read a wonderful description of the meaning of Lent on our website. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and in the "Journey to Easter" you will see the line for more information as to the meaning of Lent. Click and you will read an easy to understand version of the meaning of Lent.

I am reminded how beauty is an avenue to God. Each week I am drawn to the newly created banners that remind us of the last sayings of Jesus. I use the word drawn purposefully. I find that simply being quiet before the banners is a good way for me to move into the silence of the season. I resonate with each phrase as I sit in the sanctuary. Even on Sunday mornings a glimpse at one of the phrases propels me into a reflective place. I hope it is that way for you.

On the journey,
Alecia

Act of Mercy

I am struck by the act of mercy by Simon of Cyrene. In the horror of the mob scene, trial and walk to golgatha, there is an act of kindness shown to Jesus. Simon of Cyrene takes the cross arm from Jesus' shoulders. He bears, if you will, Jesus' burdens. The gospel writers do not record him speaking, yet Simon says volumes in his act of mercy. He reflects Jesus by his actions.

I have often thought during Lent about which character of the passion best represents me. Everyone betrays Jesus at some point. Are my shortcomings best reflected in: Peter or Judas? Would it be more accurate for me to think in terms of the other disciples, the religious leaders or the high priest? Perhaps I am more in line with the Roman soldiers-- gambling with my faith or the mob and civic leaders who are just trying to keep the peace. Are you Simon? I realize my answer changes each year as I continue to journey towards Jesus and the cross. I have certainly found myself in alignment with Peter and civic leaders at various points.

So who in the story would serve as a good representation of you? Wrestle with this question as you continue your journey.

On the journey,
Alecia