EDNA BAKER: WE LOVE YOU!

Yesterday, Sherry and I drove to Peoria to see an angel named "Edna." It was the last time we will see her... and we will certainly miss her! Edna is dying now. Her time has come, but it didn't come until she had touched hundreds- perhaps thousands- of lives... through her teaching, her tutoring, and her contagious faith.

When we arrived at their home, Don met us and showed us to their bedroom, where Edna was resting. She was on oxygen, and the cancer had dimmed her vision. She was gaunt and weak, but alert, and she welcomed us warmly. Sherry asked her if she would like a back rub, and Edna said that she would love it. So, with a little effort, she rolled over on her side and Sherry rubbed her back for several minutes while we talked. We shared a little small talk, but only a little, because the moment begged for talk of love and grace. It wasn't a time to talk about the weather, or even the good times that we had enjoyed together. I mentioned the trip that Edna and Don had taken to Germany, and Don mentioned the time the four of us attended a Righteous Brother's concert, but the moment was too sacred for such things.

Sherry told Edna how much she loved her and noted that when she gets to heaven herself, she hopes that Edna will be one of the first to meet her. Edna said that she would be there to greet Sherry when her time came. Sherry told Edna how much she meant to us, and I asked Edna if she was afraid to die. Without hesitating, she said "no." She said that, while she didn't like the dying process, she would willingly endure it because "the reward will be so great." "Jesus is reaching out to me," she said, "and I can't wait to meet him face to face." 

"Oh Edna," I replied, "I know it's true. Jesus is reaching out to you. I see him smiling, almost eager now, to embrace you and to show you around his mansion." "Edna," I went on, "You say that you've been blessed... and I agree. You have been blessed in many ways, but what is also true- every bit as true- is this: you have been a blessing! You have blessed me in powerful ways. You have blessed Sherry and Don (of course), but that's just the tip of the iceberg. You've blessed countless numbers of young people through your teaching and your tutoring, and you've blessed at least two grateful congregations here in Peoria. You have spent your life investing in God's people, Edna, and you have served our Lord in all that you've done. Yes, you have witnessed to His love and His grace. You have been a practicing Christian, and that's a much rarer thing that you might imagine. Over the years, I've tried to get you to "see the light," but you have steadfastly clung to your Missouri Synod roots. You are a proud German Lutheran, Edna, and you've never once lost sight of who or whose you are! You have a strong, unquestioning, and contagious faith in Christ, and you've given a thousand great sermons... in the way you live and love. You've been a real partner to Don, Edna. You were created for this partnership. You are exactly what Don Baker needed to be complete. Don needed just the right person to march with him, and you walked with him- every step of the way, and always with grace. Edna,you've left a huge imprint on the stage we've been blessed to share with you, and whenever you showed up, things were a little brighter. You have an engaging smile; you have a great mind; you have a heart for our Lord... and for those of us who need a helping hand; you have vibrant and courageous spirit; and you have a genuine love for humanity. You have 'star power,' and you, Edna Baker, are a spiritual hero of mine. Sherry and I both love you, Edna, you and Don both, and we want you to know that... here on this sacred day. Thanks for allowing us to be with you."

We held hands- the four of us- and we shared a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for blessing us with a servant like Edna Baker, and asking him to watch over his servant, Don Baker in the days, months, and years ahead. I'm glad that we had a chance to pray together. I'm glad that we had the chance to hug her and to also hug Don. Our Lord knows that these are two people who have made it their business to make the world a better place. Finally, as Edna tired, her attendant was called back into the room. Sherry and Don left, but I lingered ... and I bent down and kiss her hand. "Edna," I concluded, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Our world is a better place for you being here, and you will live on. You will live in His mansion, that's for sure, and you will live in our hearts as well. As long as faith matters and good people are remembered, you will live on. Goodbye. We will see one another again." Then, to my surprise, Edna rolled over to face me and she lifted her self up. She looked directly at me. "Thank you so very much for taking so much time- you and Sherry- just for me."

I could see her eyes wide open. I could see the depth of her expression, and I could've touched her face. Between you and me, I've seen Edna when she was prettier... but never when she was more beautiful! Edna died as she had lived- with Christ Jesus on her mind! I'm really impressed with her steadfast faith, but I shouldn't be surprised. After all, she is an angel.

OUR LITTLE CHURCH FAMILY

Jimmy rolls along... embracing his faith and traditional values,
      In his mind, they fit together perfectly,
            and he watches only Fox for legitimate news.
Susie's mind is filled with questions and answers.
      She's taken in a library of information,
            but tolerance is not her strong suit.
Bob has trouble breathing.
      He's a gracious man,
            and we're all glad that he has someone to love him.
Marjorie's gone now, like so many others,
      but she had enough time on this earth
            to read the entire Bible... 33 times!
Ralph is battling Alzheimer's-
      so is Joe, and Mary, and several others.
           Sometimes, I think it's inevitable.
Vern's hanging on, clinging to his home,
      fighting for his independence, and
           always missing his wife.
Katie's found a new love.
      I hope he treats her like a princess.
            We don't know of anyone more deserving.
George & Lettie, Doug & Debra- they're grieving their daughters.
      They always will, and we need to do
            a better job of remembering their sacred days.
Where have all the children gone?
      They were all just kids when I arrived.
            May God be with them in their vulnerable teenage years.
Stacey has significant struggles physically,
      but her spirit is strong, and she's a wonderful joy-giver.
            Besides, it's fun to talk with her about shows like "The Voice."
No one seems to know why Frieda has so little energy.
      She's not herself and the doctors don't know why
            but they hardly ever know around here.
Jack and Joyce are gathering grandkids,
      and they are chewing up miles on their Golden Wings.
            But fall's coming, and we'll see more of them in church.
Jeff continues to fight cancer,
      and now, I've learned that Morgan's dad is too.
            When I was attending school in the 60s,
                   I thought someone told me that they were finding a cure.
Last year, Harper spent her birthday in Iowa City.
      This year, she's at home- active and beautiful
            (although she was beautiful anyway).
Our new choir director had an excellent debut last Sunday.
      Our choir did too,
            and we are delighted to have a new Treasurer
                  and a new receptionist... join our team!
We will be baptizing little Jack and an adult in 3 weeks.
      Jack is between 2 and 3- the adult is older-
            but I love baptisms- adult, babies, and everyone in between.
Truth is- in our church family...
      some of our family members are thriving, some are dying;
      some are pleased, some are frustrated;
      some are building homes, some are leaving homes;
      some are active, some we seldom see;
      some are discovering new and empowering faith,
            some are struggling to keep the modest faith they have.
It's our little church family... experiencing life together.
      Sometimes we roll our eyes, but mostly, we live by grace.
            We have our individual quirks and our unique stories.
      Some of our family members are hard to understand;
            some are easy to like...
                  but we really do love one another.
We dream together, we talk together, we walk together.
      We cry together, and we laugh together...
             never doubting that Christ is always with us!
Can I hear an "amen"?

IS GOD CALLING YOU TO DO ANYTHING AT ALL?

In the earliest church, there wasn't a single member who had a financial need for long because, whenever a need arose, the wealthier members sold a piece of their land and gave the proceeds to the church. This ministry of grace (Acts 4) appears to have been commonplace... but the only man mentioned by name was called "Barnabas," which means "son of encouragement." Barnabas was encouraging, for sure, but his encouragement took many forms. For instance, (Acts 9) when the disciples were afraid to meet with Paul, it was Barnabas who interceded for him.  Later still, (Acts 11) we learn that Barnabas ministered to the believers in Antioch, encouraging them to stand fast in the Lord, and that he accompanied Paul to Jerusalem when the time came to establish what, if any, Jewish practices would be laid on the backs of Gentile Christians. Well, as history notes, Paul and Barnabas "carried the day," and when they returned to Antioch with the good news, the members of the early church broke into applause and praise! The Judaisers were put in their place. The Gentiles were free to come to Christ by grace.

Now, what would be next for these two apostles? What's next? Isn't that a question we all face? I've finished my education. I have my degree, now what? Should I go back to the world I know... or take a leap of faith into the unknown? Should I accept the first offer I receive... or hold out for the best? I'm in love... but should I get married now, or wait, and if so, for how long?  I've been working on the same job for 20 years now, and it's not fulfilling. If I'm going to change careers, I need to make the change soon, but would changing be too costly? Too radical? I'm 67 today, and my best years are behind me. My ministry is over... or is it? Should I retire? Look for something part-time? Or keep on going until someone carries me out? What next? No matter how high we've climbed, and even if we've reached the top, the question still comes...what next? That's the question that came to Paul and Barnabas after their "victory" over the judaisers. You can read about it in the 15 chapter of Acts, but in brief, Paul thought they should revisit every church where they had proclaimed the gospel to "see how they were doing." Barnabas had no problem with the path Paul recommended, but he wanted to take John Mark with them. Paul refused to take "Mark" along because he felt that Mark was a deserter, but Barnabas refused to go at all... without Mark. So, they parted ways- Paul and Barnabas- and each of them went his own direction with a new partner.

How do we know when God is calling us to go in a new direction, or for many of us, to simply begin our Christian walk? When I ask others if God has ever appeared to them, virtually all of them say "no," and when I ask them if God has spoken to them, or "called" them to a given ministry or vocation, the vast majority of them still say "no."  They say "no" because they can't hear God's voice against the cacaphony of voices that clamor for the attention. They say "no" because they are spiritually blind and deaf. Even though they have eyes and ears, they neither see nor hear. They say "no" because, while they are looking for cherubim, God appears to them in many other ways. Yes, friends, God comes to us in many ways. He appears in the stranger who just shows up. in the homeless man whom we pass by, in the events that take place in our lives (as He did with Paul and Barnabas), in the issues that weigh on our minds, in the causes that break our hearts, in the abilities that He has given to us, and in our dreams (as He did with many prophets of old). God calls us in the silence of our thoughts, through the shouts of the masses, through our prayers, and most clearly, through Scripture... but He calls each of us to service and ministry.

One last point- God calls us to meet a need. We are saved to serve, and we're equipped to meet the needs of God's people. During the night (Acts 16:9ff), Paul had a vision in which a man called out to him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Paul hadn't planned to go to Macedonia, but he couldn't deny what he saw and heard. There was a man in need who called out to him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." This is exactly what the apostle did, of course, but my last question for us this morning is this: what need or needs is God calling you to meet? You have gifts and talents. You have eyes and ears, and God is calling each one of you to meet a need, or perhaps, a number of needs. Friends, someone needs you! Perhaps, you've been equipped and called to meet the needs of the poor. Maybe you're being called to meet the needs of the lonely. Maybe you've been equipped to open doors for those who need justice. Perhaps, you can meet the needs of those who need to be heard. Maybe you're the one who will introduce our neighbors to Jesus. Perhaps, you are being called to help our own members grow in Christ! What path does YOUR ministry lie down? It's an important question, and I propose that your search for an answer will be facilitated if you keep these things in mind:

1)     Be open to new possibilities! "We've done it that way before," may be the church's motto, but it
        is NOT God's;
2)     Dive into Scripture! It is His living word- so let it live in you! Equip yourself with the wisdom,
        and the power of God's word. It will challenge, direct, and comfort you.
3)     Pray! Prayer is God-talk, and if you listen, it will be a two-way conversation. I've never seen a
        healthy relationship that didn't include a lot of honest and vulnerable conversation. Prayer is not
        a speech, or a way of getting what you want. It is a conversation that will deepen your under-
        standing of, and commitment to, God. So, make prayer a habit and get spiritually fit!
4)     Consider ministries that are outside your comfort zone. Don't ask God to show you the way, and
        then limits the ways that you will consider;
5)     Look for others who will walk with you because they share your vision. Find your Lydia, Mark,
        Barnabus, or Silas. Sharing a dream with someone is a powerful thing;
6)     Don't resist God's hand because you've already made up your mind. Know that God is often in
        the business of stirring things up, and that He's quite capable of saying "no, maybe, or not yet;"
7)     Be bold! When you see your opportunity to make a difference, seize the moment because people
        are counting on you, and because your own sense of fulfillment begs for action.

What next? Now what? Where is God calling you to serve? What needs are you being invited to meet? These questions beg for an answer. We do too... because so many lives depend on you!

BEING PRESENT IS EVERYTHING

Tonight, I find myself thinking about Ray Lindig, whom I met nearly 20 years ago. He was a friend of mine in Peoria, and I had the privilege of conducting his funeral service. Over time, and during his last months, I spent a lot of time with Ray. It was an important point in my ministry because Ray let me walk with him, and because Ray forgave me for not attending his 50th wedding anniversary. He and his wife had invited me, but I had just arrived in Peoria and I really didn't know the Lindigs.  I had a church to grow. I had important work to do, and besides, the Lindigs wouldn't miss me at their dinner anyway. But I was wrong. Terribly wrong. The Lindigs did miss me. I was their new pastor, and they wanted to show their family that I cared about them. They were church people and they wanted "the church" to be present at their special time.. They wanted their church to be with them... and I let them down. It's as simple as that! I should have been there. I had nothing better to do. Period. I was ordained to be there, and I didn't live up to my vows. In the end, Ray Lindig taught me a lot about 2nd chances, and I was able to thank him publicly during his funeral service. But sometimes, things don't end so happily.

It's been two decades since I first learned that presence is often the biggest part of ministry, but this week... I learned it again. Nothing- not intellect, nor charisma, nor good intentions- is more important than simply being present. While I've been in Rock Island, I've made many good decisions... but not visiting a friend in her Iowa City hospital room was a poor decision. Today, she was buried, and I wasn't there. This weighs heavy on my heart because I should've been there... and would've been there... if I had made one trip to Iowa City. As a pastor, I am accustomed to death, and as a Christian, I know that, in Christ, life goes on. I am not surprised that my friend died this week because she had been living with cancer for some time, but I'm very disappointed that she died without me. I had been her pastor since I've been in this town, and I knew her quite well. I spent a lot of time with her... but I didn't visit her when she needed me. I could have, of course, but it didn't seem necessary. Our parish nurse was in touch with her frequently, and when she returned to church, we talked about her time in the hospital on several occasions. She seemed fine, but she wasn't. So, I called and asked if I could visit her. "No," she said, it wasn't necessary, and besides, she said, she was leaving our church because I had hurt her feelings. I told her I was sorry. I apologized, and she accepted my apology. But she joined the church down the street.

Later, I heard that she was dying, and I called her again... to let her know that we would be a better church if she would come back. I told her that it would make me happier and may help her too, but my call was of no avail.  Between that day and this day, I saw her several times at church functions, and at our last funeral luncheon, which was for a friend of hers, I made a point of sitting next to her so that I could talk with her at length. We had a nice chat, but she had moved on to another church (not the one down the street), and in the end, I was not able to be by her side when she died. If I had been with her, I would've told her that God loved her. I would've told her that I loved her too... but I never took the time to visit her when she was a patient in Iowa City.

May God be with those who loved her, and may He help me remember that there is nothing more important than simply being present.

AFFIRMING WORDS CHANGE LIVES

You've noticed, I'm sure, that there are "dippers" and "drop givers" in the world. There are some people- a few- who go out of their way to fill up another person's bucket of self-esteem, and there are many... who run around with a ladle, dipping into other peoples' buckets... just as fast as they can. I don't know why. Maybe "dipping" makes them feel better about themselves. Maybe it's their way of leveling the playing field. Maybe they're just fixated on the negative, but they are determined to add a little rain to someone else's life. Instead of enjoying the power of the song, they harp on a note sung off-key. Instead of enjoying the beauty of the poem, they fixate on a "typo" in the poem. Instead of applauding the beauty of the property, they walk around, as if they are on a supervisory tour, noting that you missed a spot here... and a spot there. Well, I've got news for the dippers. We all hear the notes that are sung off-key; we can see that there are "typos" in the bulletin (especially if I prepare it); and we're all aware that the pastor's robe is showing wear... but we loved the music anyway, and we're proud of those who keep our office running. You see, "drop givers" are not unaware- they have simply learned the art of affirmation, and they know the power of affirming words.

When I was in the business world, I worked with a company who had copyrighted an affirmation program that they called "Drops for Your Bucket," and they were kind enough to give us permission to use it. So, we did. We drew drops on paper, and we made them big and small. We ran copies on all sorts of different colors, and we encouraged our employees to use them, which they did in large numbers. They developed the art of looking for positive qualities, and actually responding in specific ways. Instead of focusing on the negative and, worse yet, gossiping, we made it possible for people to share affirming words with each other. For instance, if I were to hand out drops of affirmation this morning, I would give one to each of you who labor behind the scenes to fold, prepare, and deliver our church newsletter. Month after month, you come through for us, and we know it, I would also give a drop to Pam Hughes, who looks after our little ones in the nursery, week after week, and we don't pay her what we should. I would give drops to all of you who are dependable because dependability is an under-rated quality, and I'd give drops to those of you who are watering our flowers and plants in this very dry summer. We know who you are, and we should've taken the time to thank you. I'd give a drop to those who are going out of their way to help others get to our church events, and I would give a drop to Vic and Diane Hennessey because their ministry of visitation and helping... lifts my spirit. Of course, there are many more drops that could be given, and drops aren't meant for public consumption anyway. They aren't awards, just affirming notes. They build esteem and they tap into the power of affirming words, They certainly were a big hit for us "back in the day," and I can attest to the fact that I saw grown men and women line their offices- both in our stores and in our corporate offices- with drops that they had received.

A writer named Sam Crabtree has written 100 specific ways in which we can affirm one another and I posted a link to his list on Facebook. To cite just a few, Crabtree notes that we can...

1) Commend the usefulness of an idea that solves a problem. Break away from the agenda for a
     moment and say, "That was an excellent suggestion. Thanks;"
2) Let someone know that you admire a quality of theirs. "You know, Morgan, I haven't said it
     before, but I really love your music. Thanks,"
3) Find someone whom you are thankful for, and tell them that you are. "I just want you to know
     that it makes me feel good to see you each Sunday, or to have you on our team;"
4) Tell someone that you are praying for him or her, and that God has placed them in your heart;
5) Ask someone's advice and act on it.

There are 95 more and dozens that you can add yourselves, but you have the idea. Develop the art of affirming the good in others. Be sincere, be specific, be faithful in your ministry of affirmation. Do this religiously, if you will, and you will be in good company because, even as God affirmed his Son, the apostle Paul often tapped into the power of affirmation. Indeed, his short letter to Philemon is a great example of this. In fact, the one chapter book of Philemon... is something of a "drop" for Philemon's bucket, even as it is also a letter of affirmation for Onesimus, whom Paul is sending back to Philemon. Onesimus had been Philemon's slave, and he had ran away for reasons that are not disclosed. In any event, Onesimus found a home with Paul, and his ministry to Paul (in prison) touched Paul's heart greatly. So, Paul wrote Philemon a "drop," letting Philemon know that his own Christ-like love was deep enough to receive Onesimus back... as a full partner in ministry. This Biblical book entitled "Philemon," could be entitled, "Onesimus," or perhaps simply, "The Power of Affirming Words." Listen, as I recap Paul's note in my own words...

Dear Philemon, our friend and fellow worker, I want you to know that your love for Christ is noteworthy. I hear about it all the time, and I thank God for it in my own prayers. Philemon, your love gives me joy, It refreshes my heart, and your love gives me the boldness to send your servant, Onesimus, back to you, knowing that you will welcome him... as if he were me. You know, Philemon, I can't tell you how much Onesimus means to me. He came to me while I was in prison, and he has blessed me with service and ministry, just as you would've if you had been here. If he owes you anything, bill me for it, and embrace him as a brother in Christ. I know that you have more than enough faith to treat Onesimus as a brother, so I will close with these words- get the spare bedroom ready, I'll be coming soon. In Christ, Paul.

Friends, affirming words can open doors and change lives. They can set a man or a woman free, and they honor Christ, in whom there is neither slave nor free. Affirming words are not manipulative words. The last thing we need is more self-serving flattery. One of our central principles is to... "speak the truth in love" ... where each word counts... and I think this is still our wisest course. But... we don't have to stray from the truth to be a minister of affirmation! No, not at all. On the contrary, all we need to do is to open our eyes to the Christ that abides in one another, and love one another as He commanded. Loving one another means a number of things, but surely it includes building one another up with affirming words. If you have the gift of music, join our choir. If you have a heart for children, sign up for tutoring or our Drop-In Center. If you have an eye for beauty, adopt a section of our property. And if you have the gift of affirmation, share it... because there should never be an unsung servant in our midst!