presbyterian church (usa)

As I begin to think about a new member class at the Kirk, I’m reminded about how some struggle with the idea of “membership.” Joining a church, what’s that about? To me, its the notion that, for this season, I want to explore with these people my place in God’s story, and how that story is moving and changing and alive at a particular place. Its not that you have to agree with everything, or even have everything figured out. Its that this is a place that is giving you something–some life, some meaning, some purpose, some inspiration, some rest, some swift-kick-in-the-butt–that you are willing to commit to for a time.

So, we’re pulling together a new member class for the end of the month. It might be small, it might be mighty. Not sure yet. But its exciting to me to dream about the future with these folk. When I look at our children’s time and see kids from Cameroon, Korea, El Salvador, and around the block, its exciting to dream about our future together, where we are community minded; loving & serving. (Incidently, that’s our new church tagline!) Our heart on strengthening the community around us, through loving and serving others. Finding where exactly that will lead us to serve and to love in the months ahead. Trusting God who transforms us in Christ and inspires us to transform the world for good.

I’m thrilled. Its been an exhilarating 9 months as pastor here. Let’s keep moving….

(PS: want to talk about membership at the Kirk? Send me a message and lets talk)

Image: a stylized picture of the Kirk’s new sculpture “Path of the Spirit” by member Karen Lyman. Its part of our new outdoor space I hope will become a gift to the neighborhood, a peaceful place for reflection and inspiration…

A sermon preached at John Knox Kirk of Kansas City, Missouri, on June 22, 2014.

Romans 6:1-11
and Genesis 21:8-21

Not that long ago, Greg Garrett spent a weekend lecturing and preaching

in Cody, Wyoming.

His hosts built in time so he could take

a long hike in Yellowstone National Park.

Greg Garrett is a novelist, a professor of English at Baylor University,

and a licensed lay preacher in the Episcopal Church.

But knowing that he was going hiking ALONE on a bear-laden trail,

they warned Garrett about the Swiss hiker

who had been eaten, on that very trail.

Only prudent, you know.

But that warning affected his whole Yellowstone experience.

On his hike, he saw bears everywhere:

this stump,

that clump of grass,

those shadows deep in the forest.

Bears.

Bears everywhere. He was so jumpy thinking he was seeing all those bears,

it was hard for him to enjoy the amazing views around him.

In fact, he didn’t notice the views at all—

–just lots and lots and lots of things that looked like bears.

Garrett reflects:

“From the news we consume,

to the opinions we hold,

to the pain we feel,

and the preoccupations we share—

–in today’s world:

if you’re looking for bears,

you will most certainly see bears.

…But, bears may be ALL you see.”

Garrett was speaking about his last six years studying the

emotional, spiritual, and theological responses

to the events of the past decade, beginning with 9/11.

Among the many conclusions he draws from his research is that

our culture has spent a decade plus warning us about BEARS.

As a result, people of faith come to God’s promises,

but DON’T experience those promises—

–INSTEAD “we see bears everywhere”

because we expect to find them there.[i]

[Read more…]

A Kirk Nine Month Check-in, Membership and the Future

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