There is always more that could be
said. And yet, in this moment, as our time together comes to an end,
there is really only one thing left to say. Thank you.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Beginnings & Endings
From the moment I said yes to the
invitation to become your Transitional Pastor we knew that this day
would come. We didn’t know exactly when it would arrive, but we
knew that built into the arrangement was the reality that I would not
be staying. And so, as the ending of my time with you now rapidly
approaches, I choose to dance. I choose to celebrate the eighteen
months we have shared together. I choose to let the sacred rhythm of
life wash over me and carry me forward in the next stage of my
journey, trusting that the gracious Spirit of God which has been
present with me thus far will continue to be present with me in the
days, weeks, months, and years ahead. I hope you will join me in this
intentional choice to be grateful. Such an attitude does not preclude
sadness. My time with you has been powerful and momentous in many
ways. I have learned so much with you and from you. I will miss being
your pastor. And I simply refuse to allow the sadness to overshadow
my appreciation for the gift. As we prepare to part company in the
days ahead, may we be intentional about celebrating what we have
shared together and what God has accomplished in us and through us.
Let us dance to the amazing rhythm of Life and see where it takes us
next!
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
Several folks have asked me about my
new congregation and my new city. So here are some details about
where I’m going in a few weeks. Plymouth Congregational Church in
Helena, Montana was established in the early 1960s. They have a
reputation in the community for being a caring, progressive
congregation which is involved in a variety of social justice and
community service causes. It occupies a full city block and includes
a community garden and a labyrinth. There is a daycare that operates
in the basement during the week, and a variety of groups regularly
use the building. Sunday morning worship attendance averages between
50 and 60. If you would like more information about the congregation
you can check out their web-site.
Helena is the capital of Montana and
has a population of about 28,000. It sits in a beautiful valley
through which the Missouri River flows. Surrounded by mountains,
there will be plenty of places for me to explore with my camera. It
was originally a mining town, and there is still lots of that
character to be found. The mansion district stretches for blocks and
blocks, with amazingly unique homes, and one of the main streets
running through the downtown area is Last Chance Gulch. Carroll
College, affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, is located in
Helena. Bozeman is about an hour and a half away, and Missoula is
about two hours away. Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National
Park are both about three hours away (in opposite directions).
In many ways it will be a very
different experience from living in Hillsboro and serving First
Congregational UCC. And I am excited by the opportunities and the
challenges. If you are ever in the neighborhood be sure to stop in
and say hello.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
It is now official. I have been called
to serve as the new Pastor for Plymouth Congregational Church UCC inHelena, Montana. This is a settled position, which means I get to put
down some roots, which is very exciting news for me, both
professionally and personally. As news of this has spread I have been
overwhelmed by the expressions of support and encouragement and
appreciation which so many of you have shared with me. You really are
a remarkable congregation and it continues to be such a joy to serve
as your pastor. We do not yet know who will take up residence in my
office after I depart, but I am confident that you will welcome them
warmly and support them enthusiastically as they settle in to life
and ministry with you. I can say this confidently because that has
been my experience. Thank you. I look forward to the opportunities in
these next few days and weeks for us to share life together.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
The West is on fire! That is, of
course, an exaggeration, but not by much. When smoke from fires
hundreds of miles away can clog our air here in the Portland area it
gets our attention. And there are photos on Facebook and in the news.
There are stories from people I know. The fires are big, and
numerous, and, in many cases, still out of control. There are folks
who are saying, “Welcome to the new normal of climate change.”
Probably so, and hopefully we really will begin to take our personal
and collective responsibilities seriously. There are folks who are
pointing to past forest management practices (put out every fire as
quickly as possible) as a major contributing factor. Probably so, and
hopefully lessons have been and will continue to be learned. And
through it all, in this moment, there are people who are suffering.
Lives have been lost. Homes have been destroyed. Whole communities
have been disrupted. Landscapes have been altered for a generation.
Of course we want to learn whatever lessons need to be learned. Of
course we want to correct whatever policies need to be corrected. And
in this moment let us stand in solidarity with those who are
suffering. Let us hold them in prayer. Let us find ways to reach out
with compassion. Let us do what we can to support them in their time
of grief and loss. Let us be the Church shining the beacon of God’s
Love into the world around us.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
The past few days have been filled
with examples which remind me why I am so grateful for this
congregation. On Saturday a whole parade of people spent the day
working hard to make the church’s biennial yard sale such a huge
success. Because of their efforts the Board of Outreach and Mission
will have $2,200 to spend on local mission projects like Family
Promise, Home Plate, Laundry Love and more. The entryway into the
sanctuary was crowded with barrels full of clothing and another large
container is full of school supplies. Last week there were several
homeless families sleeping in our basement. Meals are being provided
for one of our families who is experiencing a medical crisis. On and
on the list could go. On a regular and ongoing basis you live out
your understanding that being Church means reaching out beyond
yourselves to touch the world with God’s Love. Thank you for being
who you are. Thank you for doing what you do.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
One of my recent “Daily Gratitudes”posts celebrated the unique wonder of each moment. All of creation is
unique. No two moments are the same. No two perspectives are the
same. No two people are the same. In all of our uniqueness we are
connected to everything that is, and we each make a unique
contribution to the greater whole. This is true whether we pay
attention or not. What changes when we pay attention is that the
quality of our living expands. Every moment, every experience, every
person becomes an opportunity to actively participate in the
unlimited creativity of God. May your days be filled with a profound
awareness of each unique moment.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow
Thursday, August 6, 2015
The End Game
In my experience serving congregations
as a transitional pastor I have found that the “end game” is one
of the most challenging things to navigate. Figuring out how to match
my departure with the conclusion of the Search Committee’s efforts
to call your next Settled Pastor is tricky business. I don’t want
to leave too soon and I don’t want to wait too long. So much
depends on factors that cannot be controlled. And so, in the interest
of keeping you informed about what’s happening, I want to let you
know that I am in final negotiations with a congregation to become
their new Settled Pastor. There will be more details to share in a
few weeks. For now please know that I am not gone yet and as long as
I am here I am committed to joyfully serving as your pastor. I have
kept the leadership of the congregation informed and they are already
working on plans to smoothly carry you through whatever gap there
might be between my leaving and your new pastor’s arrival. This is
an exciting time, for me and for you. I look forward to sharing more
with you soon as things continue to unfold.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
We had a great time last Sunday
morning at our annual Outdoor Worship Service at Fisher Farm. A big
thank you to everyone who helped to make it such a great day –
beginning with Jim & Bev Fisher who so graciously make the lovely
space available to us and ending with the yellow jackets who mostly
stayed away this year. There was wonderful music by a group of our
own talented musicians, a great children’s moment, good food,
perfect weather, and a whole bunch of great people with whom to share
the experience. It was just one more in the long list of reasons why
I find being your pastor to be such an enriching and satisfying
experience. Thank you.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
Living faithfully in this world is a
complicated business. On the one hand, we are surrounded by countless
incidents of senseless violence, unimaginable suffering, and
immeasurable cruelty. And yet, on the other hand, we are also
surrounded by countless acts of bravery, unimaginable kindness, and
immeasurable compassion. All too often we become so overwhelmed by
the first list that we fail to even notice the second list. Of course
we need to pay attention to the painful realities which we encounter.
It is important to bring our best creativity to bear as we seek to
make the world a safer, more peaceful, more loving place for
everyone. And if we hope to do so in any sort of effective and
sustainable way then we dare not ignore the amazing positive
qualities which are shining all around us. We need to draw upon every
brave, kind, compassionate resource we can find. Only then will we be
equipped to shine the Light of God’s Love into the world.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
As many of you know I post a thought
everyday that begins “Today I am grateful for...” I don’t do
this because my life is always and forever sweetness and fluff. In
fact, the practice has its roots in the experiences surrounding the
death of my late wife. My daily gratitude practice helps me build and
maintain a foundation that keeps me grounded and connected to Spirit
when life is not going well. We don’t always get to choose what
life hands us. But we can always choose how we respond. I know there
are some folks in the congregation for whom life is going very well
indeed right now. And I know that there are others for whom life is
challenging and painful. Regardless of where your life is along that
spectrum, I invite you to remember that you are not alone. Whatever
circumstance we find ourselves facing we can draw on the resource of
God’s Spirit and the support of our community of family and
friends. If life is going well for you right now please remember to
reach out to those who are challenged. And if you are struggling
right now please remember to stay open to the care that comes your
way from others. Together we can experience life more fully, deeply
and richly than we could ever manage on our own. Today I am grateful
for the privilege of being a part of this amazing faith community.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
A Strong & Vital Congregation
One of the things I have appreciated
about this congregation is the fact that you have not stopped being
the church just because you find yourselves in a time a change and
transition. You didn’t say, “Well, we’ll just wait and see what
happens next.” You have continued to be the Church in our community
and in our world. Our Sunday morning worship experiences have
remained vital and well attended. Our outreach programs have
expanded. Our giving has increased. Our enthusiasm has remained
strong. I see all of this as a powerful illustration of your health
as a congregation. In the weeks and months ahead, as the Pastoral
Search Committee engages in the process of interviewing potential
candidates to become your next Settled Pastor, they will be in the
wonderful position of seeking the right person to work with you to
enhance your strengths rather than “save” you from your
weaknesses. I invite you to recognize the many ways in which you are
a strong, healthy, vital congregation actively engaged in important
ministry on God’s behalf. Your future is bright.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
There are so many ways in which this
congregation shines. Just in the past few weeks I have watched you .
. .
- reach out with compassion and care to homeless folks who find their way to our breezeway;
- increase your financial support for the congregation and approve an ambitious budget which supports a variety of ministry opportunities in our community and our world;
- surround people with love and care and support as they face challenging and painful circumstances in their lives;
- celebrate the Supreme Court decision regarding marriage equality;
- mourn the senseless violence and loss of life in the church shooting in South Carolina;
- and countless other examples too numerous to list.
You are a congregation who takes
seriously the challenge of allowing your faith to shape your living
in ways that seek to share God’s love with the world around you.
Thank you.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
As you are reading this I am enjoying a
week in Montana on Flathead Lake at Wilderness Dances of Universal
Peace Camp. I don’t really know what heaven is like, but I hope it
is something like this. I am with about 100 of the most open-hearted
people I know and together we are singing and dancing and praying and playing
barefoot on grass under a beautiful open air tent decorated with
Tibetan prayer flags. Around the center support pole are guitars and
drums and flutes. And flowing in and around and through the entire
experience is the tangible presence of Spirit. I am grateful beyond
words for opportunities such as this.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
We live in a time of transition. This
is true for this congregation right now as the Pastoral Search
Committee starts considering candidates. This is true for me as I
start contemplating what comes next for my journey. The wind of God’s
Spirit is blowing and there is change in the air. And this is always
true. It is, perhaps, more obvious when we find ourselves in
circumstances such as an active Search process. But it is always
true. This Sunday is the summer solstice, the longest day of the
year, as our journey around the sun moves us into yet another
seasonal transition. To live is to experience transition. What was is
no more. What will be is not yet. Each moment is new. And such change
can be uncomfortable because it reminds us that we are not ultimately
in control. Life happens. I invite you to remember that in the midst
of the change we are not alone. We are never alone. God’s
ever-present Spirit abides with us and journeys through the
transitions with us. And because of this reality I have the utmost of
confidence that we are headed into a bright and glorious future. May
we enjoy the ride.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Our Budget as Faith Statement
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
The abundance of God’s Grace
surrounds us in every moment. But often that abundance is spoken in a
whisper. To really experience the gift requires that we pay attention
– not just to the “big moments” but to all of the small,
subtle, understated moments as well. When I remember to engage in
this profound spiritual practice my life is transformed. Every moment
becomes a gift just waiting to be unwrapped. So, here it is in five
steps – an ongoing practice in which the journey is the destination.
~ Five Steps To More Abundant Living
~
1) Show Up
2) Be Present
3) Pay Attention
4) Practice Gratitude
5) Repeat
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way. . .
On Wednesday morning I sat in a Federal Courtroom in downtown Portland with two dozen people from our congregation. We were there to offer moral support for Ellis McCoy during his sentencing hearing. For four years Ellis has been dealing with the stresses and challenges related to charges of public corruption. This week all of that reached a conclusion when the judge sentenced him to 24 months in prison. And while I am saddened and disappointed by this sentence, we as a congregation now have an opportunity to be the church is a very specific and tangible way. In Matthew 25 Jesus tells the parable of the sheep and the goats. He lifts up concrete actions and behaviors which are the marks of those who faithfully seek to follow Jesus’ Way. “I was sick and imprisoned, and you visited me.” I was heartened by the number of folks who showed up for the hearing. And I am confident that we will rise to the occasion in the coming months as we reach out in support for Ellis and Kay. Thank you for being the Church – not just with your words, but also with your actions and the living of your lives. It is an honor to be your pastor.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
If I were to make a list of words that
form the heart of what I believe to be most important in this life it
would look something like this (in no particular order):
– faith – hope –
love –
– spirit –
community – connection –
– beauty –
abundance – peace –
– support –
encouragement – presence –
– mystery – now –
wholeness – breath –
Each of them individually is important,
but it is all of them together that really begins to bring things
into focus. It is hard to consider one without also recognizing the
influence of several others. They swirl and dance around each other,
like threads in a tapestry forming the fabric of my life. What words
would be on your list?
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way. . .
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, May 7, 2015
The Future Is Bright for Our Congregation
Just in case I haven’t said it loudly
enough or frequently enough, please allow me to tell you as clearly
as possible that First Congregational United Church of Christ in
Hillsboro, Oregon is a vital and healthy congregation with a bright
and promising future. As the Search Committee continues to move
forward with their important work I know that some of you are
wondering what the future holds in store for your beloved
congregation. Please hear me when I tell you that I have the utmost
of confidence in what will unfold for you. The Search Committee is
made up of strong, faithful, and talented leaders who are working
well together towards the common goal of finding just the right match
for this congregation. And this congregation is filled with highly
capable leaders and many, many faithful members. You have a
wonderfully functional facility located in a prime location. There
are a wide variety of programs designed to meet people’s needs and
interests. You are financially faithful, which results in a solid and
stable financial base from which to carry out ministry. And, perhaps
most importantly, you are a warm, caring, and welcoming community of
faith filled with friendly and compassionate people who actually
enjoy working and playing and worshipping together. In short, you are
exactly the type of congregation that highly gifted and qualified
pastors want to serve. I invite you to continue praying for the
Search Committee as they go about their important work. Hold the
congregation in prayer, that God’s Spirit will continue to shine
forth into the world through our faithful and active presence in this
community. And trust that the future is bright for this faithful and
vital congregation.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
As I write these words on Thursday
morning one of my daughters is at the birth center in active labor,
getting ready to welcome a tiny new person into the world. A month
ago my mom took her last breath surrounded by love as she slipped
into the embrace of Love Eternal. And now a first breath is about to
be taken, surrounded by love in the presence of Love Eternal. This
life we live is such a remarkable mixture of experiences. Life and
death co-mingle as they swirl around us. Grief and joy reside
together in our hearts. It is the package deal that comes with the
gift of being human. And all of it, every single breath, every single
moment, every single experience, all of it unfolds in the presence
of Love Eternal. I invite you to live this day with an open heart so
that you might receive and experience the fullness of this amazing
gift.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
Earthquakes in Nepal, civil unrest in
Baltimore, contentious debate in the Supreme Court, a memorial
service for my mom. It has been a challenging week in a wide variety
of ways. Sometimes life gets a bit overwhelming and it can be
difficult figuring out how best to respond. There are times when I am
tempted to simply close the blinds and go back to bed. Except that is
not really an option. We live in this world and our faith calls us to
participate in such a way that we help to restore wholeness in those
situations where brokenness can seem all-pervasive. Which is one of
the reasons why I am so grateful for my connection with the United
Church of Christ. It is good to be reminded that in this sometimes
overwhelming world I do not have to face it alone. I have partners to
challenge me, encourage me, support me, prayer for me, work with me.
Sometimes, as with the situation in Nepal, we have access to
well-established partnerships through whom we can provide prompt and
efficient assistance. Sometimes, as with the situation in Baltimore,
there are wise and insightful people who help us gain a fuller,
richer, deeper understanding of what’s going on and how we can
participate in making it better. Sometimes, as with the marriage
equality debate in the Supreme Court, we have the privilege of
standing in solidarity with the disenfranchised as we offer an
alternative perspective on what it means to be Christian. Sometimes,
as with my own experiences around my mother’s death, we get to
offer and receive quiet, prayerful support and encouragement that
matters more than words can express. Life in this world can be
overwhelming. And it is not necessary to face that challenge alone.
We have each other and we have God. Together may we participate in
bringing love and light to those with whom we share life on this
planet. Thank you for walking this journey with me.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
For the past several years part of my
Sunday routine has included sending my mom an e-mail note with a link
to my sermon. I always reminded her that it included the audio, since
it was difficult for her to read very much text. Then sometime later
(maybe later that day or maybe several days later) I would get a note
back from her with some variation on “thanks - I needed that one”
and often followed by telling me that she had shared it with one of
her friends. Last Sunday, as I was posting my sermon, I realized that
I don’t get to do that any more. Sometimes I don’t realize what
I’ll miss until I’m missing it. I invite you to join me in paying
attention to all of the “little things” in life which add so much
to the richness and texture of our living. May we notice them, savor
them, appreciate them and be grateful for them before they slip
beyond our reach.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
.jpg) |
| "Putting the Pieces Together" - Stewardship 2015 |
It is stewardship time once again.
Hopefully by now you have started receiving information in the mail
about this year’s campaign, which centers around the theme “Putting
the Pieces Together.” As we reflect together on what it means
to be faithful people, both individually and collectively as a
congregation, it is important to remember that stewardship is about
everything we do with everything we have. It is about so much more
than just the money we choose to contribute to the church. Being a
faithful steward involves paying attention to all of the ways in
which we orient the whole of our living. It means carefully and
prayerfully reflecting on all of the choices we make regarding the
ways we use the resources at our disposal, including our time, our
energy, our talents, our money, our words, our actions. Looking at
life through the lens of stewardship reminds us that life itself is a
gift from God. What we do with that gift is how we say thank you.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Stewardship - Putting the Pieces Together
.jpg)
It is Stewardship time again. This
year’s theme (“Putting the Pieces Together”) is a reminder that
each of us has a part to play in the life of our congregation. It is
only when all of the pieces come together that the picture begins to
come clear. Over the years stewardship has sometimes received a bad
rap in church. “All they ever talk about is money!” The truth, of
course, is far more complex and nuanced than that. Stewardship is
about everything we do with everything we have. It is about being
stewards of the whole of lives. That includes what we give away –
to the church, to other organizations, to our friends and family, to
the person on the corner holding a sign, to whomever and whatever we
choose to give away some of our resources. It also includes what we
keep and use for ourselves – the money we spend at the grocery
store, the car(s) we buy, the trips we take, the clothes we wear, the
stuff we collect, all of it. The important question which stewardship
asks us to carefully and prayerfully consider is this – are my
values reflected in the ways I live my life? Are they reflected in
the causes and organizations I choose to support? Are they reflected
in the businesses I choose to support with my spending? Are they
reflected in things I choose to purchase? What does it mean to be
faithful stewards of this amazing gift we have been given, the gift
of our lives? Of course we talk about money in church. We talk about
it because in our culture money represents so much of our lives –
our time, our gifts, our energy, our values. In church we talk about
what it means to live faithfully and that conversation becomes
meaningless unless it includes all of who we are (including our
money). That having been said, it is important to note that it is a
conversation. It is not a demand. You are the only one who can decide
how you will use the resources which you have. I simply invite you to
be prayerful about that decision – listening for the ways in which
God’s Spirit might be calling you to move beyond your present
comfort zone. Together we are the Church. Together may we continue to
grow in faith.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
This congregation is in the process of
searching for a new settled pastor. The Pastoral Search Committee is
currently finishing up their work on the Congregational Profile – a
comprehensive description of who you are as a congregation. This
document will help potential candidates discern whether or not you
might be a good fit for them. I am confident that you will attract
highly qualified candidates because you are a strong and vital
congregation with a wide variety of qualities and gifts which any
pastor would want to find. One such quality that rose to the surface
in the past couple of weeks is your ability to love and support your
pastor. During this time when my mom was in the hospital and then
when she died I have been surrounded by your support and love and
prayers. The cards have flooded my mailbox. The comments on Facebook
have warmed my heart. The hugs and kind words have touched me deeply.
Thank you. When I speak of you to people I know (and I do so often),
I can assure you that your kind and compassionate support is high on
the list of qualities which I mention. It is a joy to be your pastor.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
It has been a milestone week. On
Saturday one of my daughters was married. On Tuesday my mother
breathed her last breath. And I was privileged to be present for both
events. Life is so full of sacred and holy moments. Indeed, all of
life is sacred and holy. On the day that my Mom died, as I sat
quietly next to her bed watching her breath, knowing that her time on
this earth was drawing to a close, I wrote a poem. I share it with
you now.
Letting Go
From near and far we gather
In person or in prayer
Keeping watch beside her bed
As she slips beyond our reach
We hold her hand and speak of love
With words and tears and silence
The Mystery unfolding
Through the language of our hearts
In this holy time and place
Surrounded by the sacred
We practice letting go
Into love - always into love
(in loving memory of my Mom - Lenore
Lynn)
I am so grateful
for the support I have experienced from my congregation. You have
held me in love and prayer. You have made it easy for me to take the
time I need to be present in this time of letting go. Thank you.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
I am on my way to Boise today. One of
my daughters is getting married this week-end and there’s no place
I’d rather be. There is, in fact, lots going on in my family right
now and that has me reflecting on the importance of those
connections. In addition to the wedding, one daughter is pregnant and
moving back to the West Coast. Another daughter just got a big
promotion at work. And my mom just moved from an independent living
facility to an assisted living facility, and landed in the hospital
last week-end. We human beings are connected, relational creatures.
Our culture often has us believing that we are independent and
self-sufficient – lifting ourselves up by our bootstraps and all
that. But the truth is far more complex than that. The writer of the
first creation story in Genesis understood something about this
truth. God says, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to
our likeness...” The language is plural and relational. Being
connected is built into the very fabric of our being – always has
been, always will be. I invite you to celebrate your connections.
Find the people you love and tell them that you love them (or, better
yet, show them that you love them). Do it now, because “now” is
the only moment there is. Thank you for being part of my family. I am
grateful for the ways in which we are connected.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
I have now been your Transitional
Pastor for a year. Together we have laughed and cried, worked and
played, worshipped and prayed, studied and explored. We sought God’s
guidance as we dreamed about the future of this congregation. We
filled the sanctuary for special worship experiences and held steady
in attendance during a time of upheaval and change. You have invited
me into your homes and into your lives. And together we have been
God’s Church. Thank you for the opportunity to walk this path with
you for this time. I look forward to our continued partnership in the
months ahead as the Search Committee moves towards their goal of
finding the right person to be your next Settled Pastor.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
I was standing on the Quatama MAX
platform the other day waiting for the train. And then a potential
disaster began to unfold before me. A young woman was having an
emotional fight with her boyfriend and she was distraught. So she sat
down in the middle of the tracks, with her back to where the train
would be coming from. “This is how you make me feel!” she
shouted. Fortunately there was not a train coming at that moment, but
I knew that one would be coming along soon. I began to consider my
options. If this situation wasn’t resolved by the time the train
showed up, what would I do to help keep this young woman safe? Prior
to the train’s arrival she did get up, and they wandered off
through the parking lot, still arguing but no longer in imminent
danger. I breathed a sigh of relief and sent out a silent prayer for
her safety and emotional well-being. A few days later I became aware
of a resource that I might have used if I had known about it at the
time. Washington County has a “24 Hour Mental Health Crisis Line.”
(503.291.9111) I could have called them and said, “This is what’s
going on right now. Have you got any suggestions for how I can help
prevent a disaster?”
Jesus makes it clear that part of what
it means to live faithfully in this world is to take care of the
last, the lost and the least among us. It can be a big, scary world
out there, and sometimes (often) the situations we encounter are
bigger than we know what to do with. Sometimes we could benefit from
partners who can help us as we seek to help others. This Crisis Line
is one such partner. I invite you to consider entering the number
into your phone, because you never know when you might encounter a
situation where you could use a little help in making a difference.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Adventures in Spiritual Play
For many people “spiritual
practices” consist primarily of praying and reading the Bible. And
the prayers are often limited to a “thank you God for . . .” or
“please help me with . . .” They tend to involve words (sometimes
lots of words) directed to God. There is certainly nothing wrong with
such an approach to prayer, except that it can be limiting. When we
broaden our horizons with regards to the forms our prayers take we
open up new possibilities for experiencing God’s presence in our
lives. Because our culture (and often our religion) tends to be very
“head” centered, with lots of emphasis on what we think and what
we believe and the particular words we use, it can sometimes be
helpful to engage in spiritual practices which get us out of our
heads and into our hearts and our bodies.
With that as our goal, the two
“Adventures in Spiritual Play” events will provide us with
resources to experience God in new ways. The first session will be
based on the book “Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God”
by Sybil MacBeth. I sometimes refer to this approach as “Spiritual
Doodling.” Using colored pencils, pens, crayons and markers, we
will spend some time in God’s presence playing with colors. The
experience may surprise you. The second session will provide an
opportunity to experience labyrinths as a form of prayer in which our
whole body gets involved in the process. Labyrinths are an ancient
form of walking meditation. The experience is ripe with metaphors and
opportunities for fresh insights and powerful awareness of spirit.
I invite you to join me for one or
both of these events. They are my Lenten gift to you.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
Last Sunday afternoon the sun was
shining, the temperature was pleasant and I went for a stroll at
Cooper Mountain Nature Park. Sometimes when I visit such places I
hike – walking at a brisk pace and only occasionally stopping to
enjoy the view. This time I strolled, or maybe it was meandering, or
perhaps it was a saunter. Whatever word might be used to describe the
activity it was characterized by a slower pace with lots of stops
along the way. I’m not sure how much exercise my body got, but my
spirit was certainly refreshed. With camera in hand I saw clusters of
small golden mushrooms, tiny bell-shaped flowers, the first wild iris
of the season, and new growth on the trees and bushes. By slowing
down and paying attention I was rewarded with both glimpses of beauty
and a profound awareness of God’s presence. Sometimes we just need
to pay attention to the lyrics of the old Simon and Garfunkle song -
“Slow down, you’re moving too fast...” Sometimes God wants to
meander with us.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Here is the Daily Gratitudes blog entry
I posted the next day:
And here is a set of photos from my
meandering adventure:
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
In last week’s edition of my
“Thoughts Along the Way” reflection I shared with you
information regarding plans being considered by the Washington County
Board of Commissioners to close the public health clinics currently
being operated by the county. I was reminded afterwards that there
are always at least two sides to every story. So, in an effort to be
fair-minded and even-handed, I want to share with you information
from two different sources. This link will take you to a response from Washington County officials. And
this link will take you to several pieces of information provided by the
Western Farm Workers Association. The WFWA opposes the plan to close
the clinics. As I said in last week’s reflection, I believe that
Jesus made it abundantly clear that we are called to care for the
last, the lost and the least among us. Figuring out how best to
accomplish that goal can be challenging. And it is an important
enough goal that we need to give it our thoughtful, careful,
prayerful consideration. I invite you to reflect on how you might
respond.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Thoughts Along the Way . . .
I became aware this week that the
Washington County Board of Commissioners are giving serious
consideration to closing the two public health clinics in the county
(they have already closed a third clinic in Tigard). These clinics
provide basic health care coverage for approximately 9,000 individuals. Many of
the people who use these services are the most vulnerable people in
our community, living on the edge with very few resources to draw
upon. I believe that Jesus made it abundantly clear that we are
called to care for the last, the lost and the least among us. I
invite you to consider contacting the County Commissioners and
encourage them to reconsider these closures. There will be a public
hearing about this plan on Tuesday evening, February 24th in the County building. A show of public support from the local faith
communities would be helpful.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)
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