Happy New Year!

I wrote my “short” annual report this past week. In preparation I reviewed 25 of LCM’s past annual reports. I researched congregational presidents, staff changes, and major congregational events. Amazing how God’s grace and mercy has led this congregation through both controversy/trauma and growth/healing.

There is a medical specialty called Palliative Care, which “provides support to those experiencing serious or life-limiting illness.” I picture myself as a Palliative Care staff person, providing “extra level of support” during LCM’s difficult times. I might be described as a bridge to a healthier, more stable future. Please note, I am not your Hospice chaplain. Palliative Care focuses on what matters most. The next phase of my Palliative Care will be leading small discussion groups about LCM’s future.

There is a favorite Epiphany story, entitled GO THAT FAR, that seems to fit our time together at LCM. [A father and son had been dealing with the boy’s fear of the dark, so the father asked his son to fetch a tool from the tool shed. The boy crumbled to the ground in fear. The Father lifted the boy to his feet and placed in his hands a big lantern and he asked the boy, “how far can you see?” “Dad, I can see the driveway.” The father says, “OK, go that far.”

Then the boy reaches the driveway, and the father says, “OK, son, how far can you see?” I can see the edge of the garden. “OK, the father says, go that far.” And when the boy reached the edge of the garden, then he could see the barn, and then the truck parked by the tool shed….finally he fetched the tool and raced back to his father with a big smile.]

The congregational meeting will take place on Sunday, January 28th after worship. Together, I believe, LCM can be led to a set of goals and a new vision, the tool shed. I pray for us to allow the Spirit of the Lord to come upon us and inform us “how far to go.”

I am making a new year’s resolution! Pastor Kirk will stop scrolling social media. A friend has described social media as “joy stealers.” Lord, help me to stop. I wish to learn to embrace simplicity, generosity, and humility.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wait for the Lord, Whose Day is Near.

We had a strange conversation at our Thanksgiving Table. For whatever reason, we began sharing our experiences with the loss of a child by miscarriage. Which was a totally inappropriate conversation for my son, Tyler and his wife, Kelsie, to hear, as they consider the possibility of their first child. But we charged ahead anyway. Geesh!

Assuming you are still reading, I was surprised and amazed how common it was to lose a child. Several of the women, of course men too, had experienced this pain. We didn’t have a group therapy session, but it didn’t take listening skill to sense the sadness and pain.

This feels like an awkward transition, but to say it bluntly, LCM has gone through several losses (think miscarriages). I am going back 10-15 years of LCM’s history. One of heartaches the literal loss of children running, singing, giggling their way into Schmidt Hall. The same longing, anticipating, waiting for a child to be born is hard enough, but then the loss – the pain, anger, and grief. Here is a thought: I think the four weeks of Advent will give us an opportunity, and I do mean, opportunity, to give expression to some of that pain.

The song, “O the most wonderful time of the year.” Sheri suggests that it is the most vulnerable time of the year. So, be oh so careful, that the expectations, the fears, the pace of the season don’t add to the pain. On Sunday, we will begin the new church year in darkness (lights dimmed). We will cup our hands on our laps as if ready to receive something. We will listen to a Taize song entitled “Wait For The Lord.” Wait for the Lord, Whose Day is Near.

Wait for the Lord, Keep Watch, Take Heart.

It is a long chant during which we will name our pain as it comes to us in various sizes and forms. Four Sundays of Advent. Geesh! On author writes:

“Advent never made much sense to me. When I was young, I couldn’t understand this emphasis on waiting. Let’s get to Christmas. Now that I have wept, now that I have grieved, now that I have lost, now that I have learned to hold space with and for the ones who are hurting, now I have a place for Advent.”

This Sunday we will begin checking out that space with one another.

Blessings! Kirk

I believe the future holds some changes.

I don't usually start a monthly newsletter with a joke. But I am in the mood to do things differently. Please oblige.

A drunk man who smelled of beer sat down on a subway next to a priest. The man's tie was stained, his face was plastered with red lipstick, and a half-empty bottle of gin was sticking out of his torn coat pocket. He opened his newspaper and began reading.

After a few minutes, the man turned to the priest asked, "Say, Father, what causes arthritis?" The priest replies, "My son, it's caused by loose living, spending too much time with prostitutes, too much alcohol, contempt for your fellow man, and a lack of a bath." The drunk muttered in response, "Well, I'll be damned," then returned to his paper.

The priest, thinking about what he had said, nudged the man and apologized, "I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to come on so strong. How long have you had arthritis?" The drunk answered, "I don't have it, Father, I was just reading here that the Pope does."

Pope Francis is a favorite of mine. In a recent Associated Press article, he blasted conservatives in the U.S. Catholic Church for having replaced authentic faith with a political ideology. This ideology believes only Christians should be citizens of this country or, said another way, only Christians can be "true Americans." I would be interested to know if any members of LCM have encountered this thinking. I think the Pope touched a nerve ending for me, maybe you too. This ideology distorts the gospel and the teachings of Jesus. It strikes me as quite dangerous. I am new to LCM and Northern Idaho. Is this ideology prevalent?

My visits with you in your homes have been enjoyable. I am learning of your capacity for laughter, your past moments of suffering and pain, and your ardent desire for LCM to have a future. I have described these visits as an opportunity "to turn over some new soil" by gathering up your hopes and moving forward with courage. I believe the future holds some changes. The extent of those changes I am of course uncertain.

Please continue to hold up your Call Committee in prayer.

Pastor Kirk Anderson