tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73066415963785926802024-02-20T11:45:52.849-05:00Mike's MusingsMusings of an ELCA seminarian and alumnus of the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program - Durban, South Africa 2010-2011.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-86676803996914350892016-05-23T15:17:00.003-04:002016-05-23T15:38:04.359-04:00Vicar Mike's Newsletter Article for May 2016<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<i>God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><i>Psalm 46:1</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Brothers and Sisters in Christ:<o:p></o:p></div>
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This verse, which forms the basis of my favorite hymn
written by Martin Luther, <i>A Mighty Fortress Is Our God</i>, brings great
comfort to me in the times of trouble in my life. When life’s troubles get me down and I can’t
figure out how to deal with them all on my own, I am confronted and comforted
by this verse. It serves as a reminder
that I am not expected to, nor will I ever truly, get through life’s troubles
on my own. For no matter what else
happens, no matter who else is in my life, God is present and accompanying me
through life’s trials and tribulations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I had been in South Africa for about 4 months, I
experienced a time of great trouble in my life.
I was away from home and my usual support networks during the Holidays
for the first time. I had been pick
pocketed coming home from a retreat and was struggling to deal with my sense of
victimization. It was even starting to
impact my interactions with those at the crèche where I was spending most of my
time. Nothing I tried on my own seemed
to work to make things better.
Thankfully, God was very much present for me in this time of
distress. God was present in the love of
my sisters in Christ at the crèche who noticed something was wrong and spoke
up. They took action and comforted
me. They sought the help of the parish
pastor and my supervisor who was able to help me work through things. In that moment, surrounded by the love of my brothers
and sisters in Christ, God was very much present, and a great refuge against
life’s troubles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, God’s presence and ability to be a refuge and strength
for people in their times of trouble is not dependent on the body of Christ,
but we can and do often play a role in this nonetheless. It is one way that we can and do cooperate
with God’s abundant and everlasting love for the world. And it happens every day. When we comfort each other, God is a present
help in trouble. When we work together
to provide a shelter for those experiencing homelessness, God is a present help
in trouble. When we spend a week of our
lives helping others with projects in their homes, God is a present help in
trouble. When we visit a lonely person,
God is a present help in trouble. When
we acknowledge a beggar on the streets as a beloved child of God, God is a
present help in trouble.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are many ways that God is our refuge and
strength. Sometimes, they are ways that
we least expect. <o:p></o:p></div>
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God’s peace be with you,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Vicar Mike<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-30139051446899452832016-05-23T15:15:00.002-04:002016-05-23T15:38:04.342-04:00Vicar Mike's Newsletter Article for April 2016<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Every report, then, that cannot be adequately proved is false
witness. Therefore, no one should
publicly assert as truth what is not publicly substantiated. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Luther’s explanation of the 8<sup>th</sup> commandment in
the Large Catechism from The Book of Concord, Augsburg Fortress 2000</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">)</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Brothers and Sisters in Christ:<o:p></o:p></div>
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The 2016 presidential race is heating up as both major
parties in our country are getting closer to nominating their candidate for
President of the United States of America.
As such, we see that the rhetoric is really heating up - especially
attacks against specific candidates and individuals. Yet, sweeping generalizations against whole
groups of people also are starting to play a major role in this campaign. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In particular, I want to address the attacks against Muslims
as an example, but they are hardly the only group that have been victims of
broad generalizations during this election cycle. Between the Syrian refugee crisis, the fight
against ISIS, and recent terrorist attacks in Brussels, Paris, and many other
places throughout the world, some presidential candidates have called for a
moratorium on Muslim immigration to this country. Others have proposed that Muslim communities
be patrolled extra carefully. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Such suspicion of our Muslim neighbors meets the criteria of
bearing false witness according to Martin Luther in the Large Catechism. For it hurts the honor and integrity of ALL
Muslims to be treated with automatic suspicion – to be called a terrorist or
worse for no reason other than their religion.
Luther suggests that unless we can point to a specific, public act done
by a specific individual, “we should use our tongue to speak only the best
about all people, to cover the sins and infirmities of our neighbors, to
justify their actions, and to cloak and veil them with our own honor.” Broad demonization of our Muslim brothers and
sisters without basis in fact or specificity in example is something that runs
distinctly counter to Luther’s explanation and is something my own faith cannot
countenance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, following the example of Luther and the prodding of the
Gospel message of love for God, neighbor, and self, I say to my Muslim
neighbors immigrating to America in this day and age, “welcome!” I hope you find peace, comfort, and hope here
in this new land. I hope you find
shelter from persecution and war. I look
forward to getting to know you better and pray that your time in this country may
be full of God’s blessing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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God’s peace be with you,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Vicar Mike<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-32011728281750120132016-05-23T15:14:00.000-04:002016-05-23T15:38:04.344-04:00Vicar Mike's Newsletter Article for March 2016This month, I posted excerpts of my blog post <a href="http://lengelmichael.blogspot.com/2011/05/letter-for-easter.html">A Letter for Easter</a>.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-11110368770567547912016-05-23T15:11:00.002-04:002016-05-23T15:38:04.335-04:00Vicar Mike's Newsletter Article for February 2016<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<i>It is not necessary for the true unity of the Christian
church that uniform ceremonies, instituted by human beings, be observed
everywhere. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Article VII of the Augsburg Confession, German Text, from
The Book of Concord, Augsburg Fortress 2000</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">)</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Brothers and Sisters in Christ:<o:p></o:p></div>
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The ELCA and Roman Catholic church have made great strides
towards unity recently as the 500<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Reformation
approaches next year. Theologians from
both denominations have worked together and reconciled much of our theology and
provided a roadmap to address remaining theological concerns. Pope Francis has openly proclaimed that the
decision on whether to communion for Lutherans and Catholics in each other’s
churches are a matter between the individual conscience and God. All signs point towards a greater unity
between Lutherans and Catholics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will this result in a unification/merger between the ELCA
and Roman Catholic churches? No, it will
not. As far as I’m aware, that is not
the point of the dialog between our denominations. Rather, we are seeking to uplift the unity which
binds us together in Christ. Likely, we
will never solve all of our theological disputes. We may never agree on the best way to
administer Communion. We may never agree
what style of worship is best. However,
none of those things are necessary for the unity of the church. As the Reformers proclaimed in the Article
VII of the Augsburg Confession: “[the church] is the assembly of all believers
among whom the gospel is purely preached and the holy sacraments are
administered according to the gospel.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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True unity comes to us in Christ. No matter the differences in how we worship
or the way we take communion or the cultural and traditional differences
between denominations, we are all one in Christ. Christ was crucified and has been raised for
the sake of the world – for all of us.
Therefore, it is in Christ that we are all made one. The unity in Christ overcomes the differences
that divide us. This enables us at all
levels of our faith groups – denominational, congregational, and individual –
to celebrate that which binds us together. We do not need uniform ceremonies and
cultural heritage for unity; we just need Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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God’s peace be with you,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Vicar Mike<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-34315928261420188682016-05-23T15:09:00.002-04:002016-05-23T15:38:04.347-04:00Vicar Mike's Newsletter Article for January 2016<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<i>O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise
to the rock of our salvation! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><i>(Psalm 95:1)</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Brothers and Sisters in Christ:<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we begin a new year together, I want to take a step back
and praise God for some of the wonderful ways God has been at work in this
congregation. We have a dedicated group
of women who gather together to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. We had a lovely Christmas pageant with a
large number of youth who did a wonderful job of telling the story of the first
Christmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We have countless people of all ages in our congregation who
are seeking to live out their faith in meaningful ways, often times through
service. This manifests itself in our
youth through strong participation in events such as Work Camp. It also is evident in the large number of
volunteers we have to help with Family Promise, and Emmanuel Dining Room, and
numerous other opportunities for service both inside and outside the walls of
this congregation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The past month or so has been full of many wonderful
blessing for me in both my personal life and my ministry. So I also want to sing a song of praise to
the Lord as well. The seasons of Advent
and Christmas have been full of singing to the Lord between our Advent mid-week
services, Christmas caroling, services full of carols and special music, and
much much more. It is my hope that the
joyful singing which is quite easy to do in December, may continue this month
and throughout the rest of the year. For
Christ has come and dwells among us always.
The rock of our salvation is here.
Come, let us sing to the lord. <o:p></o:p></div>
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God’s peace be with you,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Vicar Mike<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-54385120962517789132016-05-23T15:07:00.005-04:002016-05-23T15:38:04.351-04:00Vicar Mike's Newsletter Article for December 2015<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">By the tender mercy of our God, the
dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in
darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><i>(Luke 1:78-79)</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Brothers and Sisters in Christ:<o:p></o:p></div>
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These final words of the prophesy given by Zechariah, the
father of John the Baptist, capture well the spirit of the beginning of our new
church year with the seasons of Advent and Christmas. As we celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus, we
also look forward with anticipation to Christ’s next coming. We celebrate the hope that is found in Christ
for those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. We rejoice that evil, war, and death have
been overcome by Christ and do not hold the final say.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I find myself reflecting on all of the ways that God has
been a blessing in my own life, offering me light in the darkness and guiding
my feet into the way of peace. Whenever
I have been lost in the darkness, God has provided light for my journey – light
which I have most clearly seen through the church and my loved ones. Any time I have wondered where I should go
next in life, God has illuminated my path with wisdom and love and guided me
into the way of peace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a congregation, we stand at the beginning of another year
of ministry together. While my journey
intertwined with yours part-way through this past year and will untwine again
part-way through this coming year, it is my hope that our journey together is
rooted in Christ’s light. We have an
opportunity to reflect together on the ways God is calling us to be light for
those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. We have an opportunity to be advocates of
God’s Kingdom of love, life, and peace in this world full of hate, death, and war. What will that look like for us collectively
and individually? I look forward to
discerning that answer together with you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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God’s peace be with you,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Vicar Mike<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-57874099541193116742016-05-23T14:57:00.002-04:002016-05-23T15:38:04.354-04:00Vicar Mike's Newsletter Article for November 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
Brothers and Sisters in Christ:<o:p></o:p></div>
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What exactly is the purpose and function of youth
ministry? Is it ministering <i>to</i>
youth? Or is it ministering <i>with</i>
youth? This question has been in the
forefront of my mind recently. The way
we as a congregation answer this question can have a drastic difference in how
we approach youth ministry. Personally,
I see youth ministry as ministry together <i>with</i> youth. I think the distinction between which
preposition we use to understand youth ministry (or any ministry for that
matter) makes all the difference in the world.
Because ministry <i>with</i> a group of people implies a certain sense
of mutuality, when we view ministry together in this manner, we build up a
sense of belonging and growing together.
We acknowledge that no one is a master of faith. All people have the potential to learn new things
and grow in faith together. That is one
of the core motivations behind Luther’s catechisms – that we are never done
growing in faith; we are never done learning the catechism.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So imagine what ministry <i>with</i> youth looks like. It looks like people from all walks of life
coming together to love and support each other in faith. It looks like youth and adults struggling
with the tough questions of faith alongside each other, learning from each
other and growing in faith together.
Adults and youth support each other in fulfilling congregational vows
during Baptism to help each child of God grow in faith. Ministry <i>with</i> youth supports a sense
of mutuality and belonging that helps people remain in faith even during the
tough times in life. Such a model of
youth ministry lifts the task of helping a child of God grow in faith from their
parents and professionals, and allows the church to pick up some of the load.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child,”
so it takes a church to raise a child of God, no matter how old (or young) that
child of God is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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God’s peace be with you,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Vicar Mike<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-82541428847226629462016-05-23T14:55:00.001-04:002016-05-23T15:38:04.356-04:00Vicar Mike's Newsletter Article for October 2015<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<i>And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you
did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to
me.’ <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><i>(Matthew 25:40)</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Brothers and Sisters in Christ:<o:p></o:p></div>
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It seems like every day we hear news of yet another group of
people mistreated and/or blamed for the problems of society. Often, these groups are people who have
little, if any, status or power in society.
They are refugees, immigrants, people experiencing homelessness – all
people displaced from their homes. These
people are blamed for the ills of society, and often extreme measures are taken
to keep them out: walls, barbed wire, fire hoses, harsh policies. Those with power and status tend to walk all
over these people without status. All
too often, the least of these of our society have no one to speak for them and are
not allotted the power to speak for themselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the time of Jesus’ ministry, society in the Roman Empire
was all about status, honor, wealth, and increasing those three things however
possible. To accomplish this, people
would try to hang around those who had higher status, and treated those with
higher status well. Hopefully, this
would lead to an increase in their own status as well. People who had power were expected to wield
that power for themselves and those who were above them. They were to raise the status of those to
whom they were beholden. In that
society, there was no point in looking out for those with lower status, because
nothing (honor, power, or wealth anyway) was gained from doing so.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus reminds us that <i>God</i> cares about those who have
no status in society. In fact, God is
present in the least of these in society.
Efforts to keep out the least in society also end up attempting to keep
God out. Thankfully, when we work to
include and care for the least in society, we are actively welcoming God. Our congregation does a good job with
this. Through programs like Family
Promise, through our financial mission support (which, in part, supports
organizations like Lutheran Immigration and Refugees Services), and our
quilting group which creates quilts for Lutheran World Relief, we are welcoming
God and God’s Kingdom into our church.
What other ways can we welcome God into our church? <o:p></o:p></div>
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God’s peace be with you,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Vicar Mike<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-54180872836878652402016-05-23T14:53:00.000-04:002016-05-23T15:38:04.349-04:00Vicar Mike's Newsletter Article for September 2015<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<i>“[God] has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does
the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk
humbly with your God.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>(Micah 6:8) </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Good Shepherd:<o:p></o:p></div>
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This verse has always played a central role in my faith,
especially during times of discernment. It
provides a beautiful summary and guide on how to live out a life of faith. It is also a reminder of the wideness of
God’s love. For God so loves all people,
that one of God’s greatest concerns is that we treat all people with dignity,
respect, and equity. This informs how we
can live out our daily lives as lives of faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of my greatest faith concerns is moving faith out beyond
Sunday mornings and into the mission fields of everyday life. My own faith journey up to this point has had
its share of highs and lows. However,
the times when I have been most successful in living out my faith on a daily
basis, I have had life most abundantly.
This abundance is of spiritual things such as faith, hope, and love, not
material things. These spiritual
treasures are much more valuable than earthly treasures. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So how did I acquire such spiritual gifts? Nothing I did accomplished this on its
own. In fact, without the grace of God,
it is impossible to receive such things.
My own faith and will power was not enough to accomplish these
things. The faith of the church and
Christ’s faithfulness accomplishes that which I am unable to do on my own
power. When we come together in Word and
Sacrament on Sunday mornings, God instills us with faith. God graces us with spiritual food and
spiritual gifts to support each other as we enter the mission fields of our
daily lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we begin our year of ministry together, I pray that God
blesses our time together, that we may grow together and explore the
possibilities of doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our
God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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God’s peace be with you,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Vicar Mike<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-26300134956187768492016-05-23T14:50:00.002-04:002016-05-23T15:38:04.339-04:00Newsletters from my Internship YearThroughout the course of my internship, I have rediscovered this blog which I maintained primarily through my year as a YAGM missionary in South Africa. I have come to really appreciate looking back on the insights and reflections from that year. This blog has been really helpful for processing my insights and I want to resume updating it. The first step of this for me will be to upload my monthly newsletter articles from my internship year. After I am done uploading these articles, I will look to begin updating this blog again with more regular posts.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-18684378350527003872011-05-01T07:51:00.000-04:002011-05-01T07:51:10.258-04:00A Letter for EasterI wrote this letter to my home congregation in Pennsylvania for the Easter Season.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Easter greetings from Durban!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">My Easter holiday season has been absolutely wonderful so far. I attribute this in part to the fact that I have been 100% healthy the past few days and on the go ever since.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">My Easter observance started when the Durban Central Parish Easter Rally started on Thursday evening. We had a Holy Communion service with a foot-washing ceremony included. Jesus provided a model of leadership based on being a servant to others. The foot-washing ceremony served as a powerful reminder to me of what my whole year in South Africa is all about.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Good Friday started off bright and early waiting for the taxi at 5:30am. The taxi didn't end up leaving until 6:45, but I got to the Ecumenical Good Friday service at the ICC just in time to hear the sermon. The most powerful part of the service was the procession through town to the city hall following the cross. I don't know how many thousands of people were marching through town with us, but it was certainly a unique and powerful experience for me.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Later on during the day, we had a service on the seven words of Jesus. Each congregation had one member reflect on one of the seven words for 10-15 min. The reflection that stuck with me the most was the one on "It is finished." The speaker cast it in the light of Jesus' work on Earth being finished. He then asked us to reflect on whether we have been true to God, become who we are supposed to be, and accomplished all that God has laid out for us during our time on Earth. If Jesus came today, would we be ready to go with him? Or would we have regrets of things we wish we had gotten to?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Easter Saturday began at noon for me and went straight through until 9am Easter Sunday. Now, this time wasn't all just one big church service. Most of Saturday afternoon and early evening was devoted to other, supporting activities. We had a time slot specifically dedicated to allowing groups to sing songs for the parish. During this time period, I offered a rendition of the Lord's Prayer. We also had a spirited debated on whether to classify social media as a blessing, or a curse. Now, my understanding was limited to the portions that were spoken in English (rather than isiZulu) and gauging the crowd's reaction to points made, but I gathered that both sides were making strong points. In the early evening, we watched a movie called <i>The Cross and the Switchblade</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. The film was based on a true story about a small-town Pennsylvania preacher who went to New York City in the 1970's to work with gangs. The movie was a powerful reminder that love can always overcome hate and violence.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The serious praise and worship started around 10PM on Saturday. My favorite part of this time period happened at midnight. We started outside of the church in the grass near the road. We lit candles and proceeded to follow the cross back into the church bringing the light back. What followed was 30-45 min of pure exuberance as we sang chorus after chorus and everyone was dancing ecstatically. I wish I had had a video camera to record the pure joy of the moment. We had a long revival afterwards until about 5am. For those unfamiliar with what a revival is, it is essentially a period of time of singing choruses (short, repetative songs sung by the assembly for a few minutes each, usually including specific dances that go with them), with 5-10 minute testimonials or mini-sermons on various biblical texts given by various people within the assembly. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The main Easter Sunday service started at 5:30am. The service included the installation of members of one of the leagues of the church, IMbokodo. The service was beautiful in many ways. The traditional Zulu service components made the service musically and spiritually beautiful. The sunrise gradually brightening the sanctuary made the service visually beautiful as well.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Overall, my Easter observance was long and exhausting, but worth absolutely every second! I was reinvigorated and felt the most alive I have felt in a long time. I have also had a chance to reflect upon what Easter is all about.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In Jesus' time, the Jewish authorities were obsessed with following a strict religious code. They felt that self-righteous adherence to this strict code would justify them and help to save them. Instead, they were missing the point of God's Law, which was to love one another and God as much as ourselves. Indeed, by trying to empower themselves for their own justification, they created a system which was oppressing others and going against the point of God's Love. Furthermore, no matter how hard they tried to justify themselves, they would always fall short.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Jesus' death and resurrection has provided a solution for the problems created with the self-righteous, self-justification system. We no longer have to worry about falling short of God's grace. Since nothing we do is ever going to be good enough to achieve salvation by ourselves, we are liberated from our bondage to our attempts at justification. Instead, we are empowered to love boldly without having to worry about whether our actions violate some strict religious code. Through grace, God has taken back the power of the Law which has always been love. I am grateful everyday for this wonderful gift God has granted us.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This Easter season is the perfect opportunity for us to take advantage of the freedom to love boldly. We should ask ourselves a few questions. How am I loving boldly? Is there any act of love I have the opportunity to pursue, but have been too afraid to do? What in my life is keeping me from loving others? God has granted us a gift; we should use it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Peace be with you always!</div>Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-62906650203603635382011-03-04T08:22:00.002-05:002011-03-04T08:22:53.028-05:00Lessons Learned Teaching Bible Stories in a Creche<style type="text/css">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">One of the tasks I've recently taken on in the creche where I work is to teach weekly Bible stories to the children. I've never tried to teach Bible stories to a single child before, let alone 45 children at a time, so I've learned a lot of valuable lessons during my first few weeks of teaching Bible stories.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I try to have a typical lesson follow a general outline. The first thing I try to do is a very short review of the story we did the previous week. Then I tell the story for the current week. As I'm telling the story, I try to gauge how well the children are following along by asking questions periodically throughout the storytelling. Finally, I have the children do two pieces of handwork/craft. The first piece is usually part of a longer term project. The second piece usually relates to the story of the week. I started with the creation story and have been working my way somewhat chronologically through the Bible. The most recent story was the giving of the Ten Commandments.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Hopefully, by now, the general idea of what I've been doing is clear and I can move on to the lessons I've learned while teaching Bible stories to children in the creche.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Lesson 1:</b> It is ok to not read a story word for word. When I first started reading stories to the children at the creche, I stuck to the printed story word-for-word and wondered why the children did not seem quite as engaged as when Sandra would read a story to them. After observing Sandra more, I realized that she often would paraphrase the stories and would adapt the stories to fit the situation as much as possible. So, I decided to follow Sandra's good example and have tried to become much freer with my storytelling and less constrained to the printed word. I've noticed a considerable improvement in the children's engagement with my stories and consider this lesson well learned.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Lesson 2:</b> Make sure the moral of the story is clear. This may seem like an obvious thing, but when I first started telling stories to the children, I did not bother to emphasize the morals of the stories. The children liked my stories, but they did not seem to retain the stories much past the day of telling. One week, I unintentionally slipped in a quick moral recap at the end of the story. The next week, I was shocked at how much better the children seemed to recall the story. I was forced to conclude that making the moral of the story clear enabled the children to retain the story for a much longer time. Since that week, I've been making the moral clear. So far, it seems to be working to help with retention of the stories.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Lesson 3:</b> Keep it brief. I suppose this lesson is a combination of common sense and experience. Common sense would seem to dictate that the shorter and more to the point a story is, the more the children will enjoy the story. Common sense has been backed up by my experiences. I've noticed that the children seem to have an attention span of about 10 minutes. Any longer than that and they have to be really engaged in order to pay attention. This means that the window for the entirety of my lesson (excluding handwork) is about 5-10 minutes. When choosing the stories for each week, I have to weigh the main points and decide what parts of the story, if any, should be skipped in order to maintain brevity. I am still experimenting with my target time, but I also try to get a feel for how the children are reacting to my story and adjust accordingly.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Lesson 4:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Planning is key. Before beginning my Bible story lessons for the creche, I never really appreciated all of the planning that goes into each lesson. I have had various amounts of preparation for my lessons so far, and my best lessons have been the ones I have prepared for the most. This may seem like a simple thing, but it still took me a while to learn. I missed one day of planning for my most recent lesson due to illness. Let's just say that lesson was probably the least successful of my lessons so far. Maybe with time I'll need less preparation for lessons, but at this stage, preparation is probably the biggest single factor determining the success of a lesson for me.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Lesson 5:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Find ways to involve the children in the lesson. As much as children may enjoy being read to, I've discovered that finding ways to actually involve the children makes the lesson both more enjoyable and more memorable. </span> The first time I involved the children directly in the lesson (other than to ask questions) was during my lesson on the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites to escape Egypt. I filled a bowl with water and had some of the children try to separate the water into two parts using their hands. Of course the children were unable to accomplish this feat; this served to emphasis the miracle of God's creation of the path through the Red Sea for the Israelites. I noticed the children were much more engaged with the story since they had something tangible to relate it to. Since this lesson, I have had much more success when I have incorporated direct involvement of the children into the lesson.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I have learned many other lessons while teaching Bible stories at the creche. Mostly the lessons have come about through trial and error and learning to go with the flow. The lessons I have learned in the creche have also helped me in life. I look forward to learning more as the year continues.</div>Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-65398850289997402842011-02-03T15:49:00.000-05:002016-05-21T23:32:33.800-04:00Pledge of Non-violence<style type="text/css">
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With the recent celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States, it seems appropriate to reflect on standards of non-violence in general. Recently, Rev. Dr. J Ludemann preached a sermon in which he brought to our attention the Parish Pledge of Nonviolence which has been circulated by the Families Against Violence Advocacy Network. The pledge has seven points which are inspired by Dr. King's non-violent civil rights movement. The seven points of the pledge coincide with my understanding of how to have my faith inform my daily life. So, I want to take some time to explore each of the seven points and how they relate to living out my faith.</div>
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The first point of the pledge is “<b>To Respect Self and Others</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">”. The pledge clarifies this point by specifying that it means “to respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical attacks and self-destructive behavior.” Working in the creche provides an opportunity to gauge how well this pledge point is being followed. Since children tend to reflect the atmosphere they are in, their behavior is a barometer for how well this portion of the pledge is being followed. When the children are surrounded by mutual respect and positive affirmations of their accomplishments, the children tend to show respect to one another more and they have a positive self-respect. On the other hand, when children are exposed to unkind criticism, hate speech, and physical violence, their behavior tends to deteriorate as they begin to mimic these actions. I can tell how well I am following this point of the non-violence pledge (and by extension acting on my faith) by how the children respond to me in the creche. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The second point of the pledge is “</span><b>To Communicate Better</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">”. The pledge specifies that this means “to share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger, and to work at solving problems peacefully.” Part of respect for others is being able to be open about our feelings and open to others sharing their feelings with us. We should be able to express our anger without hurting others with our words and actions. I saw a good example of the safe expression of anger during the student strike which coincided with the public servant strike when I first arrived in Durban in September. The students were gathered on the lawn in the middle of campus singing and dancing various protest songs. I had actually stumbled upon them without realizing what was happening at first. After a few songs, the group just dispersed and went their separate ways. The singing and dancing helped release their anger without causing harm to others. After seeing this, I was reminded how much music can serve in an emotionally uplifting role for me as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The third point of the pledge is “</span><b>To Listen</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">”. This means I am “to listen carefully to one another, especially those who disagree with me, and to consider others' feelings and needs rather than insist on having my own way.” Listening is a critical component of communication. In theory, this should be a fairly easy task too as all it requires is to use our ears and not our mouths. Yet, how many times in arguments do we find ourselves thinking of what to say next rather than actually trying to see where the other person is coming from. I readily admit that properly listening can be one of the hardest things for me to do sometimes. Yet, listening is important in order to strengthen our relationships with one another. As I improve my listening skills, my ability to follow through with the pledge is strengthen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The fourth point of the pledge is “</span><b>To Forgive</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">”. More specifically, I am “to apologize and make amends when I have hurt another, to forgive others, and to keep from holding grudges.” Forgiveness is a gift that we should not keep to ourselves. When asked how often we should forgive others, Jesus' response implies that we should not be keeping score in that matter. If we are counting the number of times we are forgiving others, than we miss the healing aspect that forgiveness brings to those who grant it. When we forgive others, we are freeing ourselves from the cycle of hate that leads to never-ending conflict. Seventeen years ago, South Africa held its first truly free and democratic elections after years of unjust apartheid. When searching for a way forward after decades of strife, South Africa chose to route of forgiveness offered through the Truth and Reconcilliation Commission headed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The TRC offers a prime example for how we can incorporate forgiveness into our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The fifth point of the pledge is “</span><b>To Respect Nature</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">”. I am “to treat the environment and all living things with respect and care.” Living in a city for the past 5 months, I have experienced first hand the impact that humans can have on the environment. With so many people living close together, the negative effects we have on the environment become amplified to a point where it becomes blatantly obvious. There is no questioning the need for respecting nature when the isolated parks and green spaces inside a city offer such a peaceful refuge. Apart from all of the scientific, moral, and theological arguments for why we should treat nature with respect, this practical application alone should be enough to encourage respect of nature.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The sixth point of the pledge is “</span><b>To Recreate Nonviolently</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">”. The pledge clarifies that this means “to promote athletic and recreational activities that encourage cooperation and to avoid social activities that make violence look exciting, funny or acceptable.” Why must everything we do have “winners” and “losers”? Sure, it is great feeling when we are a “winner”, but if there are “winners” then there typically are “losers” as well. Fear of being a “loser” sometimes creates a win-at-all-costs attitude. Such a self-centered attitude rarely encourages love, which is the base of my faith.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The final point of the pledge is “</span><b>To Be Courageous</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">”. The pledge encourages me “to challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it, whether at home, at work, in the church, or in the community, and to stand with others who are treated unfairly.” This last step is the most challenging one because it forces us to step outside of ourselves. Even if we master all six of the previous points in this pledge of non-violence, our pledge serves little purpose if we keep it to ourselves. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” One basis of this assertion likely comes from Jesus' admonition that whatever we do to the “least of these” we do to Jesus. This is a way of reminding us that we are all connected as Children of God. Thus anything negative that happens to one, negatively impacts all. So if we witness violence and do not challenge it, we might as well have participated in the act itself since we are negatively impacted as a result of the violence.</span></div>
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Discovering this pledge of non-violence has served to bolster my attempts to live my faith out on a daily basis. I encourage everyone to read the pledge and consider signing it as I have.</div>
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*There are multiple versions of the pledge which can be found at <a href="http://www.ipj-ppj.org/Pledge%20of%20Nonviolence/Parish.htm">http://www.ipj-ppj.org/Pledge%20of%20Nonviolence/Parish.htm</a></div>
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The quotes in this post are taken from the Parish Pledge.<br />
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*Edited 5/21/2016 to replace the link for the pledge with an active link</div>
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Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-32280072630690947042010-12-10T10:40:00.000-05:002010-12-10T10:40:51.700-05:00Home<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">While in South Africa, I have been receiving letters and cards from my home congregation in the United States. It is great hearing from my church family at my home in the U.S. Receiving the precious letters has caused me to reflect on home especially as Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas approaches. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">We've probably all heard it said that “home is where your heart is.” Certainly, by that definition, my home is in Mechanicsburg where I grew up. I love my family dearly and am indebted to them in many ways for who I am today. I also love my home congregation dearly as they have been there with me for my spiritual development and nurture. So clearly, my home is in Mechanicsburg.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">However, my home is in more that one location if we are to believe that “home is where your heart is.” For I also love my friends from college dearly. There were there as I struggled, as most college students do, to define who I am as a person. We have shared laughter and tears together as we walked together to discover who we are. So my home is also at Bucknell with my friends.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">My home is also in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, where I accompanied a non-denominational Christian school for two weeks prior to going to college. My friends from this time helped form both my ecumenical and international awarenesses. We grew close through the ups and downs such experiences tend to entail.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I also have homes in the UK, Slovakia, Hungary, Jerusalem/West Bank, Argentina, and Mexico, even though I have never been to these places. A year-long experience such as YAGM inevitably creates bonds that last a lifetime. The YAGM volunteers in other countries are like family to me. I will have a home wherever any one of them happen to be.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Kimberly, Bloemfontein, Soweto, Bonaero Park, Masealama, Loskop, Embalenhle, Bishopstowe, Umpamulu, and Carolina also serve has homes for me. The other ELCA-MUD volunteers have become a family for me as we learn and grow this year alongside God's people in South Africa. We shared our Thanksgiving together this year along with Brian, Kristen, Khaya, and Brian's parents. They have helped me learn to expand my support base beyond my nuclear family.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I also have a home in Durban. Since arriving in Durban almost three months ago, I have experienced wonderful hospitality everywhere I turn. I am beginning to understand what it means to be a part of God's Family in a whole new way.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">The creche has become a home for me in Durban. The children are as little nieces and nephews to me. I love them dearly and enjoy learning with them. Jonathan and Elise, the other volunteers at the creche, are like a brother and sister to me. We have bonded while working and while experiencing the very rich culture that Durban has to offer. Sandra, one of the teachers at the creche, is like a mother to me. She is always looking out for me, whether it making sure I'm being fed physically or spiritually through the many rich cultural offerings available in Durban. I love those everyone from the creche dearly and know they will remain a part of my family long after this year is over.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">The student YMCA where I am staying has become a home for me. The students are like my brothers and sisters. We are growing together as we share God's love and our gifts with each other. The pupils we are tutoring at the Y-Zone recently started in Cato Crest are like cousins. I enjoy being able to revel in God's love together with them. Dina, the manager of the student Y, is also like a mother to me. She makes sure that I have an opportunity to experience all that Durban has to offer. More importantly, she is helping me to grow spiritually. I look forward to our conversations together as they always provide me with a new way of looking at things.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I am also feeling at home in ELCSA, my host church. My first Sunday in Durban, I was invited to join two choirs at church. Since then, I have participated in conferences, workshops, sports days, and joint services with my siblings in ELCSA. At these various events, I have grown closer to Children of God of all ages. The hospitality shown by my hosts, and our plentiful opportunities for growing together have helped me feel like a true part of the family.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">In the first half of November, I had to deal with a lot of sickness. During that time, my family in Durban showed me a lot of support as I fought to get better. Being forced to rely on them was a humbling experience for me. But it also made me realize on another level what having a family in Durban truly means. Thus, my sense of home in Durban was reinforced during this time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I have experienced a strong sense of ecumenicalism in Durban. This has provided me with opportunities to walk alongside of members of God's family from many different backgrounds. This has served as a reminder that we really are just one giant extended family; we may disagree over things from time to time, but ultimately we are all working together as something much bigger than any one of us – God's family. This brings to mind the analogy that Paul draws of the Kingdom of God being one body with many parts. Therefore, I can find a home with people of many different beliefs despite our differences.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Liberation Serif","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ultimately, the reason I have found so many homes is that my heart belongs to God. Therefore my home is in God. This means that I have a home anywhere that God is. Since God resides in all of us through the Holy Spirit, this means that my home is anywhere a Child of God is. Thus, my home can be anywhere on earth.</span>Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-92156752843144794342010-10-16T06:49:00.000-04:002010-10-16T06:49:32.888-04:00God at Work in Diverse WaysThis post was intended to go up a few days ago, but I've been sick the past few days. I apologize for the delay.<br />
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I've heard it said that God works in many wonderful and diverse ways, but rarely have I been as aware of this fact in such a concentrated period of time as this past weekend (Thursday to Sunday). <br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">God works in diverse ways in the administration of ministries. This weekend alone, I was able to witness this diversity present through parish council meetings, circuit planning meetings, website designs for the circuit and creche, congregation AGMs, and hospital board meetings.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The diverse ways in which we worship God reflect the diversity in God's Works. Whether conducting traditional worship services on Sundays or holding prayer and praise sessions during exam preparations, God is at work whenever we are worshipping.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All of God's Children are vessels for godly works, regardless of their diverse ages. One way in which children are a blessing is through their uninhibited faith in God. One way in which youth are a blessing is through the fearlessness in proclaiming what they believe. One way in which adults are a blessing is through the wisdom that comes through years of experience. God makes use of the blessings of each generation, and I certainly got to experience that this weekend.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Beauty exists in all of God's diverse creation. As I was travelling with my supervisor to a hospital board meeting about 350 km (~220 miles) from Durban, I witnessed the beauty in the diverse landscape along the way. Later that same day, I was blessed to attend a presentation by the first African (South African) to mount the seven summits. He videoed all of his climbs, but this presentation focused specifically on his Mt. Everest expedition. I was reminded again of the majesty and beauty in God's creation.</div>Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-90048201537516158072010-10-10T12:25:00.000-04:002010-10-10T12:25:12.506-04:00First Newsletter is DoneMy first newsletter has been sent out. If you want a copy and have not received one, please email me and I will add you to my mailing list.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-18716824566926841182010-10-03T12:47:00.000-04:002010-10-03T12:47:19.495-04:00Proactivity and African Time: Two Lessons in AccompanimentFirst, let me explain what I mean by “proactivity” and “African time”.<br />
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My second day in Durban, I attended a Bible study at the student Y where I will eventually be living. The theme of the Bible study that day was being proactive – or taking responsibility for your actions rather than blaming them on something else. So when I talk about “proactivity”, I am talking about living in a state of being where you consciously choose how to respond to various stimuli.<br />
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I come from a culture which values punctuality highly. Events are expected to start when announced and run for the prescribed amount of time. “African time” is the norm in the culture in which I find myself now. Meetings typically start 30-45 minutes after the announced time and run until they logically should conclude (rather than at a prescribed time).<br />
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At first glance, these two concepts may seem to be unrelated, or even run counter to each other. Yet, I have found that much can be learned from both when viewed through the lens of accompaniment.<br />
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Proactivity applies as much to what we do as to how we choose to interpret the situations we find ourselves in. Take, for instance, the fact that I will not be moving into my long-term residence until roughly a month after arriving in Durban. Two possible reactions presented themselves: I could have gotten angry about the situation and blamed nature, nurture, or the environment I am in for my reaction to the situation, or I could go with the flow and look for the positive in the situation.<br />
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In the first possible reaction, I would be casting blame for my actions (in this case how I reacted to things not going according to my plans) onto some force outside of myself. While these outside forces certainly can influence how I react, in the end, it is up to me to decide how I will respond. Rather than get upset at my plans being cast aside, I choose to trust God look for the positive that has resulted first.<br />
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By moving around a bit this first month in Durban, I have gotten to see and learn more of the city. By having my ideal plans cast aside, I have been forced outside of the shell of individual reliance that I tend to operate inside of. As a result, I have depended heavily on the community which I have become a part of. My first weeks, I relied heavily on Jonathan, the German volunteer living with me, to help me around the city. We have become close friends and I look forward to sharing the rest of this year with him. I have no doubt that God was at work in countermanding my ideal plans. I have benefited tremendously from these altered arrangements. By choosing to trust God and not be upset, I have been able to see God's blessings in the deviations from my plans.<br />
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What this means is that proactivity is a change in mindset. Proactivity is a mindset that acknowledges outside influences in our lives, but does not allow them to rule our lives.<br />
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Similarly, accompaniment requires a change in mindset. Accompaniment seeks to focus on the relationships we have with others. This requires a change from the individualistic, top-down approach to mission, to a communal, two-way street approach to mission. How does this affect me? It changes the questions I ask from “How can I help them?” to “How can we grow together in Christ?” Accompaniment also requires owning up to the fact that I am an imperfect human being and only through trusting God and being in community with all of God's Children am I made whole. In other words, accompaniment requires choosing to live in community with God's Children. That is where proactivity comes into the picture.<br />
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I guess what this all comes down to for me is choosing to trust God and allowing God's blessings to overwhelm other outside factors in my outlook on life. When we take the time to look for the good in any situation, it is amazing how abundant God's blessings truly are. “Bad” situations become opportunities for growth and “Neutral” situations become opportunities for joy. In a sense, we can echo Paul's gratitude to God by “Rejoic[ing] in the Lord always! Again [we will] say Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).<br />
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I am still learning to see the blessings in each situation, but it becomes easier and more natural each time I do it. As I mentioned in a previous post, before this year, I never would have imagined that I could work with children easily; however, I find that the days I spend in the crèche are full of blessings. The international nature of Durban provides blessings in the thriving cultures present in the city. Various meetings and lectures provide opportunities for spiritual and intellectual growth. I have been blessed to attend various ecumenical gatherings such as the Inner-City Ministry (ICM) meeting I attend a few weeks ago. God's work shows itself all throughout my experiences in South Africa!<br />
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This past weekend (23-26 September), I was blessed to be able to attend the ELCSA church-wide Young Adults League conference held in Durban. No matter what was on the agenda, various choruses and songs praising God were bound to spring forth. These spontaneous musical offerings provided an example for me of rejoicing in God's love always!<br />
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This coming weekend (1-3 October) I will be travelling with the Durban Circuit Men's League Choir to the South Eastern Diocese (SED) Prayer Men's League (PML) Rally. I look forward to the fellowship, worship, and praise that this weekend is sure to offer. I also look forward to joining in song with people from all over SED.<br />
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This brings me to my next point which is how African time provides many blessings when seen from the lens of accompaniment. Coming from a culture which views punctuality highly and appreciates sticking to schedules, it would be very easy to succumb to the influences of my nurture and be frustrated with African time. However, I see African time differently. To me, African time is valuing being in the present entirely. It is a way of saying that whatever I am doing currently is the most important thing for now. It frees us to be completely focused on here and now so as to not miss out on opportunities for relationship formation and community building. When you are focused on “Where do I have to been next?” or “How long will this take?”, opportunities to be aware of God's Love are missed. <br />
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For me, African time is an expression of love. After all, are we not commanded to “Love our neighbors as ourselves?” And isn't love patient and kind? (For more on love I recommend the entirety of chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians.) If we are not devoting all of our attention on where we are in the present, how are truly loving those we are with?<br />
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With this understanding of African time, it is easy to see how it fits in with accompaniment. After all, if we come into an encounter without restrictive presuppositions as to the length, we free ourselves to be in the moment and truly walk alongside the Children of God we are sharing this precious Earth with. Whether we are practising with a choir, or worshipping God, or sharing tea co-workers, this understanding of African time liberates me to be free to love without artificial, self-imposed restrictions.<br />
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Now, as an imperfect being, I am still learning to cope with African time. However, it is my hope that by understanding African time in this matter, my accompaniment experiences will be continue to be enhanced. I certainly feel that I have all the time in the world to continue my growth in this manner.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-21337761405211133012010-09-30T15:58:00.000-04:002010-09-30T15:58:31.571-04:00New ReflectionsI have a few reflections in the works which I hope to post soon. However, I am traveling with the Durban Circuit Men's League choir to the South Eastern Diocese Prayer Men's League Rally this weekend, so they probably won't go up until I return from the rally.<br />
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In the meantime, I highly suggest checking out the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/elcamud">program facebook page</a> for more news from South Africa. Also, if you are interesting in learning more about the motivations behind accompaniment, I highly recommend <a href="http://briankristenkonkol.blogspot.com/2010/09/death-of-mission-trips-and-rise-of.html">this article</a> written by one of my Country Coordinators, Brian Konkol.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-30419167460968826132010-09-21T09:38:00.000-04:002010-09-21T09:38:42.891-04:00Two Weeks in DurbanIt's hard to believe I have been in Durban almost two weeks already. With new experiences every day, time really seems to fly by here. At the same time, life seems to be moving at a slower pace, with every experience an intentional time to be in relationship with people from all walks of life.<br />
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I look forward to each day I am in the creche. Every day, the children greet me with hugs and requests to be lifted up. Their joy is infectious and lifts me up even when I am feeling under the weather.<br />
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I also look forward to my afternoons in the PUSH office where I am helping with some administration tasks. The ladies in the office are full of joy; I look forward to the times we have to share stories from our lives with each other.<br />
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Every aspect of who I am as a person seems to find room to flourish here in Durban.<br />
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When I was at St. Michael's congregation on last Sunday, I was introduced to a man named Tsepo who promptly invited me to sing in a choir. As a result, I am now singing in two choirs, the Durban Circuit Men's League choir and the Durban Circuit choir.<br />
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I am working with children and youth of all ages while here in Durban. At the creche, I am working with children up to age 7. Some Saturdays, I work with children who are a little older at an outreach program with the YMCA. On Thursdays, it is likely that I will be helping youth ages 15-18 with math and other subjects with another program with the YMCA. Prior to this year, I never would have suspected that I have it in me to work with children and youth like this. I wonder what other hidden gifts God will help me unlock this year.<br />
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My faith is also finding room to flourish here in Durban. From conversations with Jonathan (the German volunteer staying with me who has been tremendously helpful teaching me how to find my way around Durban), to Bible studies at the Y, to working at the creche and PUSH offices, to attending beautiful worship services on Sunday, everywhere I turn I see faith in action that only serves to strengthen mine.<br />
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On Friday, I met Elise, an American volunteer with the Mennonite Central Committee temporarily volunteering at the creche. Talking with her about her background in international development was a fruitful step in my discernment process this year. As I live in community this year, I putting my faith in God to lead me where I need to go.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-86802556092786650802010-09-08T10:53:00.000-04:002010-09-08T10:53:43.059-04:00Durban: A Truly International CityOn Monday, we dispersed from our in-country orientation in Pietermaritzburg to our host sites. Now I had heard that Durban was a diverse, international city, but I never truly appreciated that until I arrived in Durban to stay. One of the sites where I will be working is a creche (pre-school for children aged 0-6) started by refugees and operating for refugees from various conflicted regions in Africa. Walking down the street, I see people from all over the world mingling with each other, going about their daily business. The very first night I was in Durban, there was a parents meeting at the creche where one of the sponsoring agencies, the Mennonite Central Committee, brought in speakers from the US and Canada to talk about parental involvement in their child's education. While at the meeting, I was introduced along with a German volunteer who is also working at the creche.<br />
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Being in a very international environment has served as an immediate reminder to me of the many tensions I will be living this year on my journey. There are dichotomies between serving and being served, learning and teaching, <b>do</b>ing and <b>be</b>ing. Orientation helped me to cast aside my old way of approaching life and become open to new ways of living. As I expand the relationships I have already formed and develop new ones this year, I will learn to adjust to these tensions and experience a new way of approaching life.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-65332291075603060092010-08-31T03:03:00.000-04:002010-08-31T03:03:38.404-04:00Arrival in South AfricaAfter two days of travel, we safely arrived in South Africa on August 27.<br />
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One of the first things that struck me was how hilly the Durban and Pietermaritzburg areas are. I have no idea why, but I was expecting it to be flat for some reason. I am looking foward to discovering what other (less superficial) preconceptions I have of South Africa turn out to be false.<br />
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Our orientation sessions have been challenging us to disorient ourselves from our preconceptions and learn to challenge ourselves in new ways. I am already noticing a difference in my outlook on poverty, justice, and our gospel of the cross.<br />
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Peace be with you all!Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-7246776764057543942010-08-31T02:56:00.000-04:002010-08-31T02:56:48.541-04:00Embarking for South AfricaNote: this post was intended to go up on August 25, but I lost internet access before I could finish it.<br />
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Today is the big day. Today, I begin my two days of travel to South Africa and will see my host country for the first time shortly. This week of orientation in Chicago has been an uplifting week of preparation for my spiritual journey through life, especially this coming year.<br />
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The bonds I have formed with the other YAGM volunteers and alumni have strengthened as we have grow closer to God and each other. We have learned what it means to be in community with one another even as we prepare to be in community with those partnering with us this year. We have come to appreciate the wonderous diversity in God's children even while finding common ground.<br />
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One commonality in all major religions is a call to be self-less and to be servants to one another. This foundation is expressed in the holy writings of each of the major religions. In a later post, I will explain more about this.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-33510073786534808252010-08-25T08:00:00.002-04:002010-08-25T08:00:00.143-04:00NewsletterWhile I am on this year long spiritual journey, I will be sending out a monthly newsletter of my experiences in South Africa. If you are interested in receiving a copy, please email me at lengel.michael@gmail.com to be added to my mailing list.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-28180026667312456872010-08-21T01:48:00.000-04:002010-08-21T01:48:22.492-04:00Spiritual Nurture and Communicating Across CulturesThe first two full days of orientation in Chicago have flown by. There has been a good balance between getting to know our fellow YAGM volunteers and preparing ourselves for our year as servants in multiple ways.<br />
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Pastor Jim Gonia has been leading a session on spiritual practices to bring along with us for the journey. As we look after our souls' health this coming year, he has presented us with new ways of considering our relationship with God and new prayer techniques to consider using.<br />
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Learning to communicate despite cultural and language barriers was the theme of today. Sunitha Mortha guided us through sessions on communication between cultures. We simulated various language barriers through activities such as a tag game where the instructions were delivered in gibberish, a card game where the rules were taken away and silence strictly enforced, and navigating to a restaurant in groups without being able to talk.<br />
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Tomorrow's theme looks to be focusing on the logistics of the program.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306641596378592680.post-66478577868139729402010-08-19T02:01:00.000-04:002010-08-19T02:01:39.145-04:00Arrival in ChicagoMy year-long journey has begun today with my flight to Chicago for a week-long orientation for YAGM prior to my departure for South Africa. Thankfully, I did not have any problems with my flight to Chicago, though I had no leg room to speak of.<br />
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We took a bus from the airport to the seminary in Chicago. Now, I'm not sure how long the trip usually takes, but we hit some serious traffic and the drive took an hour and a half. The traffic served to illustrate two lessons that should serve me well during my journey this year. First, I will need to learn to go with the flow. Second, even when I know where I am and how to get to where I want to be, the pace may not always be the speed I want it to be. Of course, both lessons will serve me well in my spiritual development as well.<br />
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I am excited that the first part of my journey is now in full swing. Being with all of the YAGM volunteers again for the first time since the DIP event in April invigorates me. The opening worship service this evening was very moving.Pastor Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11282360813205224951noreply@blogger.com2