On a recent, fictional evening several friends and I were talking and the conversation turned to our spiritual lives. Each of us trusts in Christ and is active in different communities of faith here in town, though with varying degrees of satisfaction. It was, in fact, dissatisfaction that prompted the conversation, when Ben, after asking about my church, commented that he had decided to look for a new church to call home. I asked what had prompted his decision.
“I’ve felt less and less comfortable there ever since they began changing communion”, he replied. I asked for more information.
“Well, we always used to use little cubes of Wonder Bread”, he began. "I was fine with that. That, to me, is communion. That’s what I want when I receive Holy Communion. It’s what I’m used to, ever since I was a little kid. But they started tinkering with it.”
“How?” I asked, eager to understand my friend’s unhappiness.
“Well … what do you use for communion?” he asked.
“We use those little round wafers”, I answered.
“I could never stay in a church like that”, chimed in Steve, who up until this point had been only listening. “Way too formal. At our church we use pita bread”.
This remark brought Ben’s full concern to the surface. “That was the first step in the downward spiral of our church”, he said. "And at first, I was okay with it. After all, I liked their logic – that it was ordinary bread, and unleavened, which made it more like what Jesus would’ve used. It wasn’t cut into squares; it was just there and each person tore off a piece.
"Oh, sometimes I missed the little Wonder Bread cubes, and I would ask the pastor if we could go back to that, at least once in a while. But he seemed to think the pita bread was OK.
"Then about a year ago, I came to church and there it was: a whole loaf of bread. Someone in church had baked it - in their own oven - and brought it to church for communion.”
“What a cool idea”, Steve chimed in again.
“It was terrible”, Ben said. “I didn’t like it at all, and besides, every communion service since then, it was a different person bringing in a home-baked loaf of bread. And the problem is – well, first of all, they don’t even use the same recipe. You’d think that at least they’d standardize the process. But even worse, it’s still not cut up. You have to tear a piece of bread right off the loaf... very unsanitary. The pastor says that the single loaf represents the unity of the Body of believers, but I don’t buy that. I think it’s about trying to market our church to the yuppie types who buy their bread at that little bakery “The Baker’s Wife” down on 3rd street. You know, a mindset of “maybe if the bread we serve in communion tasted more like the bread they buy every day, they’d come to church.”
“Ben”, I said, putting a friendly hand on his shoulder, “I think you might be missing the point of Holy Communion.”
“Rick, you haven’t been living through this like I have”, he shot back. “Look, I’m sorry if my tone is a little bit defensive, but … well, take last week, for example. When I received communion, I had a distinct impression that the loaf was left in the oven a little long. A definite burnt taste.”
“Listen”, said Cheryl, who up ‘til now had been conspicuously silent. “If taste is the issue, why don’t you come visit our church? We brought on a new staff member about four months ago. His job title is Director of Bakery Ministries. The communion bread is different every week, but always fantastic. People who haven’t been happy in their old churches are filling the pews and they say they are getting so much out of the communion bread. Last week we had Honey Wheat; the week before, it was a Rye; we had dill bread once, and I hear they’ll be doing cinnamon rolls next week”.
Ben slammed his hand on the table and said “That’s just the kind of thing I DON’T want! Sometimes I wonder if that is even faithfulness to the gospel. Why can’t anyone just give me what I want – little cubes of Wonder Bread?
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Tuesday
Monday
Spiritual Formation
The Ultra Rev (Hi Stevie Baby!) asks for specifics about Spiritual Formation, or Discipleship. He quotes from Bill Hybels:
Stevie thinks that's a great working outline, but asks "What are those certain practices, relationships and experiences?".
Practices - makes me nervous because it smacks of legalism. If we were talking about salvation instead of sanctification, which I *think* is the idea behind being a disciple, I bet we'd spot it as legalism in a flash. But since it's not about salvation we're willing to let it slide - forgetting that Paul asked in Gal 3:3 -
"How is Christ deeply formed in a person's life? Do you just pour knowledge into a new Christian and does that make them mature? Do you just have them stay within certain guidelines, do you put down certain expectations, do you say 'If you attend these meetings and give a certain amount of money?' Is it external? Is it internal? Is it a combination of both? How does Christ take up residency and become fully formed in someone's life? We're (Willowcreek) asking those questions these days and the working outline of what we're working on is that there are certain practices, relationships and experiences ... that contribute to Christ being deeply formed in someone's life."
Stevie thinks that's a great working outline, but asks "What are those certain practices, relationships and experiences?".
Practices - makes me nervous because it smacks of legalism. If we were talking about salvation instead of sanctification, which I *think* is the idea behind being a disciple, I bet we'd spot it as legalism in a flash. But since it's not about salvation we're willing to let it slide - forgetting that Paul asked in Gal 3:3 -
After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to
become perfect by your own human effort?
But I think I know where Bill is headed and I'll get to it in a minute. At any rate I am not persuaded that, as taught by much of the Christianity I was shaped by as I grew, that x minutes a day reading the Bible and x minutes a day in prayer is the quick and simple formula for maturity - though it's not an unhelpful discipline either.
Relationships - I suppose if by this one means relationships of accountability wherein one lives transparently and is allowing other believers to speak truth into their lives, I think that's pretty much on the right track. Maybe it refers to the believer's relationship to Father, Son and Spirit - which provides interesting material for thinking about the believer's way of understanding God. Is God the big hook in the sky that will snag me at my death and take me to Heaven? (And maybe snag me whenever I face difficulty and disappointment in this life? A lot of Christianity, esp. of the American variety, thinks this). Or is God three persons with whom I have a relationship, and if so, how do I relate to each of them?
Experiences - Again I am not sure it's the right word. Fellow believers of a pentecostal variety definitely think an experience will suddenly confer maturity. I disagree with them.
"practices, relationships, and experiences". That's not bad. What about adding faith commitments and values?
Faith Commitments and Values suggest that there are things that are increasingly becoming important in my life because of what I believe and what I value. And maybe for example that's why certain practices, relationships and experiences have a place in my life - not because they, ex opere operato, have specific worth in producing spiritual maturity, but almost the opposite. Through them I experience maturity because certain commitments and values drive them.
What are the commitments and values? Off the top of my head: Conformity to the character of Jesus. Community with other believers. Worship. A Transparent life before fellow believers. Yieldedness to the Spirit of God.
Just some thoughts early on a Christmas afternoon.
Friday
An affirmation of faith for the New Year
Father God, as we enter this new year,
May it be a year in which You are near to us in every moment.
For we believe in You, Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Lord Jesus, stay by our side day by day.
We place our faith in You,
the one who is both God and man.
From your birth of a virgin in Bethlehem
to your ministry of healing and of grace,
From Your self-giving death on the cross for us
to Your powerful resurrection and ascension,
We declare that You are Lord,
and we believe in the truth of Your Word.
Holy Spirit, come to us this year
in a thousand different ways.
With Your gentle direction,
Your quiet voice,
and Your wise instruction,
guide us to Jesus and His Word.
Almighty God – Father, Son, and Spirit –
You have gone before us into the new year,
and You call us to join you.
We come in confidence and joy,
loving and trusting You. Amen.
© Rick Lindholtz 2006
May it be a year in which You are near to us in every moment.
For we believe in You, Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Lord Jesus, stay by our side day by day.
We place our faith in You,
the one who is both God and man.
From your birth of a virgin in Bethlehem
to your ministry of healing and of grace,
From Your self-giving death on the cross for us
to Your powerful resurrection and ascension,
We declare that You are Lord,
and we believe in the truth of Your Word.
Holy Spirit, come to us this year
in a thousand different ways.
With Your gentle direction,
Your quiet voice,
and Your wise instruction,
guide us to Jesus and His Word.
Almighty God – Father, Son, and Spirit –
You have gone before us into the new year,
and You call us to join you.
We come in confidence and joy,
loving and trusting You. Amen.
© Rick Lindholtz 2006
Tuesday
Rocky Balboa - the latest Christian film?
I completely missed any sense of the final Rocky movie being a testament to Sly's Christian faith, but that appears to be the message of this interview. There are some pretty direct expressions of faith in this interview. I try to quiet the cynic in me that wonders if it's all about marketing to tap into passion dollars. But take a look at the interview and the link contained in it - "Rocky Resources".
Quote from Sly:
"I think as a young person you tend to think that the world somewhat revolves around you, that you can recover from anything, that you tend to have this kind of vim and vigor and energy to take on the world on your own shoulders. Well, after you've been knocked down a few times and the world has shown you it's dark side, you realize that you need guidance, you need God's word, you need spiritual help and that's when your journey will begin.
"So I, as I get older, I realize how - very much - I rely upon Jesus, the word of God, and his support and how I pass it on to my children because I want them to learn at an early age by - usually find out that we have to sometimes learn the hard way and then it really takes hold and that's what this is all about. "
Quote from Sly:
"I think as a young person you tend to think that the world somewhat revolves around you, that you can recover from anything, that you tend to have this kind of vim and vigor and energy to take on the world on your own shoulders. Well, after you've been knocked down a few times and the world has shown you it's dark side, you realize that you need guidance, you need God's word, you need spiritual help and that's when your journey will begin.
"So I, as I get older, I realize how - very much - I rely upon Jesus, the word of God, and his support and how I pass it on to my children because I want them to learn at an early age by - usually find out that we have to sometimes learn the hard way and then it really takes hold and that's what this is all about. "
Thursday
Prepare a Highway
Here's the audio of the song I wrote for Advent, based on Isaiah 40:1-8 - as taken from our worship service last Sunday.
A few years ago...
We were planning to drive from Houston to Dallas for Christmas, after 4 Christmas Eve services and one Christmas morning service.
The kids and Alicia were excited to see the grandparents and to meet a new sister in law and her kids.
Houston to Dallas after the morning service. That was the plan.
The minivan breaking down two and a half hours from home, halfway to Dallas was not in the plan. But random automotive failure made us its victim.
We pulled off the road in Fairfield Texas. Into the empty parking lot of a gas station. Nothing was open.
We decided to limp along to Dallas. As we pulled onto the freeway I noticed the Motel 6. It was sparkling like a diamond. I am not exaggerating. Like a diamond. But I thought “I’m glad that we’re not going to be stuck in a motel tonight”.
11 miles later the van broke down irreparably. I phoned our towing service. After another 45 minutes a tow truck came up from behind. No garage was open until tomorrow, the driver explained. But he would take us back to Fairfield and drop us at the Motel 6.
Alicia and the kids were crying. All of us were deeply disappointed in what was becoming our worst Christmas ever. As Alicia and the kids pulled luggage out of the crippled van, I went in to secure a room.
The woman behind the counter had a name badge that said Delois. She had a pleasant smile on her black face as she asked how she could help. I said I needed a room because our van had broken down en route to Dallas. She said she could give us a $15 break on the room, maybe that would help. I thanked her.
Feeling dejected and in need of prayer and sensing a warmth from her I asked “Are you a person of faith?” She said she was and I said perhaps she could pray for my family who were having a bad day. She said she could do that, then added “I’m having a kind of bad day too.” I thought “Of course you are; you’re behind the counter at Motel 6”, but said nothing. She continued “My only child, my 8 year old daughter, died in a car accident 3 months ago today. She loved Christmas. This is a hard day for me.”
I had 2 reactions nearly simultaneously. The first was an attitude adjustment. Quit feeling sorry for yourself, Rick. You and your family are safe and merely inconvenienced.
The second was as close to the audible voice of God as I’ve ever come.
“This is why I brought you here”.
Suddenly the world changed. We were not victims of random automotive failure. We had been sent by God to care for a wounded soul.
When Alicia came in and learned of Delois’ circumstances, she came around the counter and embraced her. She took off a silver pin, a circle of angels, and pinned it onto Delois. “Never forget that God’s angels are watching over you”, she said. We held hands and prayed with her.
Then I thought of the food we had brought in from the van. “Delois, what are you doing for Christmas Dinner?”
“I’m not having Christmas dinner. I have to work here at the counter”, she replied.
“Well, Delois, we have chicken enchiladas, cranberry relish, fudge, and shortbread. Why don’t we bring it in here and you can join us for a Christmas dinner right here in the lobby?”
It would up becoming one of our most treasured Christmas memories. And it reminded me that the first Christmas also involved travelers who stayed in a place they never expected to be, and wound up sharing an unforgettable experience of God at work.
The kids and Alicia were excited to see the grandparents and to meet a new sister in law and her kids.
Houston to Dallas after the morning service. That was the plan.
The minivan breaking down two and a half hours from home, halfway to Dallas was not in the plan. But random automotive failure made us its victim.
We pulled off the road in Fairfield Texas. Into the empty parking lot of a gas station. Nothing was open.
We decided to limp along to Dallas. As we pulled onto the freeway I noticed the Motel 6. It was sparkling like a diamond. I am not exaggerating. Like a diamond. But I thought “I’m glad that we’re not going to be stuck in a motel tonight”.
11 miles later the van broke down irreparably. I phoned our towing service. After another 45 minutes a tow truck came up from behind. No garage was open until tomorrow, the driver explained. But he would take us back to Fairfield and drop us at the Motel 6.
Alicia and the kids were crying. All of us were deeply disappointed in what was becoming our worst Christmas ever. As Alicia and the kids pulled luggage out of the crippled van, I went in to secure a room.
The woman behind the counter had a name badge that said Delois. She had a pleasant smile on her black face as she asked how she could help. I said I needed a room because our van had broken down en route to Dallas. She said she could give us a $15 break on the room, maybe that would help. I thanked her.
Feeling dejected and in need of prayer and sensing a warmth from her I asked “Are you a person of faith?” She said she was and I said perhaps she could pray for my family who were having a bad day. She said she could do that, then added “I’m having a kind of bad day too.” I thought “Of course you are; you’re behind the counter at Motel 6”, but said nothing. She continued “My only child, my 8 year old daughter, died in a car accident 3 months ago today. She loved Christmas. This is a hard day for me.”
I had 2 reactions nearly simultaneously. The first was an attitude adjustment. Quit feeling sorry for yourself, Rick. You and your family are safe and merely inconvenienced.
The second was as close to the audible voice of God as I’ve ever come.
“This is why I brought you here”.
Suddenly the world changed. We were not victims of random automotive failure. We had been sent by God to care for a wounded soul.
When Alicia came in and learned of Delois’ circumstances, she came around the counter and embraced her. She took off a silver pin, a circle of angels, and pinned it onto Delois. “Never forget that God’s angels are watching over you”, she said. We held hands and prayed with her.
Then I thought of the food we had brought in from the van. “Delois, what are you doing for Christmas Dinner?”
“I’m not having Christmas dinner. I have to work here at the counter”, she replied.
“Well, Delois, we have chicken enchiladas, cranberry relish, fudge, and shortbread. Why don’t we bring it in here and you can join us for a Christmas dinner right here in the lobby?”
It would up becoming one of our most treasured Christmas memories. And it reminded me that the first Christmas also involved travelers who stayed in a place they never expected to be, and wound up sharing an unforgettable experience of God at work.
Wednesday
I know it seems early for this...
...but I am writing narration for the Christmas Cantata and the following serves as an intro to the wonderful song "Here with Us".
Michael Card © 1986 Birdwing Music / Mole End Music
Before the infant Jesus came to earth,
His coming was a promise long foretold.
Prophets, poets … all would anticipate
the promised day when God would come to earth.
But still before the promise, it was there:
Salvation had already been designed
within the heart of God: a holy plan
to take His sovereign place upon the stage.
Before He spoke the words “Let there be light”,
He planned to save all those who were His own
until the holy moment, long foreseen,
when Father and the Son would say Goodbye.
He left His Father’s throne above,
So, free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And Bled …but wait.
Before He bled, He took on flesh and blood.
When Christ the Savior left His Father’s throne,
He did not go to Bethlehem’s manger.
Another destination was in sight
in Nazareth: a virgin girl’s womb.
When the Father longed to show a love
His coming was a promise long foretold.
Prophets, poets … all would anticipate
the promised day when God would come to earth.
But still before the promise, it was there:
Salvation had already been designed
within the heart of God: a holy plan
to take His sovereign place upon the stage.
Before He spoke the words “Let there be light”,
He planned to save all those who were His own
until the holy moment, long foreseen,
when Father and the Son would say Goodbye.
He left His Father’s throne above,
So, free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And Bled …but wait.
Before He bled, He took on flesh and blood.
When Christ the Savior left His Father’s throne,
He did not go to Bethlehem’s manger.
Another destination was in sight
in Nazareth: a virgin girl’s womb.
When the Father longed to show a love
He wanted us to know
He sent His only Son
And so became
a holy embryo:
That is the mystery.
a holy embryo:
That is the mystery.
Michael Card © 1986 Birdwing Music / Mole End Music
Thursday
Here are 2 movies that I won't miss
I am not one who refuses to go to any movie unless it has "Christian Values". I believe
it's important to engage with the culture and hear what it is saying; to affirm when it is on target and to challenge its assertions when it disagrees with or denigrates the values I hold. But I have to admit, I love it when positive stuff makes it to the big screen.
The phenomena of "The Passion" made people recognize "Passion dollars" - the money that is in the pockets of those with conservative values, that are waiting to be spent when we are offered entertainment that inspires and honors our values. And this fall will see the release of "One night with the King", a re-telling of the story of Esther, and "The Nativity Story" as well. I plan to see both, and to encourage others to also see these films.
it's important to engage with the culture and hear what it is saying; to affirm when it is on target and to challenge its assertions when it disagrees with or denigrates the values I hold. But I have to admit, I love it when positive stuff makes it to the big screen.The phenomena of "The Passion" made people recognize "Passion dollars" - the money that is in the pockets of those with conservative values, that are waiting to be spent when we are offered entertainment that inspires and honors our values. And this fall will see the release of "One night with the King", a re-telling of the story of Esther, and "The Nativity Story" as well. I plan to see both, and to encourage others to also see these films.
Wednesday
A Reading: NAME and FORTRESS
The reading that follows was assembled to go between two feature songs this week: the first is "Your Name" by Paul Baloche and Glen Pakiam - a great new song from Paul's new release, "A Greater Song" - a recording chock full of content-laden lyrics:
As morning dawns and evening fades,
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
And glorify Your Name.
Your Name is a strong and mighty tower,
Your Name is a shelter like no other,
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder,
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name.
The Lyrics and Charts are on Paul's website, but not an mp3 - but there is a chance to listen to "What can I do?", another fine selection from "A Greater Song".
The song to follow the reading is "A Mighty Fortress is our God".
LEADER Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
ALL He has paid a full ransom for his people.He has guaranteed his covenant forever.What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
LEADER The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me;I will protect those who trust in my name”.
ALL Those who know your name trust in you,for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
LEADER Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures:‘The stone that you builders rejectedhas now become the cornerstone.
ALL We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidenceas we hold to the hope that lies before us –a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
LEADER God is our refuge and strength,always ready to help in times of trouble.
ALL The Lord of Heaven is here among us; God is our fortress.
From Psalm 34:3, 111:9, 91:14, 9:10, Acts 4:9-11, Hebrews 6:18-19, Psalm 46:1, 11 (NLT)
As morning dawns and evening fades,
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
And glorify Your Name.
Your Name is a strong and mighty tower,
Your Name is a shelter like no other,
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder,
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name.
The Lyrics and Charts are on Paul's website, but not an mp3 - but there is a chance to listen to "What can I do?", another fine selection from "A Greater Song".
The song to follow the reading is "A Mighty Fortress is our God".
LEADER Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
ALL He has paid a full ransom for his people.He has guaranteed his covenant forever.What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
LEADER The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me;I will protect those who trust in my name”.
ALL Those who know your name trust in you,for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
LEADER Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures:‘The stone that you builders rejectedhas now become the cornerstone.
ALL We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidenceas we hold to the hope that lies before us –a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
LEADER God is our refuge and strength,always ready to help in times of trouble.
ALL The Lord of Heaven is here among us; God is our fortress.
From Psalm 34:3, 111:9, 91:14, 9:10, Acts 4:9-11, Hebrews 6:18-19, Psalm 46:1, 11 (NLT)
Tuesday
More good coverage of Miles
My ordaining body, The Evangelical Covenant Church, has published a news story on its website about Miles' life with Diabetes and our Smiles for Miles fundraiser last week.
We've just passed the halfway point
...in an awesome series on the Lord's Prayer, entitled "Looking Up". I've written a drama for each of the seven weeks, in which an actor enters an office and has a conversation with their Father - who is not there - for it represents speaking to the Heavenly Father. Each section of the Prayer is covered:
The Father's Character: Our Father ... Hallowed be Thy Name...
The Father's Kingdom: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be Done...
The Father's Provision: Give us this day our daily bread...
The Father's Forgiveness: Forgive us our sins as we...
The Father's Guidance: Lead us not into temptation...
The Father's Protection: Deliver us from Evil...
The final week focuses on the Father's family, who together bring Him their praises: the first word of the prayer, "Our", calling attention that it is as a community of believers that we are invited to pray...
Last Sunday we had a powerful service focusing on Forgiveness. In this drama, the young woman (portrayed by ElenaClaire) did not enter the Father's office - she was estranged because of her disobedience and by the harm done by others and was unable to receive or to extend forgiveness. It created a very tender moment for Doyle to teach.
We also read responsively an expanded version of the Lord's Prayer, which I adapted from Max Lucado as found in The Great House of God. (pdf format file)
At the conclusion of the service the choir presented a Celebration of Forgiveness - three songs concluding with "This is how it feels to be free", with lead vocals by Raymond Foster, who is the best male vocalist in the church - there was a strong recognition of the wonderful experience of being forgiven. Powerful experience of worship.
The Father's Character: Our Father ... Hallowed be Thy Name...
The Father's Kingdom: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be Done...
The Father's Provision: Give us this day our daily bread...
The Father's Forgiveness: Forgive us our sins as we...
The Father's Guidance: Lead us not into temptation...
The Father's Protection: Deliver us from Evil...
The final week focuses on the Father's family, who together bring Him their praises: the first word of the prayer, "Our", calling attention that it is as a community of believers that we are invited to pray...
Last Sunday we had a powerful service focusing on Forgiveness. In this drama, the young woman (portrayed by ElenaClaire) did not enter the Father's office - she was estranged because of her disobedience and by the harm done by others and was unable to receive or to extend forgiveness. It created a very tender moment for Doyle to teach.
We also read responsively an expanded version of the Lord's Prayer, which I adapted from Max Lucado as found in The Great House of God. (pdf format file)
At the conclusion of the service the choir presented a Celebration of Forgiveness - three songs concluding with "This is how it feels to be free", with lead vocals by Raymond Foster, who is the best male vocalist in the church - there was a strong recognition of the wonderful experience of being forgiven. Powerful experience of worship.
Saturday
Great Reading
Here is a great article entitled "Freedom and Justice in Islam" by Bernard Lewis, a leading scholar of near eastern studies who at one time was one of the very few european scholars permitted access the the archives of the Ottoman Empire. We need to hear his detailed yet thoroughly readable analysis of the history of the Muslim world in relation to the ideas of democracy. This essay and David L. Cunningham's excellent 5 hour film "The Path to 9/11" are both outstanding doors to opening the world of the 21st century.
Here is the wonderful piece about Miles that appeared this week in the Kingwood Observer.
Here is the wonderful piece about Miles that appeared this week in the Kingwood Observer.
Wednesday
Smiles for Miles
Once a year I invite my online friends to think about Miles and his life with diabetes. This in addition to the walk to cure diabetes, we're throwing a party called "Smiles for Miles".
Thursday
Confession based on 1 Peter 4: 1-11 & 1st Thess 3: 6-13
God, forgive us.
We get ourselves locked up in old sinful habits –
Thinking of our own wants and needs,
Neglecting our brothers and sisters,
Failing even to hear your voice.
We've already put in our time in that God-ignorant way of life.
Now it's time to be done with it for good.
We confess to you.
Forgive us, Lord.
Now we ask you: Set us free,
So we can live out our days pursuing what You offer us,
instead of being tyrannized by what we want.
Guide us to do what we can to help others when their faith falters.
Pour on Your love so it fills our lives
and splashes over on everyone around us. Amen.
We get ourselves locked up in old sinful habits –
Thinking of our own wants and needs,
Neglecting our brothers and sisters,
Failing even to hear your voice.
We've already put in our time in that God-ignorant way of life.
Now it's time to be done with it for good.
We confess to you.
Forgive us, Lord.
Now we ask you: Set us free,
So we can live out our days pursuing what You offer us,
instead of being tyrannized by what we want.
Guide us to do what we can to help others when their faith falters.
Pour on Your love so it fills our lives
and splashes over on everyone around us. Amen.
Draw me Near
Yesterday Mark asked for a couple of verses for "Jesus Draw Me Close". The end product is called "Draw me Near" and my verses read as follows:
1. Draw me near through Your Word
Draw me near as I pray
Draw me near in this place
as we gather together, receiving your grace.
2. For You came near to love
And you came near to heal
And you came near to save
as You died on the cross and you rose from the grave.
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
melody available on request
1. Draw me near through Your Word
Draw me near as I pray
Draw me near in this place
as we gather together, receiving your grace.
2. For You came near to love
And you came near to heal
And you came near to save
as You died on the cross and you rose from the grave.
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
melody available on request
Tuesday
CareCalendar.org
Check out www.carecalendar.org - we are just bringing our care ministry up on this neat idea which takes the familiar concept of an internet calendar and uses it to allow volunteers to provide meals and other kinds of caring to families in need. This is worth the attention of church leaders.
Saturday
This Little Babe - for Christmas 06
Those familiar with "A Ceremony of Carols" by Benjamin Britten will recognize this edited text. I've long wanted to make slight adjustments to the text and write a singable melody - the melody (which I will post soon) has an old American hymn feel to it, arranged in such a way as to combine elements that suggest a lullaby with a military drum rhythm. If the combination sounds ironically mismatched, that's the point of the text.
This Little Babe
Robert Southwell (1561-1595) adapted by Rick Lindholtz
Melody © 2006 Rick Lindholtz
This little babe, so few days old
Has come to empty Satan’s fold.
All hell will at his presence quake,
Though he himself for cold do shake;
Though he is weak and small of size,
The gates of hell he will surprise.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
With tears he fights and wins the field,
His naked breast stands for a shield;
His battering shot a baby’s cries,
His arrows made of weeping eyes,
His martial ensigns cold and need,
And feeble flesh his warrior's steed.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
His mighty throne is in a stall,
Protected by a broken wall;
A crib his trench, hay stalks his stakes,
Of shepherds he his muster makes;
And though he comes so weak and poor
He holds the key to Heaven’s door.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
This little babe, so few days old
Has come to empty Satan’s fold.
So give yourself to Christ, my soul,
This little babe will make you whole,
Within his crib is surest ward,
This little babe will be thy guard;
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
This Little Babe
Robert Southwell (1561-1595) adapted by Rick Lindholtz
Melody © 2006 Rick Lindholtz
This little babe, so few days old
Has come to empty Satan’s fold.
All hell will at his presence quake,
Though he himself for cold do shake;
Though he is weak and small of size,
The gates of hell he will surprise.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
With tears he fights and wins the field,
His naked breast stands for a shield;
His battering shot a baby’s cries,
His arrows made of weeping eyes,
His martial ensigns cold and need,
And feeble flesh his warrior's steed.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
His mighty throne is in a stall,
Protected by a broken wall;
A crib his trench, hay stalks his stakes,
Of shepherds he his muster makes;
And though he comes so weak and poor
He holds the key to Heaven’s door.
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
This little babe, so few days old
Has come to empty Satan’s fold.
So give yourself to Christ, my soul,
This little babe will make you whole,
Within his crib is surest ward,
This little babe will be thy guard;
If you would find fullness of joy
Depart not from this heavenly boy.
Tuesday
I AM NOT MOVED
Text: Rick Lindholtz, © 2006
Based on “My God I love Thee” a poem of antiquity,
possibly Latin in original; extant in Spanish and attributed variously to Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz or Juan de Avila
translated into English by Edward Caswall
Target melody: “Danny Boy”
for Daniel Martinez' 80th birthday
I am not moved, my God, to love and serve you
Because I long for heaven’s eternity,
I am not moved to follow in your footsteps
That I might not be lost eternally.
But I am moved to trust in you my Savior,
For on the cross you suffered in disgrace.
My Lord, you bore for me the pain of nail and spear,
And did it all, your children to embrace.
When I behold your passion and your suffering,
When I recall your pain and agony,
When I reflect upon the way You gave your life,
And all for one who was your enemy,
Then I am moved to trust in You my Savior,
For on the cross you suffered in my place
My Lord, you bore for me the pain of nail and spear
And did it all, to give to me Your grace.
I do not come to win the prize of heaven
I do not come to find a great reward
I do not come, the fear of hell escaping,
But you have shown Your love to me, my Lord
So let me love and honor you my Savior,
And in Your name, Your praises I will sing,
You are the God who died to show your favor
You are my God and ever-loving King.
Text: Rick Lindholtz, © 2006
Based on “My God I love Thee” a poem of antiquity,
possibly Latin in original; extant in Spanish and attributed variously to Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz or Juan de Avila
translated into English by Edward Caswall
Target melody: “Danny Boy”
for Daniel Martinez' 80th birthday
I am not moved, my God, to love and serve you
Because I long for heaven’s eternity,
I am not moved to follow in your footsteps
That I might not be lost eternally.
But I am moved to trust in you my Savior,
For on the cross you suffered in disgrace.
My Lord, you bore for me the pain of nail and spear,
And did it all, your children to embrace.
When I behold your passion and your suffering,
When I recall your pain and agony,
When I reflect upon the way You gave your life,
And all for one who was your enemy,
Then I am moved to trust in You my Savior,
For on the cross you suffered in my place
My Lord, you bore for me the pain of nail and spear
And did it all, to give to me Your grace.
I do not come to win the prize of heaven
I do not come to find a great reward
I do not come, the fear of hell escaping,
But you have shown Your love to me, my Lord
So let me love and honor you my Savior,
And in Your name, Your praises I will sing,
You are the God who died to show your favor
You are my God and ever-loving King.
Wednesday
Cape Cod, here we come
...and I hope we don't meet Tropical Storm Beryl while we're there. We fly out tomorrow for a family reunion on Lake Wequaquet with Alicia's parents and 5 of her 6 brothers and sisters.
In the meantime, I've updated the family pictures site, going with a blog format. Check it out.
We'll be back on July 31...
In the meantime, I've updated the family pictures site, going with a blog format. Check it out.
We'll be back on July 31...
Thursday
Weddings, Funerals, and Communion - a response to Jibstay
Don Johnson, whom I have considered a good though casual friend for 21 years, posted a few questions about weddings and communion. There are some interesting issues for discussion there and in the comments that follow.
So much to reply to, so little time...
1. About Communion in weddings... my bias has always been that weddings of believing couples, held in churches, are worship services. The service of communion should be offered to all who self-identify as believers - followers of Christ. To offer it to the couple only has the effect of denying the unity of the body, missing the admonition of 1 Cor 11:20-21, and treating a holy sacrament as a prop in a play. So I would not do that.
2. About "Fencing the Table"... interestingly enough I am serving in a church which is part of a national body that "fences the table" or is perceived so by most folks like Covenanters. But interestingly enough, the way it is handled locally is a manner that I think would fly in a Covenant Church. Here's what happens: in the worship folder at the point at which Communion takes place, these words appear (or words to this effect):
It is important to us that those who participate in this meal affirm with us the following: 1) I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior and have been baptized. 2) I believe that Jesus Christ is truly present here. In this meal, I receive bread and wine and His body and blood. 3) I desire to partake of this meal so that I may receive power to live as a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Earlier in the service, usually before the offerings when some other worship details are being discussed, worshipers are alerted to those words in the folder and informed that if they aren't sure they can affirm these words, they are invited to receive a prayer of blessing when they come forward.
Interestingly, when I first heard those words the first time I walked in the door as a worshiper, I immediately recognized that a) the language in #2 was there to identify their consubstantial theology, and the whole statement was there to softly acknowledge their synodical position, without explicitly sending a "not-welcome" message to worshipers. I caught all that because of theological training. Alicia, however, completely missed the significance of it - as, I suspect, many if not most worshipers would.
Don - and other Covenant responders - I would love to hear your responses to this. If your sacramental theology is not consubstantial, you probably would not agree with it; but apart from that, how does it strike you?
3. Weddings and Funerals...The juxtaposition of these two words brought to mind something I said at the most recent wedding I performed, for my niece Bekah and hr husband Jon. I observed that one normally doesn't talk about death or funerals at a wedding, but in fact a wedding is a funeral in several very specific ways.
It is the death of our freedom to live as a single person of course; but more than that, I view marriage itself as in essence death, in this regard. We are told to give our lives for our partners. You hear language in Paul about husbands loving their wives as Christ does the church, and the common remark is "How did Christ love the church? He died for her", prompting the common remark of husbands to the effect that "I'd take a bullet for her if it came to it". The simple fact is that won't ever come to that for most of us, but that doesn't let us off the hook. Every day we make choices about dying for our partner - turning off the sports game on TV (usually him) or putting down a good novel (usually her) to invest oneself in that which is of significance to the partner.
Marriage is simply the best place we are given to pratice dying. And since weddings are where this officially starts, a wedding is a funeral. Living-for-self is the deceased, and if we're wise, we say "Rest in Peace" out loud, and silently, "Good Riddance".
Surprisingly enough, my niece said she was significantly and positively moved and challenged, not put off, by these words.
"Nothing in this life that I've been trying
can equal or surpass the art of dying"
-George Harrison
So much to reply to, so little time...
1. About Communion in weddings... my bias has always been that weddings of believing couples, held in churches, are worship services. The service of communion should be offered to all who self-identify as believers - followers of Christ. To offer it to the couple only has the effect of denying the unity of the body, missing the admonition of 1 Cor 11:20-21, and treating a holy sacrament as a prop in a play. So I would not do that.
2. About "Fencing the Table"... interestingly enough I am serving in a church which is part of a national body that "fences the table" or is perceived so by most folks like Covenanters. But interestingly enough, the way it is handled locally is a manner that I think would fly in a Covenant Church. Here's what happens: in the worship folder at the point at which Communion takes place, these words appear (or words to this effect):
It is important to us that those who participate in this meal affirm with us the following: 1) I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior and have been baptized. 2) I believe that Jesus Christ is truly present here. In this meal, I receive bread and wine and His body and blood. 3) I desire to partake of this meal so that I may receive power to live as a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Earlier in the service, usually before the offerings when some other worship details are being discussed, worshipers are alerted to those words in the folder and informed that if they aren't sure they can affirm these words, they are invited to receive a prayer of blessing when they come forward.
Interestingly, when I first heard those words the first time I walked in the door as a worshiper, I immediately recognized that a) the language in #2 was there to identify their consubstantial theology, and the whole statement was there to softly acknowledge their synodical position, without explicitly sending a "not-welcome" message to worshipers. I caught all that because of theological training. Alicia, however, completely missed the significance of it - as, I suspect, many if not most worshipers would.
Don - and other Covenant responders - I would love to hear your responses to this. If your sacramental theology is not consubstantial, you probably would not agree with it; but apart from that, how does it strike you?
3. Weddings and Funerals...The juxtaposition of these two words brought to mind something I said at the most recent wedding I performed, for my niece Bekah and hr husband Jon. I observed that one normally doesn't talk about death or funerals at a wedding, but in fact a wedding is a funeral in several very specific ways.
It is the death of our freedom to live as a single person of course; but more than that, I view marriage itself as in essence death, in this regard. We are told to give our lives for our partners. You hear language in Paul about husbands loving their wives as Christ does the church, and the common remark is "How did Christ love the church? He died for her", prompting the common remark of husbands to the effect that "I'd take a bullet for her if it came to it". The simple fact is that won't ever come to that for most of us, but that doesn't let us off the hook. Every day we make choices about dying for our partner - turning off the sports game on TV (usually him) or putting down a good novel (usually her) to invest oneself in that which is of significance to the partner.
Marriage is simply the best place we are given to pratice dying. And since weddings are where this officially starts, a wedding is a funeral. Living-for-self is the deceased, and if we're wise, we say "Rest in Peace" out loud, and silently, "Good Riddance".
Surprisingly enough, my niece said she was significantly and positively moved and challenged, not put off, by these words.
"Nothing in this life that I've been trying
can equal or surpass the art of dying"
-George Harrison
Wednesday
Theology in Pencil, Ink, and Blood
I so resonate with this essay by Keith Drury that I wanted to post it here. But it seems more gracious to let Keith get the traffic. So click here and read.
Tuesday
Happy Fourth
Interview
Read this interview with David Wells. What do you think of his premises and conclusions?
Family
Here's the Kingwood Lindholtzes, on July 1, EC's 18th birthday.
Read this interview with David Wells. What do you think of his premises and conclusions?
Family
Here's the Kingwood Lindholtzes, on July 1, EC's 18th birthday.
Friday
Where I'd like to be July 30 - Aug 5
...and where YOU should go, or send an arts-gifted Christian from your church:
--the conference: The Artist Unleashed: the Arts in Ministry.
--in partnership with the Gospel Music Association’s [GMA’s] “Music in the Rockies
--Click here for info and sign-up
--Featured Speaker #4: Karen Covell. Karen is a leader in profiling that Hollywood—and the film, arts & entertainment sub-culture—is a true “missions field,” and she’s right !! Karen is the Director of the Hollywood Prayer Network [www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org] . Through her job as a film and television producer she has lived her faith in the Film industry for years—while modeling and developing ministries of evangelism and discipleship within that community. Few Christians will challenge us as pragmatically as she can towards a lifestyle of ministry that is both culturally relevant and ‘ministerially’ effective. You can contact Karen directly at <>. Sign up to get her Hollywood Prayer Network updates for yourself.
A short word from Byron Spradlin: It’s time the Church wakes up to the reality that the Hollywood—Arts & Entertainment sub-culture is actually “shaping” the way Christians think about life and living; and that’s NOT a good thing. It’s also time the Church takes pro-active efforts to equip, commission and send qualified ‘ministry agents’ into that sub-culture (most of whom will be volunteer or bi-vocational). Our conference this year serves to affirm these critical “ministry agents” and equip them for more active and effective volunteer & regional ministry. Here are some of the topics: arts in missions, regional outreach strategies, personal ministry skills, biblical teaching on the “ministry” aspect of music & the arts, ministry organization, support raising for your ministry.
Our speaker list is outstanding: Karen Lafferty [missionary songwriter], myself, Dave Durham [missionary musician and culture creative specialist], Dave Bunker [music industry businessman, professor & arts specialist], Rory Noland, Scott Wesley Brown [recording artist, worship pastor, music in missions advocate], Karen Covell [Hollywood producer], Michele Suh [A.C.T. staff working in Hollywood with Hollywood Connect], Dr. Vernon Whaley [Worship & Music department chair at Liberty University], Steve Scott [pastor, arts in missions advocate, songwriter & poet], Billy Smiley [worship pastor, songwriter, recorder], Jeff Morrison [recording artist, songwriter, regional ministry specialist], Julie Branham, [worship leader with a music evangelism focus, singer & songwriter, regional ministry specialist], Larry Moshell [A.C.T. Staff Development Dir., ministry development specialist], Lee Porter [A.C.T. staff, vocal coach worship pastor].
--the conference: The Artist Unleashed: the Arts in Ministry.
--in partnership with the Gospel Music Association’s [GMA’s] “Music in the Rockies
--Click here for info and sign-up
--Featured Speaker #4: Karen Covell. Karen is a leader in profiling that Hollywood—and the film, arts & entertainment sub-culture—is a true “missions field,” and she’s right !! Karen is the Director of the Hollywood Prayer Network [www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org] . Through her job as a film and television producer she has lived her faith in the Film industry for years—while modeling and developing ministries of evangelism and discipleship within that community. Few Christians will challenge us as pragmatically as she can towards a lifestyle of ministry that is both culturally relevant and ‘ministerially’ effective. You can contact Karen directly at <>. Sign up to get her Hollywood Prayer Network updates for yourself.
A short word from Byron Spradlin: It’s time the Church wakes up to the reality that the Hollywood—Arts & Entertainment sub-culture is actually “shaping” the way Christians think about life and living; and that’s NOT a good thing. It’s also time the Church takes pro-active efforts to equip, commission and send qualified ‘ministry agents’ into that sub-culture (most of whom will be volunteer or bi-vocational). Our conference this year serves to affirm these critical “ministry agents” and equip them for more active and effective volunteer & regional ministry. Here are some of the topics: arts in missions, regional outreach strategies, personal ministry skills, biblical teaching on the “ministry” aspect of music & the arts, ministry organization, support raising for your ministry.
Our speaker list is outstanding: Karen Lafferty [missionary songwriter], myself, Dave Durham [missionary musician and culture creative specialist], Dave Bunker [music industry businessman, professor & arts specialist], Rory Noland, Scott Wesley Brown [recording artist, worship pastor, music in missions advocate], Karen Covell [Hollywood producer], Michele Suh [A.C.T. staff working in Hollywood with Hollywood Connect], Dr. Vernon Whaley [Worship & Music department chair at Liberty University], Steve Scott [pastor, arts in missions advocate, songwriter & poet], Billy Smiley [worship pastor, songwriter, recorder], Jeff Morrison [recording artist, songwriter, regional ministry specialist], Julie Branham, [worship leader with a music evangelism focus, singer & songwriter, regional ministry specialist], Larry Moshell [A.C.T. Staff Development Dir., ministry development specialist], Lee Porter [A.C.T. staff, vocal coach worship pastor].
Tuesday
Christ Church
Brad points us to Christ Church in Plano, Texas, one of the largest and fastest growing congregations in the Episcopal Church, USA, which has decided to disassociate itself from the denomination.
This is the church where I received training in the Alpha course and I was very impressed with the church and the people I met there.
While the collapse of the Episcopal Church is sad to observe, the reports from the Episcopal Church conference that are posted at the Christ Church site are truly inspiring - a voice of faith from within an apostate body.
This is the church where I received training in the Alpha course and I was very impressed with the church and the people I met there.
While the collapse of the Episcopal Church is sad to observe, the reports from the Episcopal Church conference that are posted at the Christ Church site are truly inspiring - a voice of faith from within an apostate body.
Wednesday
Prepare a Highway
We're going to give a shot at writing our own Christmas Cantata this year and the first song I wrote (last week) is based on Isaiah 40. The melody can't be posted yet but when I can I'll record a rough version and post it here.
Prepare a Highway
From Isaiah 40:1-4 (second draft of lyric) 6/12/06
V1
Hear the words of Comfort God is sending:
To declare the time of brokenness is through,
Days of sad and wounded hearts are ending,
A tender voice of hope for me and you:
Ch
Prepare a Highway for the Lord,
A road that leads to life eternally.
Prepare a Highway for the Lord,
And let it run right through the heart of me.
V2
Let the mountains of my sin begin to crumble,
Let the valleys of my heart be filled with grace.
Make a pathway for the Savior, meek and humble,
For the road that leads to where I’ll see His face.
(Ch)
Bridge
Like the grass beneath the summer sun, we’re dying,
Like the flowers of the field we fade away.
We rely upon your grace, the forgiveness in Your face,
So let your work begin anew today.
(Ch)
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Prepare a Highway
From Isaiah 40:1-4 (second draft of lyric) 6/12/06
V1
Hear the words of Comfort God is sending:
To declare the time of brokenness is through,
Days of sad and wounded hearts are ending,
A tender voice of hope for me and you:
Ch
Prepare a Highway for the Lord,
A road that leads to life eternally.
Prepare a Highway for the Lord,
And let it run right through the heart of me.
V2
Let the mountains of my sin begin to crumble,
Let the valleys of my heart be filled with grace.
Make a pathway for the Savior, meek and humble,
For the road that leads to where I’ll see His face.
(Ch)
Bridge
Like the grass beneath the summer sun, we’re dying,
Like the flowers of the field we fade away.
We rely upon your grace, the forgiveness in Your face,
So let your work begin anew today.
(Ch)
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Monday
Various Things on June 12th...
1. END OF THE SPEAR is out on DVD tomorrow! If you missed it in the thatre, don't miss it on DVD. One of the best films I've ever seen.
Worlds collide and tragedy strikes as a missionary group journeys to the heart of the Amazon jungle in search of the Waodani, a tribe of fierce warriors on the brink of extinction due to revenge killings. When five of the missionary men are speared to death by tribesmen, their families are left husbandless and fatherless. Undeterred by their tremendous loss and spurred on by hope, the families decide to remain in Ecuador, and risk living among the Waodani. But the effects of that first encounter have yet to subside: A young boy, struggling to unlock the secret of his father’s death, must learn to accept a tragedy he cannot change in this powerful true story of sacrifice, courage, and reconciliation.
Available on DVD from Fox Home Entertainment starting tomorrow (June 13), End Of The Spear takes viewers deep into the heart of darkness to discover that faith and forgiveness can transcend the senseless acts of violence that stand in the way of cultural understanding.
Go to your local video retailer, or visit the following links to purchase End Of The Spear DVD's tomorrow: bestbuy.com , walmart.com or amazon.com !
2. JUST BACK FROM COLORADO!
ElenaClaire and I got back last night after 8 days in the Rockies with 80 teens and 13 adults. Awesome beauty. Adventure Experiences' Basecamp is at 10,000 feet. Our days were filled with hiking up to 13,000 feet to a bowl between three peaks (Our team went on the first day and we were led by 3 guides who had never done this hike before - and they started us off on the wrong trail, which led us to the wrong point - but we didn't mind - our hike was tougher than the usual one and we actually got totally off any trail - we also got lost on the way down - but we had an awesome hike and saw things no one else on the trip saw), rock climbing, high ropes challenge courses, a prayer trek, and white water rafting.
I got sick while up there - not altitude sickness, but a severe chest cold that flattened me and I missed several activities, but seeing God at work in the lives of students was worth going through a little misery.
3. MILES IS IMPROVING.
Just before I left, Miles was hospitalized overnight with diabetic complications. I would have cancelled my attendance on the trip but Alicia's sister Rachel said she's come down to stay with Alicia and Miles - which was so necessary because Miles needed constant attention - and even with Rachel there, Alicia absolutely exceeded all she is capable of. By the time I got home Alicia had not had a solid night's sleep in 13 days - Miles was needing blood checks every 2 hours, day and night, and though Rachel could take some of those, she could not make every dosing decision. Her presence also allowed Alicia to get a few things done during the day. THANK YOU RACHEL!
Friday
Da Vinci
Read a great essay and compilation of material.
See also the collection of material I've compiled for the church website.
See also the collection of material I've compiled for the church website.
Monday
My Experience at the Mosque
I have a new appreciation of what it feels like for someone like Hemant with no experience attending a Christian Church to walk into that environment for the first time.
On Saturday afternoon I drove into the parking lot of the Baitus Samee Mosque in Houston, an invited guest of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, to participate in a symposium on the topic “The Existence of God and Human Suffering”.
I’ve never been in a mosque before.
I was not concerned for my safety, unlike those among my acquaintances who learned of my invitation and suggested a bullet proof vest (only half-joking, I suspect). Through my conversations with my host, Shahed, and my reading on the Ahmadiyya website, I knew that this muslim community, which is spread across 178 nations, utterly rejects violence and terrorism, recognizing that “jihad” as a word that refers to the individual’s inner struggle to live out a life that honors Allah.
My main concerns were that I would not unintentionally offend my hosts through my ignorance of their customs. I needed not be concerned. They were more than helpful and welcoming – truly delightful and friendly people who showed me where shoes could be placed during the symposium (since they are not worn in the mosque). Many of the 35 or so men present were quick to come forward and welcome me – the genders are separated in the mosque, so there were no women present in the seminar. The women were holding their own seminar on the other side of the wall. Even in the fellowship time which followed the women were separated from the men.
The program began with “a recitation of the Holy Qur’an”. If there was an element in the service that had me on pins and needles, this was it. What would I experience?
The Qur’an is always read in Arabic, and so one man came forward to read. I could not be absolutely clear on whether he was singing, or whether the rising and falling tones are reflective of the tonal nature of the Arabic language. The only experience I could compare it to was hearing the Qur’an read over loudspeakers in Iran or Iraq, such as one sometimes hears on a television news program.
The reading was followed by a translation in English – certainly for guests like me, but I wondered if it was also for those whose Arabic is rusty.
Next were three 15 minute addresses by the three speakers – first the jewish guest, then myself, then the muslim speaker.
In my presentation, I was eager to observe a careful balance. On the one hand, I had been invited to speak on the assigned topic from a Christian perspective. I also wanted to faithfully represent the message of biblical Christian faith. On the other hand, I was a guest, and did not want to communicate in a manner that would offend my hosts. I think that I effectively hit the mark.
The next 30 minutes was a time of question and answer. The moderator requested that all questions be directed to all three panelists so that each of us could answer, so that was the way the afternoon flowed on.
However, when the moderator said there was time for one more question, a man rose to the microphone and said “I have a question I would like to direct only to Rick: You said in your presentation that the sufferings of Christ could alleviate the sufferings of humanity, and I am not clear how that could happen. Could you explain your meaning please?”
For me, this was a wonderful moment, for it seemed to me that I was being invited by my hosts to be more specific in describing the nature of my faith as a Christ-follower. And so I took several minutes to answer the concluding question.
The last thing that occurred before the symposium concluded was a brief 5 minutes by a man identified as a muslim missionary. I did not have the feeling that his brief message contributed anything of substance to the words that had been spoken already.
After the symposium, many people came forward to graciously thank me and express appreciation for the content of my talk. One man said that he’d had many questions about Christianity, and I had managed to answer several of them. I was grateful. My secondary goal in being there was to help the listeners to learn and understand the day’s topic from a Christian perspective. I am grateful that this goal was met.
My primary goal had been to learn, and I certainly learned, from both the jewish and muslim people I encountered. I was struck by how similarly we approached the topic, and several times in the Q&A, I responded and then one of my fellow panelists said “I was going to say the same thing Rick said”.
(If I had a third goal, it was to enjoy a very different, cross-cultural cuisine in the time of refreshments that followed. Alas, I might as well have been at a Texas Baptist pot luck: there was fried chicken, cole slaw, pasta salad, pizza and Coke. However, there were two desserts that were culturally distinct, and they were wonderful!)
One last word: I thought of you, my acquaintances at OTM, as I went through this experience – and particularly thought of my brother Tom, who like me is characterized by a love for the unfamiliar or cross-cultural. Eat your heart out, Bro!
(This review was originally published by me at the "Ebay Atheist" website, sponsored by Off-the-Map. The site has evolved into a place of dialogue between Christians and atheists. At that site there are 18 replies, a couple of which are elaborations by me. read them here...)
On Saturday afternoon I drove into the parking lot of the Baitus Samee Mosque in Houston, an invited guest of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, to participate in a symposium on the topic “The Existence of God and Human Suffering”.
I’ve never been in a mosque before.
I was not concerned for my safety, unlike those among my acquaintances who learned of my invitation and suggested a bullet proof vest (only half-joking, I suspect). Through my conversations with my host, Shahed, and my reading on the Ahmadiyya website, I knew that this muslim community, which is spread across 178 nations, utterly rejects violence and terrorism, recognizing that “jihad” as a word that refers to the individual’s inner struggle to live out a life that honors Allah.
My main concerns were that I would not unintentionally offend my hosts through my ignorance of their customs. I needed not be concerned. They were more than helpful and welcoming – truly delightful and friendly people who showed me where shoes could be placed during the symposium (since they are not worn in the mosque). Many of the 35 or so men present were quick to come forward and welcome me – the genders are separated in the mosque, so there were no women present in the seminar. The women were holding their own seminar on the other side of the wall. Even in the fellowship time which followed the women were separated from the men.
The program began with “a recitation of the Holy Qur’an”. If there was an element in the service that had me on pins and needles, this was it. What would I experience?
The Qur’an is always read in Arabic, and so one man came forward to read. I could not be absolutely clear on whether he was singing, or whether the rising and falling tones are reflective of the tonal nature of the Arabic language. The only experience I could compare it to was hearing the Qur’an read over loudspeakers in Iran or Iraq, such as one sometimes hears on a television news program.
The reading was followed by a translation in English – certainly for guests like me, but I wondered if it was also for those whose Arabic is rusty.
Next were three 15 minute addresses by the three speakers – first the jewish guest, then myself, then the muslim speaker.
In my presentation, I was eager to observe a careful balance. On the one hand, I had been invited to speak on the assigned topic from a Christian perspective. I also wanted to faithfully represent the message of biblical Christian faith. On the other hand, I was a guest, and did not want to communicate in a manner that would offend my hosts. I think that I effectively hit the mark.
The next 30 minutes was a time of question and answer. The moderator requested that all questions be directed to all three panelists so that each of us could answer, so that was the way the afternoon flowed on.
However, when the moderator said there was time for one more question, a man rose to the microphone and said “I have a question I would like to direct only to Rick: You said in your presentation that the sufferings of Christ could alleviate the sufferings of humanity, and I am not clear how that could happen. Could you explain your meaning please?”
For me, this was a wonderful moment, for it seemed to me that I was being invited by my hosts to be more specific in describing the nature of my faith as a Christ-follower. And so I took several minutes to answer the concluding question.
The last thing that occurred before the symposium concluded was a brief 5 minutes by a man identified as a muslim missionary. I did not have the feeling that his brief message contributed anything of substance to the words that had been spoken already.
After the symposium, many people came forward to graciously thank me and express appreciation for the content of my talk. One man said that he’d had many questions about Christianity, and I had managed to answer several of them. I was grateful. My secondary goal in being there was to help the listeners to learn and understand the day’s topic from a Christian perspective. I am grateful that this goal was met.
My primary goal had been to learn, and I certainly learned, from both the jewish and muslim people I encountered. I was struck by how similarly we approached the topic, and several times in the Q&A, I responded and then one of my fellow panelists said “I was going to say the same thing Rick said”.
(If I had a third goal, it was to enjoy a very different, cross-cultural cuisine in the time of refreshments that followed. Alas, I might as well have been at a Texas Baptist pot luck: there was fried chicken, cole slaw, pasta salad, pizza and Coke. However, there were two desserts that were culturally distinct, and they were wonderful!)
One last word: I thought of you, my acquaintances at OTM, as I went through this experience – and particularly thought of my brother Tom, who like me is characterized by a love for the unfamiliar or cross-cultural. Eat your heart out, Bro!
(This review was originally published by me at the "Ebay Atheist" website, sponsored by Off-the-Map. The site has evolved into a place of dialogue between Christians and atheists. At that site there are 18 replies, a couple of which are elaborations by me. read them here...)
Tuesday
A Unique Opportunity
I have a unique opportunity on this coming Saturday, 2-4 pm.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association has invited me to a Symposium on the topic of
“The Existence of God and Human Suffering”, at the Baitus Samee Mosque.
The day will be marked by speeches by three guest speakers from the
Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities. (Each presenter speaking for 15 minutes)
I will be the guest Christian presenter.
It is the muslim way to have separate events for men and women. I will be speaking only to men. There will be a parallel meeting for women at the same time, with female speakers.
Tea and refreshments will be served afterward.
This is going to be, if nothing else, a very unique cross-cultural experience. It is also an opportunity for me to communicate the message of Christ.
My Christian faith tells me that the God I worship is a God who is intimately familiar with suffering because He Himself chose to suffer. Here, I realize, is where I part company with my muslim and jewish friends, but it is a very important part of the way I as a Christian process my understanding of the existence of God and human suffering. I therefore plan to conclude by explaining how this uniquely Christian doctrine informs my thinking on the crucial question that has been the focus of our conversation today.
My goals for the day are to learn from the other presenters and the people with whom I interact; and to communicate clearly on my assigned topic with a distinctively Christian flavor.
I covet your prayers as I prepare my presentation and as I present it on Saturday.
I am hopeful that I can gather a group of men who are available on Saturday and can attend with me. I have extended invitations to men in this area.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association has invited me to a Symposium on the topic of
“The Existence of God and Human Suffering”, at the Baitus Samee Mosque.
The day will be marked by speeches by three guest speakers from the
Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities. (Each presenter speaking for 15 minutes)
I will be the guest Christian presenter.
It is the muslim way to have separate events for men and women. I will be speaking only to men. There will be a parallel meeting for women at the same time, with female speakers.
Tea and refreshments will be served afterward.
This is going to be, if nothing else, a very unique cross-cultural experience. It is also an opportunity for me to communicate the message of Christ.
My Christian faith tells me that the God I worship is a God who is intimately familiar with suffering because He Himself chose to suffer. Here, I realize, is where I part company with my muslim and jewish friends, but it is a very important part of the way I as a Christian process my understanding of the existence of God and human suffering. I therefore plan to conclude by explaining how this uniquely Christian doctrine informs my thinking on the crucial question that has been the focus of our conversation today.
My goals for the day are to learn from the other presenters and the people with whom I interact; and to communicate clearly on my assigned topic with a distinctively Christian flavor.
I covet your prayers as I prepare my presentation and as I present it on Saturday.
I am hopeful that I can gather a group of men who are available on Saturday and can attend with me. I have extended invitations to men in this area.
There is None Like You
We sang this song by Lenny LeBlanc last Sunday in worship. On Saturday morning as we rehearsed, the team was about to move on to another song, "Come Holy Spirit, Fall fresh on me". As they turned to the proper page, I looked at the bridge or verse of "There is None..."
"Your mercy flows like a river wide,
and healing comes from your hands;
suffering children
are safe in your arms;
there is none like You...."
© 1991 Integrity's Hosanna! Music
and I had a moment of inspiration. I quit playing keys and singing as I wanted a second verse and it came to me all at once. As the idea fell into place I realized it could lean heavily on some of the words that were already there:
"You gave your life as a gift of love,
and healing flowed from your hands.
Death could not hold you;
You rose from the grave;
There is None like you...."
Rick Lindholtz 2006
Boom, there it was, before the team could finish rehearsing the next song. When they finished I said "Mark, I just got a verse for There is None." He said "Let's hear it" and I went through it. And he said "Let's use it tomorrow. Write it down, everyone, we'll change the screens later".
Afterwards he told me: "Earlier in the week as I was writing the service, I realized I wanted more resurrection in it, but since it was Confirmation Sunday, the theme was not lending itself to selecting a song in that direction, and God just led you to the right words."
It was a neat moment. And it was very effective in worship. Especially on the third Sunday of Easter.
"Your mercy flows like a river wide,
and healing comes from your hands;
suffering children
are safe in your arms;
there is none like You...."
© 1991 Integrity's Hosanna! Music
and I had a moment of inspiration. I quit playing keys and singing as I wanted a second verse and it came to me all at once. As the idea fell into place I realized it could lean heavily on some of the words that were already there:
"You gave your life as a gift of love,
and healing flowed from your hands.
Death could not hold you;
You rose from the grave;
There is None like you...."
Rick Lindholtz 2006
Boom, there it was, before the team could finish rehearsing the next song. When they finished I said "Mark, I just got a verse for There is None." He said "Let's hear it" and I went through it. And he said "Let's use it tomorrow. Write it down, everyone, we'll change the screens later".
Afterwards he told me: "Earlier in the week as I was writing the service, I realized I wanted more resurrection in it, but since it was Confirmation Sunday, the theme was not lending itself to selecting a song in that direction, and God just led you to the right words."
It was a neat moment. And it was very effective in worship. Especially on the third Sunday of Easter.
Saturday
My first post in a long time
These've been busy days. The weeks before Easter always are. CTK requires/encourages all staff to track their hours, and those in excess of 48 hours a week become comp hours. It's typical for the program staff to ramp up quite a few comp hours in the weeks preceeding Easter and Christmas Eve. So here I am with several days of comp time saved up.
Throughout Lent we had Wednesday evening services preceded by soup supper. (Back in 2001 when I was unemployed, unsatisfactorily-emplyed and/or underemployed all year, we got hooked on the soup supper because it was one evening of free dinner.) Mark and I alternated leading worship on Wednesday evenings. They were great services - with Vicar Brian preaching on Israel's journey through the wilderness. The kid's got game!
Maundy Thursday, Brian and I again teamed on the service. With our focus on the Passover and the Last Supper, we wanted a more intimate feeling than we usually have in a 700 seat Worship Center - since both Passover and Jesus' final meal occured in homes, not Worship Centers - so we created a "living room" on the thrust of the platform with couch, chairs, coffee table, and populated the living room with 2 guitarist/singers, one vocalist, a percussionist playing a djembe, and myself on keys and vocal. All vocals were handled via Countryman headsets - a lot of production went into making this feel un-produced. It was awesome and very well received. Once we all sat down in the "living room", none of us got up again for the entire service.
Good Friday was a very powerful service with Alicia, EC and myself in the 60 voice choir. The service began with the sound of nails being driven and included the seven last words appearing on screen, very artfully presented - lots of darkness and silence. Lots of opportunities to reflect on the price paid for our salvation. Great series of dramatic messages presented by Pastor Doyle.
Tomorrow, the three of us are again in the choir. I'll be conducting during one of the songs, an arrangement Brian and Mark did of "Crown Him with Many Crowns"; and Dana will be conducting an arrangement by Mark and myself of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today".
The kids have been busy today making Easter Eggs (both real ones, jello ones, and Mexican Cascarones and watching the Narnia movie. Alicia spent hours preparing food for tomorrow, though it will just be the four of us. I spent the better part of the afternoon moving mulch around in the yard - mulch from a chipper that's been working behind the church, clearing brush for the "CTK park".
Throughout Lent we had Wednesday evening services preceded by soup supper. (Back in 2001 when I was unemployed, unsatisfactorily-emplyed and/or underemployed all year, we got hooked on the soup supper because it was one evening of free dinner.) Mark and I alternated leading worship on Wednesday evenings. They were great services - with Vicar Brian preaching on Israel's journey through the wilderness. The kid's got game!
Maundy Thursday, Brian and I again teamed on the service. With our focus on the Passover and the Last Supper, we wanted a more intimate feeling than we usually have in a 700 seat Worship Center - since both Passover and Jesus' final meal occured in homes, not Worship Centers - so we created a "living room" on the thrust of the platform with couch, chairs, coffee table, and populated the living room with 2 guitarist/singers, one vocalist, a percussionist playing a djembe, and myself on keys and vocal. All vocals were handled via Countryman headsets - a lot of production went into making this feel un-produced. It was awesome and very well received. Once we all sat down in the "living room", none of us got up again for the entire service.
Good Friday was a very powerful service with Alicia, EC and myself in the 60 voice choir. The service began with the sound of nails being driven and included the seven last words appearing on screen, very artfully presented - lots of darkness and silence. Lots of opportunities to reflect on the price paid for our salvation. Great series of dramatic messages presented by Pastor Doyle.
Tomorrow, the three of us are again in the choir. I'll be conducting during one of the songs, an arrangement Brian and Mark did of "Crown Him with Many Crowns"; and Dana will be conducting an arrangement by Mark and myself of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today".
The kids have been busy today making Easter Eggs (both real ones, jello ones, and Mexican Cascarones and watching the Narnia movie. Alicia spent hours preparing food for tomorrow, though it will just be the four of us. I spent the better part of the afternoon moving mulch around in the yard - mulch from a chipper that's been working behind the church, clearing brush for the "CTK park".
Thursday
Come Holy Spirit
There are several songs by this title, one by Malcolm Fletcher. Here is a text that is very similar in meter to Fletcher's:
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Let me see your glory; Let me see my Lord
only you can change my heart
make in me a brand new start
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Let me see your glory; Let me see my Lord
only you can change my heart
make in me a brand new start
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Thursday
The Liberal Baby Bust
What's the difference between Seattle and Salt Lake City? There are manydifferences, of course, but here's one you might not know. In Seattle,there are nearly 45% more dogs than children. In Salt Lake City, there arenearly 19% more kids than dogs.This curious fact might at first seem trivial, but it reflects a muchbroader and little-noticed demographic trend that has deep implications forthe future of global culture and politics. It's not that people in aprogressive city such as Seattle are so much fonder of dogs than are peoplein a conservative city such as Salt Lake City. It's that progressives areso much less likely to have children. read more...
Go see a movie...
..on May 19 - that's the recommendation of Barbara Nicolosi. She's suggesting that on the day "Da Vinci code" opens, Christians avoid the tempting alternatives of:
-ignoring the movie (which is like not voting in an election: you're giving the task of shaping the future to others)
-or protesting the movie (which will just drive the box office up by attracting attention)
-or discussing the movie (which is a nice thought if anyone was listening)
So, she says, go see a movie. ANY other movie.
"You'll get a vote, the only vote Hollywood recognizes: The power of cold hard cash laid down on a box officewindow on opening weekend.Use your vote. Don't throw it away. Vote for a movie other than DVC. If enough people do it, the powers that be will notice. They won't have achoice.
"The major studio movie scheduled for release against DVC is the DreamWorks animated feature Over the Hedge. The trailers look fun, and you can take your kids. And your friends. And their friends. In fact, let's all go see it. Let's rock the box office in a way no one expects -- without protests, without boycotts, without arguments, without rancor. Let's show up at the box office ballot box and cast our votes. And buy some popcorn, too."
It's a creative suggestion. The Dreamworks people have gotta love this idea...
What's the difference between Seattle and Salt Lake City? There are manydifferences, of course, but here's one you might not know. In Seattle,there are nearly 45% more dogs than children. In Salt Lake City, there arenearly 19% more kids than dogs.This curious fact might at first seem trivial, but it reflects a muchbroader and little-noticed demographic trend that has deep implications forthe future of global culture and politics. It's not that people in aprogressive city such as Seattle are so much fonder of dogs than are peoplein a conservative city such as Salt Lake City. It's that progressives areso much less likely to have children. read more...
Go see a movie...
..on May 19 - that's the recommendation of Barbara Nicolosi. She's suggesting that on the day "Da Vinci code" opens, Christians avoid the tempting alternatives of:
-ignoring the movie (which is like not voting in an election: you're giving the task of shaping the future to others)
-or protesting the movie (which will just drive the box office up by attracting attention)
-or discussing the movie (which is a nice thought if anyone was listening)
So, she says, go see a movie. ANY other movie.
"You'll get a vote, the only vote Hollywood recognizes: The power of cold hard cash laid down on a box officewindow on opening weekend.Use your vote. Don't throw it away. Vote for a movie other than DVC. If enough people do it, the powers that be will notice. They won't have achoice.
"The major studio movie scheduled for release against DVC is the DreamWorks animated feature Over the Hedge. The trailers look fun, and you can take your kids. And your friends. And their friends. In fact, let's all go see it. Let's rock the box office in a way no one expects -- without protests, without boycotts, without arguments, without rancor. Let's show up at the box office ballot box and cast our votes. And buy some popcorn, too."
It's a creative suggestion. The Dreamworks people have gotta love this idea...
Tuesday
Monday
...was a long day. We drove up to Dallas for the memorial service of a baby girl named Kate who only lived 40 days. Kate's parents are in inner city urban ministry in Dallas.
It was hard on all of us to go through but we wanted to be there to provide comfort for the family who are dear friends.
Back in Kingwood today, my energy levels are rather low.
Meanwhile, Tom is back from his trip to SoCal, and so it is fun to both be posting on the ebay atheist again. At one point yesterday, the two of us were responsibile for 7 of the 10 most recent posts. And one of mine got lifted to the front page, where it's already generated over 89 responses. It offered a link to an op-ed piece in the Houston Chronicle about a self-avowed atheist who writes about joining a Christian Church.
It was hard on all of us to go through but we wanted to be there to provide comfort for the family who are dear friends.
Back in Kingwood today, my energy levels are rather low.
Meanwhile, Tom is back from his trip to SoCal, and so it is fun to both be posting on the ebay atheist again. At one point yesterday, the two of us were responsibile for 7 of the 10 most recent posts. And one of mine got lifted to the front page, where it's already generated over 89 responses. It offered a link to an op-ed piece in the Houston Chronicle about a self-avowed atheist who writes about joining a Christian Church.
Thursday
Ebay Atheist article in Wall Street Journal
Read the article here. Those of us who are part of this community are bracing for a whole lot more traffic.
Experiences are the best gifts
If you're familiar with the "Languages of Love" books or concepts you know the premise: different people have different "love languages" to which they respond. I am definitely in the experiences camp, and for my 50th birthday, Alicia gave me a great experience:
We spent about 75 minutes at the home of the last living artist from the "Rocky and Bullwinkle Show".
Gerard Baldwin was the art director of the Jay Ward Studios, is the brother-in-law of a friend, and lives about 5 minutes from our house. Alicia, the kids and I arrived at his home about 6 pm and were met by Gerard at the door, offering us a glass of wine. So we sipped wine and looked around his home at various works of art as he shared stories about the shows on which he worked and the people who worked with him.
And best of all, Mr. Baldwin offered us a framed original work to be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for the annual Gala Fund-raiser's silent auction. The work to be done will have a minimum value of $500 .
Tomorrow night we will be hosting 18 for dinner in the lovely Houston townhome of Bev Mitchell, our dear friend. And I am advised that there are still a few surprises in the works. But our visit with Gerard Baldwin was an experience I will not soon forget.
We spent about 75 minutes at the home of the last living artist from the "Rocky and Bullwinkle Show".
Gerard Baldwin was the art director of the Jay Ward Studios, is the brother-in-law of a friend, and lives about 5 minutes from our house. Alicia, the kids and I arrived at his home about 6 pm and were met by Gerard at the door, offering us a glass of wine. So we sipped wine and looked around his home at various works of art as he shared stories about the shows on which he worked and the people who worked with him.
And best of all, Mr. Baldwin offered us a framed original work to be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for the annual Gala Fund-raiser's silent auction. The work to be done will have a minimum value of $500 .
Tomorrow night we will be hosting 18 for dinner in the lovely Houston townhome of Bev Mitchell, our dear friend. And I am advised that there are still a few surprises in the works. But our visit with Gerard Baldwin was an experience I will not soon forget.
Wednesday
A text for Ash Wednesday
Lord, you have promised
A text for Ash Wednesday
vv. 1,2,4 2002, v. 3 2006 © R. Lindholtz for the tune “Bunessan” (aka ‘Morning has Broken’)
Lord, you have promised beauty for ashes
Freedom to captives, sight for the blind
Lord, you have promised comfort for mourning
Freedom to prisoners, hope for mankind.
Lord, you have promised gladness for grieving
And for the broken, words that bring peace,
Bread for the hungry, help to the homeless
And to the captive, words of release.
Lord, you provided grace and forgiveness
When on the cross You showed us your love,
Bringing us pardon through your afflicttion
Making a way to raise us above.
As we await the promised fulfillment
Lord, we delight in Your loving grace
For You have clothed us in Your salvation
And we will see You face to face.
A text for Ash Wednesday
vv. 1,2,4 2002, v. 3 2006 © R. Lindholtz for the tune “Bunessan” (aka ‘Morning has Broken’)
Lord, you have promised beauty for ashes
Freedom to captives, sight for the blind
Lord, you have promised comfort for mourning
Freedom to prisoners, hope for mankind.
Lord, you have promised gladness for grieving
And for the broken, words that bring peace,
Bread for the hungry, help to the homeless
And to the captive, words of release.
Lord, you provided grace and forgiveness
When on the cross You showed us your love,
Bringing us pardon through your afflicttion
Making a way to raise us above.
As we await the promised fulfillment
Lord, we delight in Your loving grace
For You have clothed us in Your salvation
And we will see You face to face.
Joyful Joyful - a new text
Joyful, Joyful, we Adore You, God of Glory, Lord of Love.
Maker of the world around me, weaver of the sky above.
I believe your hands have made me, fashioned me in every part;
Maker of the earth and heavens, Lord, I give to you my heart.
Thankful, Thankful, we exalt You, singing praise to Christ the Son,
Born among us of a virgin, Heaven’s child and Holy One,
Teaching of your Father’s Kingdom, off’ring up your life for all,
Bursting from the grave, you offer life to those who hear your call.
Holy, Holy, we declare you, Spirit of the Living Lord;
Come to dwell within your people, You are worshiped and adored.
God my Father, Christ my Savior, Spirit living in my heart:
Finish in me your salvation, make my life your work of art!
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Maker of the world around me, weaver of the sky above.
I believe your hands have made me, fashioned me in every part;
Maker of the earth and heavens, Lord, I give to you my heart.
Thankful, Thankful, we exalt You, singing praise to Christ the Son,
Born among us of a virgin, Heaven’s child and Holy One,
Teaching of your Father’s Kingdom, off’ring up your life for all,
Bursting from the grave, you offer life to those who hear your call.
Holy, Holy, we declare you, Spirit of the Living Lord;
Come to dwell within your people, You are worshiped and adored.
God my Father, Christ my Savior, Spirit living in my heart:
Finish in me your salvation, make my life your work of art!
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Monday
Monday's Post
Our new Care Group met last night. We had 8 people: 3 couples and 2 singles; one of the couples were members of the church that I pastored 7 years ago, who are now attending CTK (since the previous church closed about a year ago). We've agreed to meet twice a month: once in a home for fellowship, relationship-building, and spiritual encouragement, and once away from home, in service ministries such as feeding the homeless, or things like that.
I shared with our group about the enrichment I've been getting reading the ebay atheist and off the map . One of the recent posts invited Christians and atheists alike to offer one word characterizations of the other. Here's what the atheist said about Christians:
zombie - Fundamentalist - evangelical - Tedious - skeptical (most people are skeptical of what they have to say) - sheep - oppressor - Fat - hate - follower - boring - dangerous - When someone labels him or herself as a Christian, I tend to think of that person as a fundamentalist or someone who holds very strong religious beliefs - sanctimonious - hypocrites.
And here is how Christians labeled atheists:
Muggle - questioning - misunderstood (most Christians don't really want to know the Atheist or what they think) - questioning - empty - interesting - indignant - bitter - Seeker - lost - thinker - Blind - intellectual pride (in the sense of confidence that their brain can figure out and *think* their way through the existence of God; also in the sense that they often express contempt for the intelligence of those who are believers.) (that last one was mine)
Our converstaion at the group led me to write the following, which is now posted and receiving comments at off the map:
I find this entire site and discussion very stimulating. On your person blog you asked Christians and atheists alike to offer a one word characterization about the other side. Some of the replies were honest, some were harsh. My question is, have you ever encountered a Christian whose character and manner of engagement with you challenged the preconceived notions you had about followers of Christ? If you have had such an experience I would find it very interesting to know what you learned about them and in what ways they seemed different than you expected. Thanks! Rick
The idea being that the extremes tend to classify each group in the eyes of many people on the other side of the fence.
This conversation is very worth listening in on. AMong other things, Hement (the atheist) reveals something we should evaluate very carefully:
“I’m always listening for something I can take back with me (whether in person or on TV). If it’s an anecdote, wonderful. If it’s a lesson I should learn, fine. If it’s only someone spouting Bible verses, it’s in one ear, out the other. Unless it’s in a context I can enjoy listening to, the scripture part of it will do very little for me”
Incidentally, the pictures are not coming up on my blogs because they are linked to the CTK server, and we've just redirected our DNS to point to the site that is hosting our new website. We haven't yet made advantage of all the new features, but we're very pleased with church fusion.
I shared with our group about the enrichment I've been getting reading the ebay atheist and off the map . One of the recent posts invited Christians and atheists alike to offer one word characterizations of the other. Here's what the atheist said about Christians:
zombie - Fundamentalist - evangelical - Tedious - skeptical (most people are skeptical of what they have to say) - sheep - oppressor - Fat - hate - follower - boring - dangerous - When someone labels him or herself as a Christian, I tend to think of that person as a fundamentalist or someone who holds very strong religious beliefs - sanctimonious - hypocrites.
And here is how Christians labeled atheists:
Muggle - questioning - misunderstood (most Christians don't really want to know the Atheist or what they think) - questioning - empty - interesting - indignant - bitter - Seeker - lost - thinker - Blind - intellectual pride (in the sense of confidence that their brain can figure out and *think* their way through the existence of God; also in the sense that they often express contempt for the intelligence of those who are believers.) (that last one was mine)
Our converstaion at the group led me to write the following, which is now posted and receiving comments at off the map:
I find this entire site and discussion very stimulating. On your person blog you asked Christians and atheists alike to offer a one word characterization about the other side. Some of the replies were honest, some were harsh. My question is, have you ever encountered a Christian whose character and manner of engagement with you challenged the preconceived notions you had about followers of Christ? If you have had such an experience I would find it very interesting to know what you learned about them and in what ways they seemed different than you expected. Thanks! Rick
The idea being that the extremes tend to classify each group in the eyes of many people on the other side of the fence.
This conversation is very worth listening in on. AMong other things, Hement (the atheist) reveals something we should evaluate very carefully:
“I’m always listening for something I can take back with me (whether in person or on TV). If it’s an anecdote, wonderful. If it’s a lesson I should learn, fine. If it’s only someone spouting Bible verses, it’s in one ear, out the other. Unless it’s in a context I can enjoy listening to, the scripture part of it will do very little for me”
Incidentally, the pictures are not coming up on my blogs because they are linked to the CTK server, and we've just redirected our DNS to point to the site that is hosting our new website. We haven't yet made advantage of all the new features, but we're very pleased with church fusion.
Saturday
Jibstay - a good read
My friend Don N. Johnson moved from the midwest to Santa Barbara, just down the hill from where Alicia and I first met, where he is pastoring Montecito Covenant Church. He's started blogging too, and often has great stuff to post. I've always enjoyed Don's way of seeing life and experience through a homiletical eye, and this post is no exception.
Wednesday
A Theology of Glory
The church that bought Lakewood Church's former facility has this page up on their site. Take a look. Note the ticket price, the attire suggestions and the gift suggestions.
"Without the theology of the cross, man misuses the best in the worst manner". - Luther
"Without the theology of the cross, man misuses the best in the worst manner". - Luther
Monday
Off the Map's "Ordinary Attempts"
I found them because they are the people who bought the ebay atheist's church attendance for $504.00. I love their slogan: "Helping Christians be Normal". And I am very impressed with their approach:
"Christians still don’t really believe me when I say 'We are not trying to convert Hemant' . The purpose of this assignment is not to get Hemant saved (using some secret methods he can’t quite figure out). The one and only purpose of this assigment is to have Hemant tell us christians what he thinks about us and our products and services (we call it a service don’t we?). I would like to suggest that we refrain from trying to overtly or covertly convert Hemant and instead ask him questions about his experience, observations and thoughts after parchuting into our world. We are the ones who need to be converted - Hemant can work his own issues out with God (or his non god)"
The Ordinary Attempts section includes stories chronicling a very nontraditional approach to evangelism -- ordinary activities that you’re already doing. Not a program, pitch or presentation, but a simple shift in how we view the people formerly known as lost. Jesus said, “If you give a cup of cold water to a little child because you are my disciple you won’t lose your reward.” Matthew 10:42
Our culture's equivalent of a cup of cold water is attention.
Here's my oa (in as close to 200 words as I could make it):
After Hurricane Rita, we welcomed a man and woman into our home for 2 weeks. The woman professed belief in Jesus; her friend had been raised in catholic schools, rejected his faith, was a 60’s radical for a time then a Jehovah’s witness before totally rejecting faith in God. He seemed to use his impressive knowledge to keep people at a distance.
He went downtown to search for work and his car broke down. I drove down to pick him up and as we waited for the towtruck, we talked. I just listened mainly to his story. At one point he marveled at the feeling that despite his repeated rejection of God, God seemed to be “still pursuing” him.
After a long pause I asked “Why do you suppose that is?” He took a few deep rapid breaths and mumbled something and changed the subject.
On the drive home, as he continued to speak abstractly of God I requested permission to ask a question. “How do you see Jesus fitting into all this?” He spoke for a few minutes of his understanding of “the Christ”. Then he asked me who I thought Jesus was and I described my understanding.
At the end of two weeks he told me that he felt re-discovered by God.
"Christians still don’t really believe me when I say 'We are not trying to convert Hemant' . The purpose of this assignment is not to get Hemant saved (using some secret methods he can’t quite figure out). The one and only purpose of this assigment is to have Hemant tell us christians what he thinks about us and our products and services (we call it a service don’t we?). I would like to suggest that we refrain from trying to overtly or covertly convert Hemant and instead ask him questions about his experience, observations and thoughts after parchuting into our world. We are the ones who need to be converted - Hemant can work his own issues out with God (or his non god)"
The Ordinary Attempts section includes stories chronicling a very nontraditional approach to evangelism -- ordinary activities that you’re already doing. Not a program, pitch or presentation, but a simple shift in how we view the people formerly known as lost. Jesus said, “If you give a cup of cold water to a little child because you are my disciple you won’t lose your reward.” Matthew 10:42
Our culture's equivalent of a cup of cold water is attention.
Here's my oa (in as close to 200 words as I could make it):
After Hurricane Rita, we welcomed a man and woman into our home for 2 weeks. The woman professed belief in Jesus; her friend had been raised in catholic schools, rejected his faith, was a 60’s radical for a time then a Jehovah’s witness before totally rejecting faith in God. He seemed to use his impressive knowledge to keep people at a distance.
He went downtown to search for work and his car broke down. I drove down to pick him up and as we waited for the towtruck, we talked. I just listened mainly to his story. At one point he marveled at the feeling that despite his repeated rejection of God, God seemed to be “still pursuing” him.
After a long pause I asked “Why do you suppose that is?” He took a few deep rapid breaths and mumbled something and changed the subject.
On the drive home, as he continued to speak abstractly of God I requested permission to ask a question. “How do you see Jesus fitting into all this?” He spoke for a few minutes of his understanding of “the Christ”. Then he asked me who I thought Jesus was and I described my understanding.
At the end of two weeks he told me that he felt re-discovered by God.
Paul at the Grammys
This guy's an awesome entertainer and performer. He played two numbers at the Grammys and here they are. "Fine Line" sounds better live than it did in studio. And "Helter Skelter" never sounded better. (Press Play)
Thursday
My confession.
OK, I admit it. I have a habit. Ebay. I'm into it. I buy. I sell. I buy and re-sell.
There. Now that I have that off my chest, I can share the most unique auction I have ever seen. An atheist auctioned his church attendance. Offered to go to church for $10 a visit. Any Chicago-area church the buyer chooses. It sold for over $500.
I've written to the winning bidder asking if he would share the rest of the story as it develops over, presumably, the next year. I'll keep you informed. I also see that the atheist will be blogging about his experience here.
Here is a link to the auction for as long as it stays up (usually 30 days after the auction ends).
Here is the basic text of the auction:
I'm a 22-year-old Atheist from Chicago. I stopped believing in God when I was 14. Currently, I am an active volunteer for a couple different national, secular organizations. For one of them, I am the editor of a newsletter that reaches over 1,000 Atheist/Agnostic college students. I have written several Letters to the Editor to newspapers in and around Chicago, espousing my Atheistic beliefs when Church/State issues arose. My point being that I don't take my non-belief lightly. However, while I don't believe in God, I firmly believe I would immediately change those views if presented with evidence to the contrary. And at 22, this is possibly the best chance anyone has of changing me.
So, here's my proposal. Everytime I come home, I pass this old Irish church. I promise to go into that church every day-- for a certain number of days-- for at least an hour each visit. For every $10 you bid, I will go to the Church for 1 day. For $50, you would have me going to mass every day for a week.
My promise: I will go willingly and with an open mind. I will not say/do anything inappropriate. I will respectfully participate in service, speak to priests, volunteer with the church if possible, do my best to learn about the religious beliefs of the church-goers, and make conversation with anyone who is willing to talk. (Though I do reserve the rights to ask the person questions about the faith.)
I will record my visits through a journal, pictures, or whatever other method of proof you'd like-- I will uphold my promise.
Will I become religious? Well, I don't know. I really do have an open mind, but no one has convinced me to change my mind so far. Then again, I have also never attended a real church service. Perhaps being around a group of people who will show me "the way" could do what no one else has done before.
If the Irish Church doesn't work for you, we'll just find some other place local to me. I'll go to any place of worship-- a Christian Church, a Catholic Church [revision: I realize a Catholic Church is a Christian Church... so let me rephrase. By Christian, I mean Protestant], a Mosque, a Synagogue, etc. They're all nearby. Makes no difference to me, but perhaps it's your faith that could change the mind of this Atheist.
I also assure you that if you bid on this, I will write an article about my experiences in the newsletter mentioned earlier. The article would reach over 1,000 college students who share my current views. Even if you don't end up changing my mind, perhaps you can change theirs.
If you have any questions about this auction, I'd be glad to answer them.
There. Now that I have that off my chest, I can share the most unique auction I have ever seen. An atheist auctioned his church attendance. Offered to go to church for $10 a visit. Any Chicago-area church the buyer chooses. It sold for over $500.
I've written to the winning bidder asking if he would share the rest of the story as it develops over, presumably, the next year. I'll keep you informed. I also see that the atheist will be blogging about his experience here.
Here is a link to the auction for as long as it stays up (usually 30 days after the auction ends).
Here is the basic text of the auction:
I'm a 22-year-old Atheist from Chicago. I stopped believing in God when I was 14. Currently, I am an active volunteer for a couple different national, secular organizations. For one of them, I am the editor of a newsletter that reaches over 1,000 Atheist/Agnostic college students. I have written several Letters to the Editor to newspapers in and around Chicago, espousing my Atheistic beliefs when Church/State issues arose. My point being that I don't take my non-belief lightly. However, while I don't believe in God, I firmly believe I would immediately change those views if presented with evidence to the contrary. And at 22, this is possibly the best chance anyone has of changing me.
So, here's my proposal. Everytime I come home, I pass this old Irish church. I promise to go into that church every day-- for a certain number of days-- for at least an hour each visit. For every $10 you bid, I will go to the Church for 1 day. For $50, you would have me going to mass every day for a week.
My promise: I will go willingly and with an open mind. I will not say/do anything inappropriate. I will respectfully participate in service, speak to priests, volunteer with the church if possible, do my best to learn about the religious beliefs of the church-goers, and make conversation with anyone who is willing to talk. (Though I do reserve the rights to ask the person questions about the faith.)
I will record my visits through a journal, pictures, or whatever other method of proof you'd like-- I will uphold my promise.
Will I become religious? Well, I don't know. I really do have an open mind, but no one has convinced me to change my mind so far. Then again, I have also never attended a real church service. Perhaps being around a group of people who will show me "the way" could do what no one else has done before.
If the Irish Church doesn't work for you, we'll just find some other place local to me. I'll go to any place of worship-- a Christian Church, a Catholic Church [revision: I realize a Catholic Church is a Christian Church... so let me rephrase. By Christian, I mean Protestant], a Mosque, a Synagogue, etc. They're all nearby. Makes no difference to me, but perhaps it's your faith that could change the mind of this Atheist.
I also assure you that if you bid on this, I will write an article about my experiences in the newsletter mentioned earlier. The article would reach over 1,000 college students who share my current views. Even if you don't end up changing my mind, perhaps you can change theirs.
If you have any questions about this auction, I'd be glad to answer them.
Wednesday
Jesus Creed
I am finding so much good reading in Scot McKnight's blog. His breadth and volume of output is very impressive, and the community that is interacting with him is enriching.
The past week or two Scot has been posting on "Jesus and Homosexuality" and while he's not done, there's just so much good in there - a balance of grace and truth that hits the spot.
The past week or two Scot has been posting on "Jesus and Homosexuality" and while he's not done, there's just so much good in there - a balance of grace and truth that hits the spot.
Thursday
A Confession and Affirmation of Faith
...based on the second commandment, for our series on the commandments entitled "Experience God Now". In the series we will articulate the positive expression of each commandment:
1. Accept No Substitutes
2. Take God Seriously
3. Take regular breaks with God
4. Submit to God's Authority System
5. Affirm Life.
6. Honor God's View of Sexuality
7. Help others in Need.
8. Be an Encourager.
9. & 10. Be Content.
Summary: Pursue this relationship always.
Anyway, here's the confession / affirmation:
God, you have invited me into the brilliant reality of knowing your name,
of recognizing how separate you stand from all of your creation.
Stone, tree, fish or human –
all of these are categories of what has been made.
But you are creator.
How quickly I forget to set you apart,
how easily I fail to recognize your holiness.
In the things that I have done, or have left undone –
even in the way I think or speak of you –
I treat you as just another thing to check off my list.
But you are Holy.
Your name itself is Holy.
You are truth, purity, and life.
In your presence, in the light of all you are, I recognize my own brokenness.
Yet you do not leave me in brokenness.
You, the God who is above all creation,
came into your creation in Jesus Christ to redeem and save me.
You call me away from the irreverent use of Your name – away from those patterns that minimize the name that is above every name. You invite me to a new way of living, a life in which I can call upon your name in every trouble, praying, praising, and giving thanks to You.
Thank you for the gift of your name. Help me always to remember its holiness.
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
1. Accept No Substitutes
2. Take God Seriously
3. Take regular breaks with God
4. Submit to God's Authority System
5. Affirm Life.
6. Honor God's View of Sexuality
7. Help others in Need.
8. Be an Encourager.
9. & 10. Be Content.
Summary: Pursue this relationship always.
Anyway, here's the confession / affirmation:
God, you have invited me into the brilliant reality of knowing your name,
of recognizing how separate you stand from all of your creation.
Stone, tree, fish or human –
all of these are categories of what has been made.
But you are creator.
How quickly I forget to set you apart,
how easily I fail to recognize your holiness.
In the things that I have done, or have left undone –
even in the way I think or speak of you –
I treat you as just another thing to check off my list.
But you are Holy.
Your name itself is Holy.
You are truth, purity, and life.
In your presence, in the light of all you are, I recognize my own brokenness.
Yet you do not leave me in brokenness.
You, the God who is above all creation,
came into your creation in Jesus Christ to redeem and save me.
You call me away from the irreverent use of Your name – away from those patterns that minimize the name that is above every name. You invite me to a new way of living, a life in which I can call upon your name in every trouble, praying, praising, and giving thanks to You.
Thank you for the gift of your name. Help me always to remember its holiness.
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Wednesday
Improvement today
Miles had a much better day today than he has in the past 10 days or so. 75% of his readings were within target today, no fever, no ketones. Didn't eat much, but ate. Thanks for your prayers.
Alicia and I spent the last 90 minutes watching the first 2 hours of season 5 of the show "24". I've heard a lot of talk about this show. Now I understand why. It's a pretty grip-your-throat production style. I think I'll keep watching.
Alicia and I spent the last 90 minutes watching the first 2 hours of season 5 of the show "24". I've heard a lot of talk about this show. Now I understand why. It's a pretty grip-your-throat production style. I think I'll keep watching.
Tuesday
It had to end eventually
Miles has had a seven year run of really good management of his diabetes, but the last week has been the unhealthiest he's seen since his diagnosis at age 2. He had high numbers (over 500) and ketones much of Wed thru Sat last week and finally we went to the hospital downtown to put an IV in him and rehydrate him (ketones and high numbers demand a lot of fluid to wash the toxins out of him).
Last night we were up until midnight dealing with nausea and low numbers. Today Miles is home from school - for the 4th day of 5 days. Our endo is giving us some new instructions for Miles' care.
This is one miserable little boy and a couple of exhausted parents.
Pray for Miles. And pray for a cure.
Sunday
End of the Spear -Finally out
The movie is in theatres now and it's well worth your viewing. I took the Faith and Film group to go see it on opening night, Friday the 20th. There were 14 of us in a filled theatre, 11 of whom went to Starbuck's afterwards to discuss the film.
I'm also reading the book (linked here from Brad's site so that profits will go to mission work in Guam). It's an excellent read and also well worth your time.
Thursday
Wednesday
Logo conceptual - what do you think?
This is a logo 
idea we are considering. How does it strike you? What does it suggest about the church on whose sign or literature you see the logo?
My impressions:
1. I want to move the crown down a little so that it doesn't appear to be another word. (A couple people thought it was a continuation of King, as in, perhaps, "Kingdom".
2. I want the white part of the crown to be solid white so that the cross doesn't show through the crown.
3. I'm not sure about the font. Another font might work better with the graphic.
What do you think?
idea we are considering. How does it strike you? What does it suggest about the church on whose sign or literature you see the logo?My impressions:
1. I want to move the crown down a little so that it doesn't appear to be another word. (A couple people thought it was a continuation of King, as in, perhaps, "Kingdom".
2. I want the white part of the crown to be solid white so that the cross doesn't show through the crown.
3. I'm not sure about the font. Another font might work better with the graphic.
What do you think?
Sunday
Amazon's Music clips
Lately I've bumped into a number of very nice musical clips to be found on Amazon. They are attached to certain product description pages. The first one I found was this wonderful performance of "Born to Run" by Springsteen. It's a performance from the Hammersmith Odeon in 1975, the year that Born to Run exploded and put Bruce on the covers of Time and Newsweek in the same week. It sure looked like very effective hype at the time, but Bruce has proven himself to be a lasting artist, and this performance from '75 proves what the fuss was all about. What an incredible performance. I enjoyed seeing parts of Bruce and the band's more recent Live concert DVD, until he started into his mock preaching mode, which I found offensive. Give me the 70s Bruce. This clip demonstrates what all the commotion was about.
This weekend I was pointed to this Paul McCartney performance of "Please Please Me" from his 2005 tour rehearsals. He's great as always. I love it when he digs up old material that hasn't been part of his repertoire for the last 20 years. His 2004 European tour had at least 10 first time concert performed songs, and this year's US tour had another 6 to 8 brand new appearances, including "I'll Get You", which was the b-side of "She Loves You", if memory serves. I never need to hear "Hey Jude" or "Jet" live again, but they show up on every tour, and I guess I understand why.
This weekend I was pointed to this Paul McCartney performance of "Please Please Me" from his 2005 tour rehearsals. He's great as always. I love it when he digs up old material that hasn't been part of his repertoire for the last 20 years. His 2004 European tour had at least 10 first time concert performed songs, and this year's US tour had another 6 to 8 brand new appearances, including "I'll Get You", which was the b-side of "She Loves You", if memory serves. I never need to hear "Hey Jude" or "Jet" live again, but they show up on every tour, and I guess I understand why.
Thursday
Fogo de Chao
If you live or travel near Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Washington DC or Chicago, this Brazilian Restaurant is the place to take your special someone for a memorable evening. The salad bar is really a bar of vegetable dishes - marinated asparagus spears, pepper slices or sundried tomatoes, as well as fine cheeses and more typical salad items, plus rice and black beans. But don't fill up - the meat is coming and this is really a meat-eater's restaurant - 12 different kinds of meat fire-roasted on spits and carved at your table by wandering waitstaff. You have a red and green disc for each diner. Green means bring me food; red means leave me alone for a while so I can eat. And the sides that will be brought to your table include garlic mashed potatoes, grilled polenta, cheese bread puffs and friend bananas. Incredible food; incredible decor; incredible service. Yes, it's pricey - plan to spend $50-65 per person, so for us it's an anniversary thing, the one night a year we don't look at prices on the menu (of which there are none at Fogo anyway). We shared a Flan for dessert, and the lovely former Alicia Martinez said it was the best she'd tasted (to which I carefully added "except for yours")
Movie Reviews
King Kong - too long for my tastes at 3 hours; special effects looked - well, computer-generated; several parts were too gross to watch (the giant cockroach scene in particular); but the faithfulness to the essential story of the Fay Wray classic. Much better than the mid-70s Dino de Laurentis version ("Nobody cry when Jaws die. When my Kong die, people cry.")
Good Night and Good Luck - A wonderful George Clooney film. Shot in grainy black and white to capture the 50s television feel, it's a film about Joe McCarthy, Edward R. Murrow and William F. Paley and the HUAC Communist blacklisting. The actor who plays Murrow is dead-on accurate. The story is great and fairly balanced and the jazz soundtrack featuring Diane Reeves is fabulous.
A Creed
You are the God who calls me to draw near:
Creating Father, whose fingers formed all that I see
and the things that are invisible.
You spoke and all things came to be.
My faith is in You.
You are the God who came down to save:
Jesus Christ the Son, from whose virgin-born hands
Nails drew guiltless blood –
You, who saw a morning of resurrection power,
My trust is in You.
You are the God who makes a home within my heart:
Holy Spirit, leading me into all truth
And calling me onward in faith.
You are the guarantee of all that has been promised.
My hope is in You.
Father, Son, and Spirit:
One God, in three persons.
Let my life be a canvas
On which you paint
Your masterpiece of joy and glory.
I believe in You.
Rick Lindholtz 2006
Creating Father, whose fingers formed all that I see
and the things that are invisible.
You spoke and all things came to be.
My faith is in You.
You are the God who came down to save:
Jesus Christ the Son, from whose virgin-born hands
Nails drew guiltless blood –
You, who saw a morning of resurrection power,
My trust is in You.
You are the God who makes a home within my heart:
Holy Spirit, leading me into all truth
And calling me onward in faith.
You are the guarantee of all that has been promised.
My hope is in You.
Father, Son, and Spirit:
One God, in three persons.
Let my life be a canvas
On which you paint
Your masterpiece of joy and glory.
I believe in You.
Rick Lindholtz 2006
26 years
Alicia and I walked down the aisle 26 years ago today, at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas. What an amazing journey it has been. Home has been Portland, OR; Dallas; Chicago; Eureka, CA; Davis, CA; Chicago again; Muskegon, MI; Denver, Dallas again; Lansing, MI; Kent, WA; and Kingwood TX, where we've lived for the past 7 years. That's longer than anywhere except the almost 8 years in Lansing, and longer in this house than anywhere we've lived before.
On our first anniversary, over dinner we looked back and recalled the best and worst thing about 1980. That started a pattern we continued for a long time - best and worst for every year. Over the last year or two we've had a hard time doing that - both because we have a tough time remembering each year individually, and because we have to start the litany almost before we get in the restaurant door!
In 1987 we went to a movie before our dinner, and that started a pattern as well. We almost always do movie and dinner now, and today we're going to see King Kong AND Good Night, Good Luck. We don't get to theatres for grown-up movies too often so it's a fun escape from the ordinary.
I'm thankful for the pleasure of looking back over 26 years being married to my best friend. And I'm amazed at how quickly the years have flown past, especially as I look at the kids.
On our first anniversary, over dinner we looked back and recalled the best and worst thing about 1980. That started a pattern we continued for a long time - best and worst for every year. Over the last year or two we've had a hard time doing that - both because we have a tough time remembering each year individually, and because we have to start the litany almost before we get in the restaurant door!
In 1987 we went to a movie before our dinner, and that started a pattern as well. We almost always do movie and dinner now, and today we're going to see King Kong AND Good Night, Good Luck. We don't get to theatres for grown-up movies too often so it's a fun escape from the ordinary.
I'm thankful for the pleasure of looking back over 26 years being married to my best friend. And I'm amazed at how quickly the years have flown past, especially as I look at the kids.
Top Ten Films of 2005
Here's the take as reported by two Books and Culture Contributors. How different would your list be from theirs?
I find this helpful as I am starting a "Faith and Film" study group that will be attending films in theatres (or in homes, for overlooked already-released films) and discussing how the films interface with spiritual convictions and especially Christian faith. What recent films do you think speak to the human condition and have something to say to Christians?
THE CREATIVE SPIRIT
My dear friend and mentor in the arts for more than 30 years, Byron Spradlin of Artists in Christian Testimony, has sent me a magazine by that name, produced by Belhaven College. Its contents in this issue consists of the Occasional Paper on "Redeeming the arts" published by the Lausanne Committee. I've only read a bit of it but it is very impressive.
I find this helpful as I am starting a "Faith and Film" study group that will be attending films in theatres (or in homes, for overlooked already-released films) and discussing how the films interface with spiritual convictions and especially Christian faith. What recent films do you think speak to the human condition and have something to say to Christians?
THE CREATIVE SPIRIT
My dear friend and mentor in the arts for more than 30 years, Byron Spradlin of Artists in Christian Testimony, has sent me a magazine by that name, produced by Belhaven College. Its contents in this issue consists of the Occasional Paper on "Redeeming the arts" published by the Lausanne Committee. I've only read a bit of it but it is very impressive.
End of the Spear
On January 20, the film End of the Spear opens in over 1000 theatres across the U.S.
My friend Ed Delgado and I had a private screening when we were in Tulsa in September. What an amazing film, capturing the essence of the story of Nate Saint, Jim Elliot and their three colleagues, but most importantly, capturing the true story of redemption, forgiveness, and grace.
Jim Elliot is the name most familiar to many people, notably for the quote from his journal, shown above in a scan from the journal itself. I knew the name Saint mainly because my brother lived in Saint Hall when he was at Wheaton College.
This film takes two perspectives that many people have never heard:
• the perspective of Mincaye, a member of the killing party who killed Nate Saint.
• and the perspective of Steve Saint, Nate's son. Only 5 when his father died, he followed his father to the jungles of the Waodani tribe, largely because of the influence of his aunt Rachel Saint, who had gone to live among the Waodani and teach them of Christ.
Most of the world never heard of the results:
• in a tribe judged among the most violent in history, among whom 60% of adult deaths were homicides by the spear, the killings stopped - just stopped - when the gospel came to them.
• when Rachel Saint died, the Waodani invoked a custom that requires a relative to step forward to fill the role of the deceased. They asked Steve Saint to come and live among them, representing their culture to the encroaching world. And he did. In doing so, he embraced the man who had been his father's killer.
It is an amazing story and an amazing film.
Today Steve and Mincaye are in Dallas at a premiere of the film, and a friend of mine with the production company, Every Tribe Entertainment, was going to arrange for me to meet them and interview them. But alas, the word came in this morning: media presence there is very heavy. In fact, there are some national media who couldn’t get interviews on their shows who have RSVP’ed for this one in hopes of getting interviews at the theater.
So we won't be making the drive. We'll wait for the opening night, when I will be taking a group to see the film. I hope you'll go see it on opening weekend, too.
Sunday
A New Year Begins
...and the Lindholtzes wish you well.
2005 ended very differently than I thought it would. We began the year with a strong sense that we were being prepared by God for a change - a change that eventually came, but differently than we expected. We thought it was going to be a change of location. There were several conversations - but one church decided to continue looking elsewhere, and another one, though it had much of the right stuff going for it, did have a couple things that caused me to send some not-interested signals which they picked up and we let it go. It was just afterwards that I was invited to take on a few new responsibilities and stay where I am at CTK - which was the right thing for me and the right thing for my family. In retrospect I believe the whole episode was an opportunity to trust God in a time of stress; an opportunity for myself, my wife and daughter, the chruch, and the staff. I look back over 14 months to a day when I was sure that by this time I would be gone from Kingwood, and I am happy to be exactly where I am.
What does 2006 hold for us? It's hard to say. We're hoping for a couple vacations to see family - in the Carolinas (July?) and in Mexico (March?). It may hold a chance to visit California as well, in February or March. It will provide EC and I with a Colorado trip with the CTK youth in June.
I hope that a year from today will see progress on debt retirement and savings growth. Most of all though, I am hoping that the year 2006 will be a year in which the Kingdom of God holds ever-deeper influence in my heart. May it be so for you as well.
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