Yes, the Church Is Worth It

We had a wonderful surprise this Sunday. Some members of one of our former youth groups drove 5 hours (one way) to be at our worship service, just because...

I must add that they are no longer youth but now have children of their own; although I still think of them as "the kids." My husband was their youth director and I was the (unpaid) assistant, so we really were not  much older than the high school youth, maybe 2-5 years. But we were adults, just barely.

As we told stories and reminisced about old times, I told one of mine. This urban church had a dance each Friday night for the neighborhood kids. The police thanked us because the crime rate went down during that time. The dance drew about 200 kids and had been a ministry of that church for over 15 years--so it was an institution unto itself.

At 10:00 we ushered the crowd out the door and were ready to lock-up and head home. Except locking up was always a problem. The church had an ancient alarm system which consisted of a silver magnetic tape that went over the doors and windows. Invariably, one of the kids would slit the tape with a razor blade, which made finding the break almost impossible. But we got pretty good a finding it, but it could take as long as an extra hour. So I was usually annoyed, because that meant that we wouldn't get home until midnight leaving no time for us.

After I told my story, one of the "boys" spoke up. He asked, "Why do you think they did it?" I just thought they were up to mischief, and I had ample reason for believing it too. But he answered, "It was because, we didn't want to go home." This floored me. I had never considered that as a reason, but knew in my heart that it had to be true. All that for an extra hour away from home.

I have many fond memories of this youth group, because it was really my first. So I experienced many "firsts" with them. It was the first time I had such responsibility and authority and they taught me a lot. It was one of the hardest jobs I ever had, but yes, it was worth it. They were worth it. My husband baptized each of the ones that visited and they still had their certificates so many years later. They turned out ok, but many of their friends did not. We just planted seeds. Some took root; others didn't. But it was still worth it.

When I see so much pettiness and ugliness in the church, I wonder if being a church professional is worth it. Sunday reminded me that, yes, it's worth it and a lot more. I hope you keep your reasons for staying in ministry ever before you.

Grace, Kathy

UM Clergy and Same-Sex Weddings

Preface

The Rev. Dr. Thomas Warren Ogletree presided over the wedding of his son, Thomas Rimbey Ogletree, to Nicholas Haddad on Oct. 20, 2012. The service took place at the Yale Club in New York City. Subsequently, The Rev. Randall C. Paige, pastor of Christ Church in Port Jefferson Station, N.Y., and the Rev. Roy E. Jacobsen, a retired pastor in the New York Annual Conference, filed a complaint against Rev. Ogletree after his son’s wedding announcement appeared on Oct. 21, 2012, in The New York Times. The complaint triggered a supervisory process conducted by Bishop Martin McLee of the New York Annual Conference and an attempt to find a just resolution among the parties.  When this process failed to yield such a resolution in the time period specified by the The Discipline of the United Methodist Church, Bishop McLee announced that he would refer the matter to a Counsel for The Church for further investigation.
Bishop McLee appointed the Rev. Timothy J. Riss, pastor of The Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church and an elder in the New York Annual Conference, to represent the Church’s interests in all further proceedings.  Rev. Riss reviewed the facts in the case and eventually determined that there was sufficient evidence to warrant a charge being filed against Rev. Ogletree for violating ¶2702.1b of the Discipline, which prohibits United Methodist pastors from officiating at same gender marriage ceremonies.  He drew up a bill of charges, consisting of a single charge that Rev. Ogletree had violated the provisions of ¶2702.1b and presented his findings to Bishop McLee.  Bishop McLee accepted Rev. Riss’s recommendation to proceed to a trial and then appointed retired United Methodist Bishop S. Clifton Ives to preside over the trial.  He also scheduled the trial for March 10, 2014 at First United Methodist Church in Stamford, CT.
On January 29, 2014, at the first meeting among the counsels and Presiding Officer, Bishop Ives, in keeping with Disciplinary guidelines, made the decision to return the matter to Bishop McLee for a further attempt at just resolution.  This was done with the concurrence of Rev. Riss and the Counsel for Rev. Ogletree, the Rev. Scott Campbell, pastor of Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church in Cambridge, MA, and with the agreement of Bishop McLee.  A meeting was fixed with Bishop McLee and the other parties for the morning of February 6.  At that time a verbal agreement on the general terms of a just resolution was achieved.  The details of the agreement were subsequently communicated, refined and agreed upon by the Church and the respondent via email and conference calls.  The terms of this agreement follow.

Agreement for a Just Resolution

After a process of dialogue spanning nearly two months, the persons signing this document have entered into a Just Resolution Agreement in the matter of the Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree and the New York Annual Conference.  The comments of the Rev. Randall C. Paige and the Rev. Roy E. Jacobsen, the original complainants, were received and considered as part of the just resolution negotiations.  They are entered as a part of the record of this process.  The terms of the agreement are:
1.  Dr. Ogletree agrees to forego his constitutionally guaranteed right to a trial by his peers.
2.  Dr. Ogletree agrees to make himself available, health permitting, for at least one public forum to be convened by the office of Bishop Martin McLee to reflect theologically, spiritually and ecclesiastically on the nature of the covenant that binds us together in the United Methodist Church.
3.  Bishop McLee calls for and commits to a cessation of church trials for conducting ceremonies which celebrate homosexual unions or performing same-sex wedding ceremonies and instead will offer a process of theological, spiritual and ecclesiastical conversation.  His statement is attached to this document. [below]
4.  Bishop McLee will convene within six months a public forum dealing with matters of human sexuality and the United Methodist Church.

a. The purpose of this forum will be to contribute to healing within the body and greater understanding among those who are affiliated with the New York Annual Conference.  The Bishop intends that persons would listen deeply to one another in an atmosphere of Christian respect.

b. This forum shall reflect a variety of different opinions and understandings.

c. Dr. Ogletree, representatives from MIND (Methodists in New Directions), the Wesley Fellowship, and other such parties as the Bishop shall determine shall be invited to participate in this forum.

d. The Bishop shall report on his plans for this forum and the results of this forum to the Committee on the Episcopacy of the New York Annual Conference.  This Committee shall have the authority to modify the timeline for this forum if necessary.

5.  The Parties recognize that certain limited third parties involved in legal consultation may be privy to the circumstances and terms of the Just Resolution proceedings.  Notwithstanding those limited disclosures, the Just Resolution negotiations themselves are to be considered confidential.  It is understood that the parties with whom such limited disclosure is shared are bound by the same confidentiality as the signatories to this agreement.

AGREED AND RATIFIED March 10, 2014

Statement by Bishop Martin McLee of the
New York Annual Conference

I am grateful to report that the matter concerning the Reverend Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree will not result in a church trial as a just resolution has been achieved. The just resolution provisions of the Book of Discipline are clear in voicing just resolution as the preferred response in Judicial Administration. Church trials produce no winners. While many insist on the trial procedure for many reasons, I offer that trials are not the way forward. Church trials disrupt annual conference life, they drain dedicated Episcopal and staff time. Church trials result in harmful polarization and continue the harm brought upon our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. The burdensome cost of trials combine to negate any benefit in the ongoing debate on matters relating to human sexuality.
As the Bishop of the New York Annual Conference, in consideration of my responsibility to provide spiritual, pastoral and temporal oversight for those committed to my care, I call for and commit to a cessation of church trials for conducting ceremonies which celebrate homosexual unions or performing same-gender wedding ceremonies and instead offer a process of theological, spiritual and ecclesiastical conversation. I understand that nothing in this agreement deprives any clergyperson of his or her constitutionally guaranteed right to a trial.
In the next few months I will invite the Reverend Dr. Ogletree to join others from varying perspectives to a public forum on the true nature of the covenant that binds us together. Clearly there continues to be multiple perspectives on matters of human sexuality and the response of the church. While this forum may not resolve this ongoing challenge, it will provide an opportunity for healing and a chance for open and honest dialogue.
God bless us all as we seek to be light and life in a time of theological challenge.
All my prayers,
Bishop Martin McLee

Statement by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Ogletree

In recognition of Bishop Martin McLee’s publicly stated intention to approach the matter of marriage equality in a non-juridical manner, but instead to offer a process of theological, spiritual and ecclesiastical reflection, I hereby relinquish my right to a trial on the charge that has been brought against me for officiating at a same gender wedding ceremony. I further agree to make myself available, health permitting, to participate in the above-mentioned Forum that Bishop McLee will convene.
Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree

End of Just Resolution Agreement

Are We Hard Hearted or Just Tired?

The week began with another school shooting, this time in Nevada. The investigation is continuing as information about the person who committed the crime is gathered, sifted, checked for accuracy and finally released to the public.

I remember back in December when the Newtown shootings occurred. The news was on every station. As the day progressed, pictures of the children, teachers, and other school personnel who were killed appeared on television. Extensive coverage continued through the weekend and into the next week as memorial services and funerals were conducted.

Anytime there is a school shooting my heart trembles. My oldest daughter is a teacher in Denver. Her passion for teaching and compassion for her students far exceeds any expectations a principal might request. She loves and cares for the children as if they were her own.

What distressed me about the shooting, and other school shootings that have occurred since Newtown, is that these events are reported almost nonchalantly--as if we are 'getting used' to such occurrences. Is it "no big deal' anymore that lives are lost in tragic circumstances with consequent emotional harm given to those who witness or survive? I have heard very little since about the shootings, compared to the barrage of coverage that occurred in December.

Are our hearts hardened to loss of life or are we just weary of so much tragedy that happens in our own lives and in the lives of others all around the country. Are those in the news media also weary, reducing their coverage of these tragic events that happen way too often.


Jacquie

When Laws Are Unjust

In this morning's paper there is a story about a 6 year-old who is being sent to live with his biological parents. According to the article, the mother was a teen when she gave birth and signed the legal documents giving up custody. She has never seen or supported the child. The biological father never signed anything, but he did file suit for custody about 5 years ago, but never acted on it until now. He has never seen the child at all nor offered any support. The child has been living with his "parents" since he was 4 days old and considers them his Mom and Dad. Up until this point, he has been a well adjusted and happy kid living a normal life with people he loves and who love him.

Enter the judge and the court system. The judge believes he is upholding the law, no doubt, but sending the child to live with his biological parents. But in this case, what is in the best interest for the child? Is this a case where the law and strict adherence to it is unjust and immoral? While we might question what is happening with this child, there is no doubt that he will be traumatized and injured as a result of living 6 of his formative years with loving people only to be sent to live with strangers who may or may not love him. He is bonded to his currently family, and psychology suggests that he will never completely bond with these other people. It's been too long and he is too old now.

We in the church can turn to what Paul says about the Law. Paul was speaking of religious law and tradition, but what he says also applies to civil law. In the church we must be careful to make sure that the form of our laws and traditions fit with the spirit of Christ, who is the fulfillment of the Law. And when we see laws that are unjust or immoral, we, as citizens, must speak up and act to change things.

When we say we want to transform the world, this is one way the world needs Christ's transformation.

Grace, Kathy

The Church: Hospital for Sinners?

It is often said that the church is not a home for the saints but a hospital for sinners. But the church is also called to be the heart and engine for mission in the world. While being a good hospital and effective engine for mission may not be roles that have to conflict, sometimes we just have to ask, how many badly broken people can the church care for inside its own community and still have adequate resources to reach out beyond its walls?

True, working together in mission can heal a lot of brokenness inside of church folk and bring relief to suffering in the world. And while we all agree that God does the healing and enables the church to reach out, in my experience any community of faith can only have so many badly broken people. Yes, we are all broken to some extent. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. But we also have to recognize that there are different types of brokenness. While there are many types of brokenness, here are a few that I'll highlight.

First, there are those who hide their brokenness. And this may be most of us.

Second, there are those who have been so beat up and tired out by their experiences, that they just want to rest. And that is another large group of us. But if a church has too many of this type of broken person, it's difficult for the church to put energy into mission.

Third, there are those who are proud of their scars so much so that they wear them "in your face." These are the folks who flaunt their brokenness. Actually, these folks may be helpful in doing mission if they also don't demand that the church just take care of them or constantly stir up conflict.

Fourth, there are those who are so broken that they need the love and care of church people to hold them together for long periods of time. While we may all suffer tragedy and are dependent of the church in times of crisis, I'm talking about the folks who are dependent on the church as part of their lifestyle. These are the people who eat up inordinate amounts of the pastor's time and energy. If there are too many of this type of person in the church, mission can't happen, at least the way it could.

So it's a complicated thing. We know that we are all broken, but it can be annoying that those other broken people just go somewhere else so the church can get on with its mission. But somehow that doesn't sound right either. The church has to balance both roles. It has to be a hospital for sinners and an engine for mission. (You can probably have too many engineers as well.) But any hospital takes staff who are not broken or at least not broken so much that it precludes their ministry. 

Grace,

Kathy

The Next Time Someone Complains about Giving Money to the Church for Mission

Today CNN announced the results of its investigation of charities. To see the 50 worst, go to
http://www.tampabay.com/americas-worst-charities/?hpt=hp_t1.

I think some of these will surprise you. But do you see any from the United Methodist Church or any other denominational agency for that matter? The answer is no.

The church may not have glitzy ads or tear-jerking pictures on TV, but when we give our money to the United Methodist World Service fund or United Methodist Committee on Relief, for example well over 90% if not 100% of the money goes directly where needed. This beats the puny percentage that goes from many other charities.

So when someone complains about the church and then turns around and gives money to one of these charities, please direct them to the CNN link.

I just came from our UM Annual Conference, where we talk and debate over how much we can afford to give to missions, where the average member gives only about 2-3% of their income to the church. If we committed ourselves to really supporting mission with our tithes (10%), think what we can do.

Grace and Peace,
Kathy

Why Church?

Recently my Sunday School class read Not a Fan. It's a good read but comes from a different theological perspective. One thing we all noticed about the book is that there really isn't anything about the church's role in discipleship formation. According to this book, it's all just between Jesus and you. And it's totally up to you whether you remain a "fan" or become a real "follower" of Jesus. There is nothing about Christian friends or how the church can support people in their faith journey, and there certainly isn't anything about the Sacraments as a vehicle for God's grace.

This got me thinking. Why do we "do" church? For one thing, the church is the body of Christ on earth. We United Methodists, like many denominations, take being the everyday hands and feet of Christ very seriously.The church can mediate God's spiritual presence, but it is also meant to be physically present--to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and house the homeless. As Jesus said the poor may always be with us, but that doesn't mean that we don't do our part to end poverty. But we don't "do" church, because we are the church for better and worse.

Our local church really strives to be the body of Christ. It is mission orientated. This is not to say that there aren't some who just occasionally or casually attend. We have our share of pew warmers, but they are the minority. Our church also strives to be supportive of and pray for each other. Recently, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I've been touched by all the prayer support. Fortunately, it was caught very early and I'll be OK. For now, it's just a major inconvenience. But I know I can count on my church family.

And frankly, sometimes when a person is too broken or too weary to be a follower, in the church we have fellow pilgrims who will help us stay on the path. You can't be a solitary follower of Christ because following is a group/church activity.

Grace, Kathy

Adam Hamilton Preaches at National Prayer Service

It was announced today (Friday) that Adam Hamilton will deliver the sermon at the National Prayer Service in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, January 22. This weekend President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will formally recommit to serving the people of the United States at the 57th Presidential Inauguration. The national prayer service is held at the Washington National Cathedral at the conclusion of weekend’s activities and will celebrate America’s diversity of faith traditions.

This highly anticipated service dates back to the time of George Washington and includes prayers, readings, blessings and hymns delivered by religious leaders from across the United States.  

The service will be held on Tuesday, January 22^nd at 10:30am EST (9:30am CST) and will be webcast live at www.nationalcathedral.org. A press announcement and additional information can be found at http://www.2013pic.org/press/release/rev.-adam-hamilton-selected-to-deliver-sermon-at-national-prayer-service.

Adam is pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Kansas and is well known throughout United Methodism. He is grounded in our Wesleyan heritage that emphasizes the primacy of scripture, the intersection of personal piety and social holiness, along with open-arm engagement with other faiths. 

Let us all pray for our nation.

Grace, Kathy

Missionary Spouses and Families

Lest we forget, ministers serve across the world. Meet Eric and Liz Soard. These two young adults in their mid-20s are missionaries serving the UMC of Tanzania. They both graduated from Lambuth, a UM school. This is from their Oct. newsletter. I know they would love to hear from you, so I've enclosed their emails below. Eric and Liz have a special place in my heart, because they are also friends of my younger daughter.


Don’t go to church...be the church
If you have missed our blog lately, this has quickly become the focus of many churches in the district. Whether we are doing a seminar on men’s and women’s groups in the church, meeting with church leadership about member care, finding funerals as a place where the church can bring the comfort and hope of the Holy Spirit, or welcoming youth for a Sunday afternoon pick-up game of soccer our churches are quickly finding ways to get into the community and be the church during more than just Sunday morning worship.

We were blessed to be present for the latest episode of being the Church in Tarime town. The church in Tarime is currently renting space for Sunday morning worship. The space they rent is a business that shows soccer matches from the United Kingdom throughout the week, a pretty popular space for the teenagers and young adults of Tarime. What we have found out from meeting there since last February is that there is a group of street kids that sleep on the front porch at night.

Every night they come by and lay out cardboard boxes and by morning they are gone, trying to earn some money for food throughout the day. The oldest we talked to is 18 and the youngest around 8. What was amazing to see in the midst of this disturbing learning experience was the response of the church.

This past Sunday the church welcomed them inside and they accepted, we had 8 of the kids worship with us this past Sunday. The church welcomed them in with one of the church leaders introducing them as his guests. After church they stayed to talk to the pastor about their lives, some of their challenges, and the other place in town where street kids sleep at night. After they left the church leadership sat down and expressed their desire to do something and their heart ache that these kids were out here by themselves.

Families may be poor in Tanzania, but they still have each other. These kids have no one, no parents, grandparents, or siblings. They have left their homes either because they were forced to or chose to, the streets being better than home. Bonny, Charles, Fred, and Chacha were all honest, open, and just about in tears as they told us a little bit about why they chose the streets instead of home. The church will start next week, by preparing a small meal for Sunday morning and giving them some spiritual nourishment as well. The church wants to start small, not offering things they can’t deliver, and we weren't exactly prepared nor had we planned for this.

However, they are excited to be helping, loving, and offering grace to these kids that literally sleep on the front steps of a building, they may not have even known held a church service on Sunday mornings. I think everyone involved in this situation is excited about Being the Church.

soard.eric@gmail.com; elizabeth.soard@gmail.com; www.ingodslife.blogspot.com

Missionary bios can be found at www.umcmission.org

Prayers for Another Fourteen Year-old

Last week our church buried a brave 14 year-old girl who lost her battle with cancer. This week we pray for another 14 year-old, who is fighting for her life and for the rights of girls to attend school in Pakistan.

You've surely seen the news report, but she is Malala Yousufzai. Malala had blogged against the Taliban and was shot for her courageous efforts.

We pray for Malala, her family, and her country.

Grace, Kathy

Hero Speaks Out Where Girls Don't Count

How does someone become a hero? Consider Razia Jan, a woman fighting to educate girls in rural Afghanistan and standing up for what is right. She is a hero in a difficult and life-threatening situation, serving her community.

We look at our own daughters and consider them as precious, as smart, as worthy as sons. But we all know that it isn't the case everywhere. In some parts of the world, girls don't count as people. While tragic for both the girls and their communities, in parts of the world educating them is criminal. It takes courage and deep conviction to stand up and speak up for those who would have no chance otherwise. In rural Afghanistan, the person, that woman, is Razia Jan.

While we may not suffer that kind prejudice, there are even places in our country where some people count for less than others. There might be some church members worth less than others in your own church.

Please pray for the girls and women in Afghanistan. And please pray that we might be more like Razia Jan and have the God-given courage to stand and speak out for our convictions. But more than that, help us engage those with contrary convictions so that we can find common cause for justice.

If you know of a hero in your church or community that you'd like us to honor, please send the name and a brief statement why.


Grace, Kathy

Need Help or Information about Autism?

If you want information for you and/or your church about children with Autism, you will want to check out Ellen Notbohm. She is the author of the best-selling book, Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew. Here is her web address:
http://www.ellennotbohm.com/

You might also want to subscribe to her free newsletter that is available when you go to her site.

Kathy

PRAY FOR YOUCEF NADARKHANI

Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is facing a death sentence in Iran. This 34-year-old husband and father of two sons was arrested in 2009, charged with apostasy, or renouncing Islam. Nadarkhani refuted the charges, saying that he had never embraced Islam. After appealing an initial conviction and death sentence, a lower court found that Nardarkhani had not practiced Islam as an adult, but ruled that he was still guilty of apostasy since he was born into a Muslim home. Since his conviction, Iranian officials have pressured Nadarkhani to recant Christianity, including an ultimatum in December. They offered the pastor his freedom if he would say that the Muslim prophet Mohammed was a messenger sent by God. Nadarkhani refused.

(From WORLD magazine, March 10, 2012 issue.)

Please join me and pray for Youcef and his family.

Grace, Kathy

They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love?

I admit it, I like watching the Comedy channel. On a recent show, a girl(about 16) was asked if she was a Christian. "No," she said "They don't accept everybody." "Don't they love other people?" The interviewer said. "No, they don't accept gays, so I worship Satan."

Admittedly her logic was a bit flawed, but my heart broke. That small exchange speaks to so many issues in the Church today. Are there limits and should there be limits as to how Christians reach out in love? What does it mean to accept another person? How do we live by a code of Cristian ethics in a world that often doesn't seem to any ethic at all? What does the world see when Christians disagree among themselves, because not all Christians believe homosexuality is wrong. Why would a young person prefer Satan to Jesus? Do Christians need better PR? What will it take to bring the world to the saving love of God through Jesus?

When I heard that girl speak, I couldn't help think about what her parents must think. Maybe that is part of the problem. But we have a problem too, no matter what her background is. Too many people believe Christianity is not accepting, kind, or loving. What are we going to do about it?

Kathy
Clarksville

TSA Humilates Mother

Friends, I thought long and hard about posting this, because it's a little outside the usual fare. But it just seemed too important to let slide.

A number of years ago, I traveled to the Holy Land and saw how countries in the Middle East treat their citizens. In Jordan airport, in particular, local people were herded like sheep and treated like dirt. I thought to myself, "Thank goodness I live in a place where that can't happen." Seems I was wrong.

A young mother was traveling through airport security...and the story goes downhill from there. The story is disturbing and shows extreme ignorance about security in general, and about what is takes to pump milk specifically. To shame a woman--a mother--in this way is worse than anything that Rush Limbaugh said or has ever said. Pumping milk, if you've done it, is difficult under most circumstances. A woman is not a cow. She cannot simply pump on demand, at least I never could, especially in a stressful situation, like this one surely was.

One thing I still don't understand is that TSA won't let a person take more that 3 oz. of liquid on a plane. You would think that empty bottles would have been better than full ones.

Read it for yourself. Here the story link from the CNN website: 'I wanted to cry': TSA makes mom pump milk.
http://www.hlntv.com/article/2012/03/05/tsa-breast-pump-hawaii-bathroom-amy-strand?hpt=hp_t3

I even sent a letter of complaint to the TSA. You can too. Here's the address:
TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov and I got a response.

As Christians we are called to transform the world. This is another reminder of how far we have to go.

Kathy
Clarksville, TN

The "Abortion Pill" Lie

This is a reprinted article from Religious Dispatches by Sarah Posner.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in their ever-shifting rationale for opposing the contraceptive coverage requirement, now claim "forcing plans to cover abortifacients violates existing federal conscience laws. Therefore, we called for the rescission of the mandate altogether."

Various religious right and anti-choice groups are making the same argument. A group of religious right groups has filed an amicus brief in the case before the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act, to add the argument that "the recent regulatory decision by HHS to force virtually all employers to provide insurance coverage for contraceptives, sterilizations, and abortion-inducing drugs will force many religious individuals and organizations into a choice to either violate their religion or pay exorbitant penalties that could put them out of business." (emphasis added). This argument echoes that made in the cases brought by Belmont Abbey College, Colorado Christian College, and the Eternal Word Network against the Department of Health and Human Services over the new contraception coverage rule.

The claim that the contraceptive coverage rule includes abortifacients is simply not true. Ella and Plan B, which are covered along with other contraception, are taken after unprotected sex to prevent an unintended pregnancy from occurring. They are not abortifacients. The FDA does not classify them abortifacients. Here's how the Mayo Clinic explains the difference (emphasis added):

Keep in mind that the morning-after pill isn't the same as mifepristone (Mifeprex), also known as RU-486 or the abortion pill. The morning-after pill can prevent pregnancy. If you're already pregnant when you take the morning-after pill, the treatment will be ineffective and won't harm the developing baby. The abortion pill terminates an established pregnancy — one in which the fertilized egg has attached to the uterine wall and has already begun to develop.

If the FDA started using the Bishops' pseudo-science to classify drugs, that would be . . . . well, exactly what the Bishops want: the law to be based on their religious beliefs. And that would be an unconstitutional infringement of everyone else's rights.

To see more, go to:
http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/sarahposner/5675/the_%22abortion_pill%22_lie

What Lent Study Style Are You?

Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, but it means different things to each of us. We prepare in different ways. Some focus on Jesus' time in the wilderness, some on Holy Week, others on Easter itself and what comes after. Whatever your style, there are studies to take you or your group on a meaningful path to Easter.

The Traditionalist
If it's less than seven weeks before the first Sunday succeeding the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, then it must be Lent! The liturgical seasons are important to you and you're so devoted to the lectionary you wonder if Jesus handed out a bibliography of Old Testament readings with every parable.

You prefer straightforward, Bible-based studies and devotions that engage the mind and touch the heart. You probably have your favorite Lenten study preordered by Proper 27, but if not, you may want to check out Call Him Savior or Mosaic: When God Uses All the Pieces, by Shane Stanford.

The Neomonastic
Taize, candles, lectio divina . . . It's ancient-modern all the way for you, as you find meaning in simplicity, self-denial, fasting, and spiritual practices. Your focus on Jesus' time in the desert, resisting temptation, lends itself to a more austere observance culminating in meditation on Christ's suffering.

You'll love Simplifying the Soul, from Catholic author Paula Huston, a collection of daily practices for Lent that draws on the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. And Holy Week just wouldn't be, well, holy, without walking the Stations of the Cross. Pray the stations with Paul Hoffman's photographs and meditations, or Alfred McBride's The Challenge of the Cross, which includes a fifteenth station for the resurrection.

The Pre-Easter-er
It's not Lent, it's our Easter series. Isn't Lent that stuff that gathers in your belly button? Christ is risen, so why focus so much on his suffering and death? For the seven weeks (or six, or four) leading up to Easter, you want to focus on what Christ's death and resurrection mean for us today. Themes of redemption and new life reign. Try Beth Moore's Breaking Free, J. Scott Duvall's New People Forever, or John Stott's LifeGuide Bible Study, The Cross.

The Jesus Journeyer
For you, Lent is all about following the path of Jesus, studying and discussing death and resurrection, sin and atonement. You embrace the roller coaster of Christ's final week in Jerusalem, pondering everything from the donkey Jesus rode in on to those war drums that end Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ.

Lucky you, there are many studies available exploring Jesus' journey to the cross, many with a DVD component. Check out The Last Days of Jesus by Matt Williams, and two from Adam Hamilton: 24 Hours That Changed the World, and his newest, Final Words from the Cross.

The Activist
If you're more focused on the actions and attitudes that got Jesus on the wanted poster in the first place, you may be an Activist. You're tired of giving up something for Lent—you want to give back instead, focusing on living out Jesus' values in the world. If this is you, you won't want to miss A Place at the Table: 40 Days of Solidarity with the Poor.

So what "style" are you?

Jessica Kelley
http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/article/entry/2332/whats-your-lent-study-style

People Dying for the Faith in Iran

Let's tell it like it is. The country of Iran is backward in thinking and barbaric in practice. And Christians who live there are at risk for their lives. Then add to the fact that these women are also leaders and one is also a pastor in her community, and you have an explosive situation.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/06/world/meast/eu-iran-executions/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2

Please pray for Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani and Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. And as Jesus tells us to pray for those who persecute Christians, please also pray for these misguided souls in Iran and other places in the world who are willing to destroy, maim, and kill in the name of their god.

Grace and Peace,
Kathy

The Day the Church Gave Us Money

Last Sunday, the third Sunday in Advent, had an interesting twist toward the end of the service. The ushers passed baskets containing envelopes to everyone. Each person, including the children, chose an envelope. Inside was either a five or one dollar bill, with a few lucky persons received twenty dollar bills. There were two cards in each envelope. One gave instructions about hos to give the money to a stranger; the other was a holiday greeting from the church to be given with the money.

A few years ago, Mike did something very similar at our church. On that Sunday, a gentleman came to him after the service and wanted to take him to lunch. After the meal, the man said, "I never liked you. However, when you gave me money in church a few weeks ago, I started to like you, because you gave me an opportunity to do something for someone else." Now, I don't know why the man had never felt inclined to help others, but at least he was honest.

When we got our envelopes this Sunday, my husband, Mike, immediately had a person in mind to give his five dollar bill to; but I am still waiting for God to bring someone to me. The church giving us money? Yes, it happened as a way to help us spread love at this season of hope and expectation.

God, there are times when unexpected opportunities come in your name to spread love in the kingdom. Wherever we are open our eyes to guide us to those who need your love and encouragement not only in Advent, but all the time. Amen.

Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana

Presidential Candidates Using God?

While Herman Cain seems besieged by women claiming harassment, his comment about God may have gone without much notice. In an interview about why he is running for president, he said that God wanted him to. Then he compared his "conversation" with God to Moses'. Presumably, God had to convince a reluctant Cain just like God had to convince a reluctant Moses.

I'm really not sure how I feel about a presidential candidate announcing this. It feels unsettling. While I am glad that Cain is a person of faith and that he has a close relationship with God, it troubles me that he would use God to bolster his appeal. Perhaps I'm just too skeptical, but I've heard too many people justify their position by saying that it was God's will. But I also suppose that just because God wants Cain to run, doesn't mean God wants him to be president?! What if Cain says that God wants him to lead us where we don't want to go? Is a vote against Cain a vote against God? I don't think so.

Please do not misunderstand. I pray for our leaders and I pray that God will lead them in righteousness, but like Martin Luther said, "I'd rather be governed by a smart Turk than a dumb Christian."

What do you think?

Kathy