Pastor's Word

First, some comments about last year, condensed from my Annual Report.

 

I am intrigued with our culture's fascination with reality TV shows such as Survivor, and The Apprentice. To me "reality TV" is a misnomer. Most of the shows portray a modified and highly influenced form of reality with participants put in exotic locations or abnormal situations, often coached to act a certain way or edited so that the producers get an acceptable final cut. This isn't reality. It's entertainment. One that was popular when it first came out was "Extreme Makeover" in which people were chosen to have a  "Cinderella-like" experience by changing their looks. Implied was that everything else about their lives would change for the better too. They could expect healthier relationships, success at work; popularity among friends, to name just a few make-over benefits.

You are not here to teach, you are here to learn from us and be with us." These were the harsh and blunt words spoken to me by my internship supervisor, the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, a Palestinian Christian, at Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. Part of my seminary internship was spent in Jerusalem in an English-speaking congregation and the other part of my time was spent in Bethlehem in the Lutheran church there and with an interfaith group that organized joint peace conferences, published journals and statements denouncing violence. There were plenty of things for me to do in the English-speaking congregation and in the interfaith group, but on the days I was scheduled to be at Christmas Lutheran Church, I would end up sitting around and talking with visitors and staff all day. I would hear the stories about relatives of church members who had tried to go to the hospital, but had been turned back because they didn't have the proper identification. I would hear about how the electricity and water had been turned off again and there were concerns about when it would be turned on again. I would hear about the fear of one family whose land full of olive trees was in danger of being confiscated yet again. I would hear about the overwhelming unemployment of members of the church and the fears that all the youth would leave because there were no opportunities for a future where their gifts would be used or noticed.

While I enjoyed these visits very much, I would think to myself, I wonder if I need to be doing something. After all, I spent an hour getting here today because I had to walk to the taxi station, take the taxi to the check point, walk across to the other side of the check point and then take another taxi or walk another 20 minutes. I am sure there is some part of my internship covenant that I should be working on, I would think. It would really be good if I could put some of those seminary skills I learned to work here.....You get my point, I was feeling guilty for not being more productive.

 

As the programatic year kicked off in early September I was struck by how the first Wednesday night was more fun than a high school or college reunion.  I had a meeting to attend, but along the way I kept bumping into people I hadn't had a chance to connect with for quite some time.  It was good to catch up with each other.  I arrived at the meeting late (sorry about that), but with an extra bounce in my step.  I was reminded about why my enthusiasm, energy and commitment to this place continues to grow-it is because of the many people in this community who share their stories and are willing to listen to mine.  I value these relationships and at the same time feel valued by them.

I love this time of year! We celebrate the last "official" weekend of the summer and take a deep breath in preparation for all the excitement that follows. The school year begins for our children (and parents!), and here at Bethlehem, we are prepared for a wonderful fall for all those who come through our doors, some for the very first time! It's a time of new beginnings, of fresh starts for each and every one of us.

Our focus this fall will be a challenge to Take the Next  Step in growing our faith, whatever step that might be. For some, it may be committing to membership in our church family. For others, it may be committing to spiritual growth, or identifying and putting your gifts to use in service here at Bethlehem. For others, it may be reaching out into our community to share the Good News of our loving Savior in word and deed. Wherever you are in your life of faith, you will find an opportunity to grow, to take the next step in becoming the disciple that God created you to be. Make time to find what your next step should be.

 

I am writing this just before the first Sunday gathering of Jacob's Well, and you are reading this after it has already happened.  If there was some way that I could know right now, what you know, my life would be a lot easier.  As it is, all of us building Jacob's Well have to do it by faith.  Faith that whatever happens this Sunday, who comes and how the service goes, is something that God can use.

I hope you have been praying “Surprise Me, God,” for the past five weeks. It has been an amazing time in my own life, as I have seen God at work in ways I might have missed, had it not been for my paying closer attention—whether it was the awesome sunrise I experienced when our new puppy thought at least one of us should be up early; or the transitions happening on our staff as we prepare to bid Greg and Heidi (and those who will be going with them) farewell to begin Jacob’s Well (the name of the new church). I am struck with both sadness at their departure and excitement and joy as they begin reaching out to our unchurched neighbors in south Minneapolis. Without question, God will be working with them. I can't wait to see how! I am also convinced God will be blessing Bethlehem, as we reach out into our neighborhoods in mission with this new church start, and as we look toward an exciting fall.

Dear Friends in Christ,

I won’t easily forget my first experience as a chaplain, which fulfilled a pastoral care requirement while I was in seminary. It was years ago. I was quite young. (I’m building my case for you to be gracious with me). I was very nervous about saying and doing the right thing. I worried that people’s expectations would be too high, and that I would, at best, disappoint them and, at worst, add to the pain they were already in. I had been assigned to the “ears, nose and throat

I have always believed that God has a sense of humor, but have always liked to imagine myself (perhaps arrogantly) being able to catch the punch line or being the insider on the joke. Here lately, however, I have had the distinct feeling that I am not “getting it.

Pastor Christopher Nelson

First, I would like to give a huge thank you to all who made our Christmas celebrations so wonderful. Literally hundreds of people gave time and talent. It is the congregation that makes these things happen—your commitment, your faithfulness, your talents and generosity all combine to demonstrate God’s love for us in the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Those of us privileged to serve with you as your staff are in awe of the work you do, and the spirit you share. Look for another service to be added in the afternoon of Christmas Eve next year. It was clear at 4:00 p.m. that we could have filled the church twice over with the more than 1000 people who were there!