Women on the Edge

What if love, not force, is most important in life?  Getting ready for Christmas, Advent in my circles, is all about entertaining a relentless Love-that-will-not-let-us-go, and that does the impossible.  Getting close to such a thing takes us close to the edge, dangerously amazing places.

Speaking of Mary & Elizabeth in Luke's Gospel, Brian McLaren writes, "...the actual point of these pregnancy stories... is a challenge to us all: to dare to hope, like Elizabeth and Mary, that the seemingly impossible is possible.  They challenge us to align our lives around the 'impossible possibilities' hidden in this present, pregnant moment." (We Make the Road By Walking, Brian McLaren p. 69)

The seemingly impossible is possible...hmm.  While pondering this for teaching and worship this week I watched Kathryn Schulz's video, "On Being Wrong,"  a TED talk, about a basic human aversion to being and feeling wrong, and how it limits us. (Well worth the 18 minutes to watch.)  This same human predisposition also makes it hard to willingly believe God can make the impossible possible.  Schulz unwraps why we feel "right" even when we're wrong.  She prompted me to ponder if I might be wrong in my assessment of the "impossible," anything labeled impossible, especially when it comes to God.   

Schultz presents a choice to either, be misled by our feelings of rightness, or to embrace a different perspective beyond the "...tiny, terrified space of rightness and look around at each other and look out at the vastness and complexity and mystery of the universe and be able to say, 'Wow, I don't know.  Maybe I'm wrong.'"  Could I be wrong and the impossible really is possible because of something I can't see or feel at the moment?  Trusting something bigger than a feeling seems to me a fair description of what Mary & Elizabeth did.  It might be a reasonable way to describe faith.

Let's look at the story about these two women in Luke's Gospel.  Elizabeth, unable to have a child, learns a baby is on the way.  Mary, young and unmarried, is invited to participate in the life-threatening impossible, and she says, "Yes!"  (Luke 1:5-48) to this possibility.  Both circumstances and participants illustrate paths of feminine leadership, the kind that is a conundrum to the religious establishment (then and sometime now).  Both exhibit allegiance to God, "...who doesn't rule with the masculine power of swords and spears, but with a mother's sense of justice and compassion." (We Make the Road, p.69)

What if you and I regularly entertained the realities of our limited rightness, along with Schulz, and considered the possibilities of God's mothering justice and compassion that births such a love impregnated impossible?  What would change?  What would unfold?  Mary's son "...Jesus ...consistently model(ed) her self-surrender and receptivity to God." (We Make the Road, p.70)  Christmas is undoubtedly a time of wonder, imagination and faith.  I certainly think so.  But, maybe I could be wrong.

Let Love Win

I was a bit surprised this morning by the election results.  Not what I expected, or preferred.  And truth be told, my preferences are not what count the most here.  I do trust that God is at work in this territory.   I pray that we can find new ways to work together and love one another,  love the stranger, and love our enemies, because I believe Love is more powerful than anything. Love wins.

If you rejoice today, I rejoice with you in your gladness.  If you lament today, I willingly wait with you in your pain.  If you are hopeful, or fearful, anticipating or dreading, I pray that Christ's Light and Love may speak to your greatest hopes and fears, leading you in the way of Shalom.  

I commit to continuing to work for the common good and God's justice in the world.  I commit to continuing to seek love over hate, both within myself, and in the world.  As I tell my congregation, "When I say 'Everybody's Welcome', I mean everybody.  God is working with us all. And all of us need work!"  My door and my phone are open to you all.

I share a few of my friends facebook posts here because I think they offer something that may be of use in our quest to be with God and one another in this spirit of love.  At least they have invited me to reflect:

• Today I hold my head high ... For I look to the hills. From where does my help come? My HELP comes from the Lord! -- Jennifer Williams

• Jesus followers are people of hope. In victory or defeat, Jesus followers find hope. Oh, be inspired today! Decide that both wins or losses move you only to hope (Psalm 27). Be well. --Pastor  Vance Ross 

• Today, I return to the words that taught me my worth years ago (refuting those who told me I could only be a Pastor's wife since I was a woman...). These words remind us of who we are called to be as God's people: "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." May our churches truly be sanctuaries for all people right now. -- Dawn Taylor Storm

• By the rivers of Babylon—there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps. For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? - Psalm 137:1-4   --Eric Law

• Congratulations to our new president-elect, Donald Trump. I am praying for you, especially that you will be successful in keeping these promises you made during your victory speech: " I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans...See More  --Dan Roth

• I write this from a tree stand in the forest on a rainy gray morning. I cannot deny that I'm disappointed in the choice our country has made. I have been blessed in my life to gain understanding and perspective from many people who are different from me. I have been blessed that I've never truly been fearful of the person who holds the nuclear codes. I have been blessed that I've been raised in a culture that preaches love over hate. Please consider your neighbors whose fear...See More  --Dan Kirby

• "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well" were words written 600 years ago by Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) in her Revelations of Divine Love. This is believed to be the earliest work in English written by a woman. Julian of Norwich's words are worth repeating this night: “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well." --Leonard Sweet

• To my African American friends, I love you. To my LBGTQ friends, I love you. To my Muslim friends, I love you.  To my friends with disabilities, I love you. To my fellow women friends, I love you girl. ... See More  --Jessica Yagel

So many thoughts. Such division, among Christians, in our nation. John Wesley said, referring to the Love of Christ, "If your heart is as my heart, lend me your hand." Jesus prayed, "I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. I want all of them to be one with each other... Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me."  (John 17:20-21 CEV)

You matter to me and to God.  Love is more powerful than hate. (1 John 4:18)  May we all help Love Win!  In your mercy Lord, hear our prayer.

And with my friends I pray for all, our leaders, those forgotten...all.


Check out devotionals for Nov. 9
Upper Room
commonprayer.net

10 Gifts of Rest and Renewal

Fountains, living water, captured
my imagination and lens this summer.

Renewal has been a planned part of the summer Study and Renewal leave.  My training, my job and my culture teach me to seek and report tasks, but they seldom encourage rest and renewal.  Thank you for being a part of God's design for rest.  

Below are 10 Gifts of Rest and Renewal.  They are refreshing and wonderful.  Just recall a time you've had time with a friend for a long lunch, or a weekend with no scheduled tasks...nice, eh?  Here are 10 of the gifts that have renewed my spirit:

1. No Evening Meetings, allowing time for family and offering a restful stopping place at the end of each day;
2. Walking an average of 5 1/2 miles each day has entertained life-giving prayer, transportation, engagement with the world around me, and improvements to health;
3. Traveling in my truck, navigating the countryside.  I enjoy the adventure of new places and conversations with new-found friends;
4. Woodworking offering creativity and clear accomplishment.  (I love working with people, and it's hard to know how much is accomplished on any given day.)  I finished my Ukulele, built a Cajon (wooden drum), and crafted several walking sticks;
5. Family Time with Penny, the kids, grandkids, my sisters and their families...it's just great to have some additional weekends when they're free, and a slower pace permitted quality time for family;
6. Worship at Many Tables means that I've experienced the ministry of others and enjoyed the variety in the Body of Christ.  I've worshipped on the boardwalk by the ocean and with a homeless congregation,  in satellite congregations and in historic downtown churches.  Each place and people sharing gifts, experiences and insights;
7. Learning growing from my natural curiosity, partnered with time to explore everything from places to people, books to museums--every experience a building block;
8. Pacing that is life-giving.  In our American/Western Culture I/we frequently live as if there were not enough time in the day.  The truth is that God has made plenty of time for that which is important and necessary.  This summer I'm remembering the core of those essentials;
9. Encouraging Conversations with friends, colleagues, and all those who surround me too often gets hurried in the busy-ness of life.  This summer offered reminders and invitations that it is OK to be right here, right now;
10. Emptiness draws attention that which makes me richly filled.  There have been moments of personal emptiness beckoning me toward new spiritual and emotional resources.  There have been times of emptiness felt in lost routines, causing me to appreciate deeply the loving congregation that has walked with me through a dozen years and a summer of study and renewal.  What a gift...thank you!

There are more gifts to be appreciated and in this celebration I  rejoice that the familiar rhythms of pastoral life return later this week.  I look forward to reconnecting with the people of Palmyra First UMC-- I've missed you all.

I anticipate renewing familiar tasks with fresh eyes, seeing in the conversations of old and new, glimpses of transformed life promising hope-filled ministry ahead.  I'm excited about this next season of conversation, life and being followers of Jesus together. 

10,000 Joys in Jesus Who Gives Life

Pastor Dave

A List of earlier Study Renewal Blogs Here

I Talk to Myself-- Help!

Yep, I do, I talk to myself.  It's frequently my transition into prayer.  Sometimes when I struggle in prayer I feel like all I'm doing is talking to myself.  Yes, I do answer.  Yes, God answers!  Yes, the Holy is my help.  And, my praying doesn't always look the same.

A common thread in the places I've visited this summer is prayer, is that, "prayer" doesn't seem to look quite the same in any two places.  Many forms.  Many relationships with the Divine.  All connected.

Prayer at Nuevo Nacimiento UMC (New Birth UMC), Lebanon, PA looks like conversation with neighbors, musical praise, new ideas,  a night apart for listening, and indeed some of the usual hands-folded, or hands-raised prayers.   What I observed was that God answered prayers with the heart, the community, the world around and an inner voice of ideas.

Prayer at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelionople, PA permeated the work of the church in contemplative ways.  Outside the front door was a labyrinth for prayer walking.  In the processes of leadership and planning were moments for silence to listen for God.  Prayer included traditional and corporate prayers in worship liturgy.

Prayer at All God's Children UMC in Aulander, NC shone with action, caring for children, families and neighbors daily.  Prayer was often prayer on the move.  Prayer showed up around worship formed in the spirit of 12-Step meetings and indeed in more familiar ways.

Prayer's common ground was a deep and passionate relationship, connection, seeking-after God. Each community lamented moments that this relationship had taken a second-best position, and how secondary status led to disconnection in practical things like succeeding at tasks in ministry, lost vitality in worship, exit of people, wandering direction, and/or a loss of hope.  Prayer only needed this common ground of seeking God, not a common form.

So, I talk to myself and always believe God is ready to join the conversation.  My prayers are at their best and most exciting when I too am pursuing the Divine.   I find that God's not fussy about my skill, my method, my location, my tools...only my intention to seek the Holy.

In Shamokin, PA, more than 20 years ago, this truth began to find a deeper place in my life as I daily walked the neighborhood, past the culm piles and into town.  Each foot fall moved the rhythm of my prayers forward.  It was the rhythm of listening.  It was the rhythm of lives.  It was the rhythm of retreat.  It was the rhythm of silence.  It was the path to health and life seeking God.

Be encouraged in your seeking the Holy, God, Jesus, Spirit.  Jesus himself modeled conversational prayer on the road to Emmaus.  He gave us a guide to prayer in the Lord's prayer.  He shared contemplative prayer in his retreats to the wilderness.  He shared practical healing, feeding and life-giving prayers.  He celebrated God's grace and offered encouragement.

Maybe your self-conversations, walks, acts of kindness are where your prayers begin.  I'd love to walk with you in this journey of seeking God.  I'd value hearing the forms your seeking takes.  Tell me how it's going.

Emergency Vest -- No Worries!

The emergency vest is for servants.  I was serving at The Northeast Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC.  Here's the second update video from our Study Renewal leave.

Suprises & Invitations

Big Eds in Old City Market-Raleigh NC

The best experiences in life are invitations and surprises !

Invitations come from relationships.  Some come from passing relationships, striking up a conversation with a stranger or new quaintance. Others from deep friendships.  All lead somewhere of value to the one who made the offering, the invitation.

Invitations are how I have found many of the churches and ministries on my Study-Renewal Leave journey.  Friends like Alan Rice or Bishop John Schol or Vance Ross have taken time to reflect and share.  Invitations are how I find my way deeper into God's presence.  Just today, as I began exploring the streets of Richmond,  I felt a holy nudge, an inner sense, God's Spirit invite me to allow the day to be restful, walking and praying; to take time to be present to whatever came my way and breath.  That prompt was freeing for me.  It opened the door to 8 miles of walking, and much journaling.  All this comes from invitations.

Now, surprises are things out of my control.  They are not all evaluated as good when they come my way, but many of the great experiences I have begin as surprises. For instance, the recommendation to eat at "Big Eds" in Raleigh, was shared with me this week by a college.  Not only was the food and service great, but I stumbled upon a motorcycle show in the midst of the quaint shops on a historic Old City Market.

As I scanned the street from my table by the window; eating my burger and engaging surroundings lifted my spirits. This surprise guided my feet for an hour or so and put a gift in the day, when I was missing family.

God works with invitations and surprises.  I'm not the only one.  It simply takes being open to the possibilities, saying yes and seeing where they lead.  No matter where they go, there is a gift to be found.  Often there are experiences that mark a trip, a friendship, a life... when we are open.  On pastor I met in my travels said,  "If I can't tell you a new story of what God is doing in my life, from the last few days, then I'm not paying attention."

What invitations and surprises have you noticed recently?

Love, Grace and Pancake Corndogs

Miss Laura introduced me to the kids and offered me a pancake corndog.  That's how we got started at a Place of Possibilities, a part of All God's Children UMC, in Aulander, North Carolina.

Pastor Laura Early began All God's Children 20 years ago and now she and this work is woven into the fabric of Aulander.  She is a self-described rebel, mystic follower of Jesus.  Her reflective, powerful presence lives out her conviction that, "Ministry is not about what you do, but about who you love!"

The Place of Possibilities is a gym building with classrooms and a stage that house the six week summer literacy program and so much more for kids who need love and support in the community.  Miss Laura recounted building this facility 6 years ago as she told the story of God moving through relationships in the community.

In all the places I have gone are the constants of listening to God, serving with abandon, and radically following Jesus.  Each has a bit of the spirit of not quite fitting in the boxes (systems) around them and a sense of joy where ever God takes them.

None of the places or ministries is the same.  Many personalities, perspectives and patterns, yet all with the constants of listening, serving, and following.  Both the uniqueness and that similarities are freeing.  God is bigger that each of us, uses each of us, and grace abounds.

That corn dog, a "pancake" corn-dog, was a part of the summer feeding program through the school. I wasn't brave enough to try it.  I am emboldened by the testimony of the saints of All God's Children--Place of Possibilities, to try whatever God goes on this trip and in Palmyra.  How about you?

By the way, what have you been noticing with God... the Mission Hub.... beyond?

Video Update on Study -- Making Disciples & Making a Difference

I'm back from Pittsburgh and Ohio areas and here's the video update.

I've noticed a few things about churches that are Making Disciples and Making a Difference:

1. They focus on the mission.  They are unique and can name that uniqueness, which connects with a passionate mission.
2. They are listening for God.  Everyday, every meeting, every gathering, every worship... all the time they are listening for God.  They are asking if what they heard is a holy nudge, God's call.  They discern  (figure out) that together as a community (large groups or small groups) and then act on it.
3. They are agile.  Change can happen quickly.  When they receive a holy nudge, a call, they don't wait, they act.  At Calvin Presby, Pastor Standish put it this way,  "When someone is called, we say,  'Go for it!'  Then our committees, our structure, asks , 'In what ways can we support this call.'"  
4. They connect.  Connections go deep with both God and others.  This requires time and flexibility.  It may involve creative paths or familiar tools. 
5. Official and unofficial leadership models all of the above.
6. They live on the edge.  Each pastor and staff member told stories of exciting ministry and a roller coaster of feeling in just the right spot, then wondering how God will bring everything together (and the later can feel very uncertain).  Yet they live in the tension and go for the ride with God, running to keep up with the holy, when necessary.

It's also true that no two of these churches, so far, looked the same.   Hot Metal Bridge on the South Side of Pittburgh has meets pretty obvious needs on their doorstep.  Calvin Pres. in the small bedroom community of Zelienople PA meets many needs, they can be less visible, and equally important.

What are you noticing about how God moves and works?  Where do you see God's people both Making Disciples of Jesus and Making a Difference for God in their neighborhood and world?

Thanks & Prayers

Thank you to everyone at Palmyra First UMC.  This morning your support buoyed me up and sent me out filled with encouragement and joy.  Thank you!

Thank you to each person who offered personal words of hope, thanks and prayer.  Thank you to Dave Yascavage who pulled me aside before worship and prayed for me.  Thank you to Mike Poltonavage, the worship team and the congregation, who laid hands on me and offered prayers in worship.

I am overwhelmed with God's love through you.  Know that you all are in my prayers as we adventure together this summer on paths that diverge in geography, and parallel in faith.  God's speed Palmyra First.  God is at work!

The Study Renewal Journey Begins, First Video Message

Greetings All, The Study Renewal Journey Begins.  I'm setting out to visit ministries that are making disciples and making a difference in the community in:  Pittsburgh, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Maryland/Washington DC.   I'll also be at our UMC Jurisdictional Conference in Lancaster.  Along the way I'll take some sabbath/rest time with family.  On the journey I'll be reflecting and praying.  Additionally, I'll be journaling and making notes.

FYI the pattern is I'll travel and then be home a bit, so if you see me at Turkey Hill don't be surprised.  It costs less to rest and write and pray at home.  Home also has the added benefit of family!

While I'm away The Rev. John Carter is serving as our summer visitation pastor.  Pastor John can be reached at (717) 228-1056.  He plans to do any routine visiting on Monday and Thursday.  The office can help you get ahold of John, and if you forget his number I will put it on the message of my office voice mail  (838-2551 ext.203).

10,000 Joys as we journey with the God of surprises this summer.  I can't wait to see and hear what God does among us!

The Journey Begins

This week the journey of Making a Difference & Making Disciples begins.

I start out with some rest with the family at the beach before setting my compass toward Pittsburgh and Ohio.

I've written a "clearness" summary to share with the folks I meet, as a part of our conversation.  You can read it here!   

Palmyra First is exploring and learning too, this summer!  Check out the "Faith in Action" worship series here.

Watch for updates, pictures, questions, conversations and more, right here!  I look forward to the journey with God and with you.  Peace.

I'm Taking Jesus Off My To-Do List

Yes, you heard that right.  I am a United Methodist pastor taking Jesus off my to-do list, at least I'm trying.

Jesus never belonged there.  He belonged on my "to be" list and my "I believe" list but not my to-do list.  And yet I've had unabating Jesus to-do's:  Be more like Jesus today, learn more about Jesus this week, bring the church closer to Jesus this sermon, change someone's life for Jesus next encounter.  Then it hit me, or  the Spirit spoke to me, (read the language that helps you most) that the to-do's are not my job...they are God's work.

My job is to be the best Dave, that God made, that I can be.  My job is to be present and available. My job has tasks balanced with time to rest and grace.

I'm still learning.  Not new-information learning, but rather, take-it-to-heart learning.  I have a summer gift of Study-Renewal leave to help this sink in.  I'll have space to be Dave in relationships, in family, in quiet, in exploring, in rest, in everything!

I'm writing more about my adventure in the weeks ahead.  You're interaction is life-giving to me.

I'm beginning an enterprise in integrity, faith, leadership and joy.  It's with Jesus, as companion and guide, not task or requirement.

So, what's Jesus to you?

What Matters? 3 Things!

Last night I watched the documentary When God Left the Building ,about the decline of church in America.  The story was familiar.  The statistics provided review.  And the question I've been asking myself lately was amplified.

What matters? (That's the question.): What matters to you?  What matters to me?  What matters to God?  Until we have these conversations it will be hard to go anywhere.

Here are three things that matter to me:

1. God matters to me, and how I understand that reality is shifting.   
2. Jesus matters to me and I find a renewed passion in living and loving like Jesus.  
3. You matter to me, because the first two are true, because I believe community is valuable, because, in many cases, I like you.  (However, even when we don't like each other, you still matter to me.  Your opinion teaches me.  Your prickly places challenge me to learn the ways of love more deeply.  Your value to God makes you valuable to me.)

Right now I know those three matter.   There is so much I don't know about a changing world and a changing church.   I know I need your conversation to uncover the best way to focus on what matters.

What matters to you?  What do you think of the documentary When God Left the Building?   What do you want to talk about?   That matters to me.

Two Things, One Goal

I deeply desire to do two things for Jesus Christ in this world: 1) Make disciples -- people who commit their lives and learning to the way of Jesus Christ; 2) Make a difference -- feeding the hungry, clothing the naked....  Do you share this goal?

Making disciples and making a difference are things Jesus told me (and you) to do.  The Great Commission (Mt. 28:19-20) says make disciples.  The Great Commandment (Mt.22:36-40) instructs disciples to Live Love for God and neighbor.  The Great Choice (Mt.25:35-40) reminds us that as we choose to care for the least of these we are choosing how we treat Jesus himself.

You and I know how to do this much of the time.  Making disciples is about modeling Jesus' love in our relationships, and being ready to invite others to "come and see" more about this life with Christ.  As a church we know being ready with a few tools and steps can make disciples and make a difference, such as:  1) loving welcome, 2) early connections to new friends, 3) opportunities to grow deeper in faith, 4) service opportunities for all, 5) leadership development plans, and 6) Being positive and grateful.

I know I am always learning how to effectively do all these things in a rapidly changing world.  So I'm working with SPRC in building a June, July, August Study and Renewal Plan for the Church to address Making Disciples and Making a Difference.  (Sometimes you'll hear me say it, Wesleyan Social Justice and Holiness/Piety--that's how we've stated it historically.)  This plan will involve some intentional preachers and conversations here at home.  It will involve me visiting many other places who are good examples of making a difference and making disciples (not just one or the other, but both).  It will call us to reflection and some rest time.

I already know there are many of you on board with the idea and the passion for disciple and difference making.  I'm excited by the prospect of renewing our work together for Jesus' love in this world.  I'm open to questions and conversations about details.

How do you bring disciple making and difference making together in this world?  How can we, as a church, learn from your experience?  What will help us better do both making disciples and making a difference for Jesus Christ?

            10,000 Joys on this Learning Adventure with Jesus, Pastor Dave

PS.  Here's the Personnel Committee (SPRC) announcement of a related Summer 2016 Study/Renewal leave plan. 

4 Things to Do On A Very Bad Day

     We all hit tough times when we wonder how we'll make it through.  I do.  You do.  The Church does.  It's a time prone to feeling alone & afraid, because we don't always see as clearly at times like these.  It's hard to notice the hope & perspective others see.  And our anxiety loosens our grip on God's saving presence, that can bring us through even the biggest challenge.

     Knowing this reality in our changing world, your Church Council recently spent an afternoon studying the book, "Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore."  (by Thom & Joani Schultz, group.com/4-acts-of-love)  The book looks at changes in our world and 4 basic acts of love that bring faith to the changes. These 4 actions can make a huge difference in challenging times and in good times:

1. Radical Hospitality - You're welcome just as you are.

2. Fearless Conversation - Your thoughts are welcome; your doubts are welcome, let's talk.

3. Genuine Humility - We're all in this together.

4. Divine Anticipation - God is here, ready to connect with you in a fresh way.

     How might you share the life-changing presence of Jesus through these 4 actions?  How might you encourage others to experience & use these?

     When we hit tough times it is the basics of Jesus' love & call that make all the difference.  And when you see God show up in through these basics, shout it from the rooftop, or at least tell a friend. (post it here!)

10,000 Joys Following Jesus,  Dave       

                       www.daveharrislivelove.com

What Does Your Life Say?

    Who knows Jesus because of you?   I often wonder if I've fully allowed Jesus to take hold of me in ways that demonstrate God's life-changing power?  I hope so, but I still wonder?  How about your life?

    Talking with new pastors at New Birth UMC in Lebanon, I heard wonderful testimonies of changed lives.  Because of those stories being shared, others are saying, "I want to know this Jesus that has made such a difference in you!"  In this openness to God's transforming Spirit, new disciples are being made every week in Lebanon.  This is how a church grows.   God uses changed lives, to change lives, and change the world!

     "Go into all the world & make disciples" (Mt. 28:19), said Jesus.  It's an instruction to all who follow him, not just an option.  It's starts with letting God change us personally and celebrating that experience out loud!   10,000 Joy, Seeking to Live as a Friend of God, Dave

Ignorance Makes a Difference

Next door and around the globe there are gifts & there are needs.  Do you know what they are?  Have you had conversations with your neighbors to know who they are?

There is a story of Jesus' about a Good Samaritan that helps shape my definition of "neighbor" more broadly than I instinctively would choose.  My neighbor, the one I might have conversations with, is anyone I encounter, face-to-face or virtually.  

So, when I was introduced to the "The Ignorance Project,"  by my wife Penny, I was interested.  When I took their quiz to Challenge my own perceptions I realized there were some conversations I still needed to have.

For my learning & conversations, I use tools like UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief) and Palmyra Circles as starting points.  I find new insights with the GBGM  (General Board of Global Ministry) and with my friends from other places and traditions.  I am always exploring and learning.

Where do you begin your conversations?  I'd love to hear more.

Re- Flect, Joice, New

Events collide begging for more.  Ferguson, MO.,  Advent, Thanksgiving, life with family and life with church.  It all crosses paths.

Today the Advent meditation above and the Martin Luther King, Jr. quote, to the left, drew me to the hope of  Emmanuel, God-with-us.  I am thankful that there is more than my mind and strength to bring peace & sense in a world that is too often distressed & senseless.

May you find hope and reason for thanks in the days ahead.  I pray that in some way I may be a reminder that God loves you and that I might be a part of the work that strives toward shalom, peace.

Blessings & 10,000 Joys in the Prince of Peace.

#Hope  #UMC #United Methodist #LiveLove