reflections on lighthouse weekend.
Posted on October 20, 2008
Filed Under Uncategorized
this past weekend was amazing. our whole service was dedicated to teaching about how important it is to love those who are poor and in need. kenton shared some really cool insights from his study. one of the most impactful ones for me was that Jesus comes to us every day cleverly disguised as the poor and needy. we choose how to respond to jesus by how we respond to those in need. another powerful insight was gained in kentons office… not in the service. we create distance with the poor because that is safer for us. we do not want to acknowledge that we could be them, and franly we do not want to be faced with the need. when we do what jesus commands we collapse that distance and come face to face with poverty and we have no choice but to be compassionate.
Laurie also spoke about how we can respond. she was confident and poised. she shared from her heart and she motivated our church to action. In her message she shared this cool blessing.
A Franciscan Benediction
May God bless you with discomfort…
at easy answers, half –truths, and superficial relationships,
so that you may live deep within your heartMay God bless you with Anger…
at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people
so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.May God bless you with Tears…
to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war,
so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.And may God bless you with enough foolishness…
To believe that you can make a difference in their world,
so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.
the weekend wrapped up at sunday night service. what an amazing experience that was! zimmerman had prepared this community for two weeks that the challenge was going to be 100% participation, and that if you were not going to be all in… to stay home. and they did not. the came in droves. in fact attendance was up over previous weeks. and when the call went out people responded. they took food boxes, promised to bring blankets, signed up for events and gave generously. being able to see the response was really cool.
this was my last lighthouse weekend to be involved with. by the time the next weekend rolls around I will be in a new role at mariners, and I will participate as a staff member, but not as a part of the core team. this dedicated staff works hard to move the congregation to be more like jesus, and it was a priviledge to be part of that.
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