Wednesday, February 25, 2015

WEEKLY COMMENTARY: How Good Are You At Sitting Still?

I confess that sitting still, especially for long periods, does not come naturally for me. Often, I find church meetings to be painful.  We spend all that time in discussion and sitting still.  I have nothing against the spiritual side of things.  I just can't deal with it when it involves sitting still.

Which is why I really struggled with the story Jesus tells of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38 - 42).  It is all about Jesus praising someone for sitting still, a woman named Mary, who sat quietly in the divine, spiritual presence of Jesus.  Meanwhile, her sister Martha was running around the house, getting food on the table for all the Disciples. The pressure was on ---- this was Jesus they were entertaining!  Martha scrambled and made it happen; because; well, somebody has to!

In order for some people to sit around being still and having deep thoughts, I am sure there is always another group of people running around behind the scenes making it all possible, making sure the space is ready, the food is cooking, the music is prepared, and the atmosphere is just right for the other folks to have this deep spiritual connection in the moment.

Take our church, for example.  We sit in our pews, having time to pray,to listen to Scripture being read, and to connect with the divine in our beautiful, holy Sanctuary.  But in the Fellowship  Room, or in the auditorium, we've got a crew of people setting up coffee.  Downstairs and upstairs there are folks watching and instructing our children so that the parents can take this moment of silence and peace.  So, right in the middle of a worshiping spiritual community, it takes a lot of busy people behind the scenes to create a space for other folks to sit still.

When did sitting still get equated with spiritual depth?  Perhaps back in your youngest memories of sitting in an uncomfortable church pew, getting bribed with Life Savers and gum, while your mother said over and over again, with urgency, "Just sit still!"

The truth is, many great religious heroes were people of action, doers of the Word and not just hearers.  At CPC, many of our members are regular participants in activities like hands-on-mission projects and other continuing programs which aid and support others. These efforts remind us that the Spirit is alive and God's work is getting done.

So, on behalf of all the under-appreciated, hyperactive people of the world, let's put away for good that old simplistic interpretation of the Mary and Martha story that goes like this:  Martha was more interested in doing housework than listening to Jesus.

Of course, Martha was interested in what Jesus was saying!  After all, she had invited him to her house.  This was a big deal for her!  Is it fair to say that Martha undoubtedly was following Jesus' conversation, keeping track of it, as she went around doing this thing and that.  Martha was not shallow ---- she was a multi-tasker.  And Martha may have found Mary more than a little annoying, sitting there at Jesus' feet, listening as if the world depended on her hearing every little thing he was saying.

Rev. Lillian Daniel says in her book "When 'Spiritual But Not Religious' Is Not Enough,"
"Every spiritual tradition has some tension between action and meditation.  Some tension exists between doing God's will and listening for God's will.  There is some tension between life here on earth and the interior life of the spirit.  Some tension between acting and being."

What I can overlook in the Mary and Martha story, what I can get distracted by, just like Martha did, is my own impatience and defensiveness.  When I hear that story, I immediately want to defend being busy.  And when I do that, I imply that these two states are polar opposites with no relationship to each other, when actually, that is just not true.

"Acting" and "being" are not opposites, but partners.  Mary and Martha are not two different people, one getting it right and one getting it wrong.  Mary and Martha are two halves of the human spirit, two parts that compliment each other.

Mary and Martha aren't fighting out there.  They are fighting in here, inside each one of us.

When I ask someone how they are, I often get the answer, "Busy, I am busy."  But couldn't we have lives that are rich and full, but also occasionally still and strong?  Still and strong.  It's an option.

Mary, in her stillness, wasn't being passive.  She was being strong.  By sitting at Jesus' feet, she was actually standing up to the men in the room (including the Disciples) who thought that as a woman she had no place there.  In doing nothing, she was actually doing something really important.  In sitting still to listen to Jesus, she was actually saying, "I matter, I count, I am somebody."  She was still but she was strong.

If Mary and Martha live inside all of us, who wins the wrestling match?  Only you know
the answer to that question.  Nobody can answer it for you.  In order to even ask the question, we need to slow down and be still, like we can be in church or wherever we can be like Mary and get quiet in a holy place.  But, remember, the holy places wouldn't be there if we didn't actively engage, like Martha, and do the hard work.  Do we have to choose?  Can't we embrace both?  Rich and full.  Still and strong.
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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage some personal spiritual growth this winter at CPC.
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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

WEEKLY COMMENTARY: How Will CPC Strengthen Us For Choices In Our Lives?

In today's culture, independence and "doing our own thing" are celebrated.  Advances in readily available technology have given us a growing variety of options for how each of us will spend our day.  Think how credit cards, the refrigeration of food and the internet, just to pick three widely applied technologies, create opportunities to satisfy our personal wishes.  They did not even exist until recent decades.

So we are presented daily with more and more ways to satisfy our own particular appetites, and even to develop new appetites.  Is there an upper limit?  For some it is simply the limits of their money and their time.  But for all of us there remain choices to be made.  One of the choices is always to skip some particular temptation.  But that may be a hard-to-make choice, depending on the amount of one's particular self-control. Putting it another way ---- when are we willing to try some self-denial?

What are "self-control" and "self-denial"?  Are they not the same thing when we are facing temptation?  A popular definition of both terms is:  exercising the ability to override impulses in favor of longer-term goals.  The heart of the problem seems always the same ---- the conflict between short-term rewards (which we seem hard-wired to greatly value) and longer-term goals (which seem to have no present value ---- only a future value).  A slice of just-baked apple pie sitting right in front of us, in other words, is simply a lot more compelling than a long-term desire to be slim.

But we need to keep strong our ability for self-control and self-denial.  There will always be times when we need them.  We understand that one cigarette, or one more glass of wine, or just one hour of procrastination, will have no material effect in the long run.  Except that, the first exception may lead to another, and we eventually find ourselves in some place we never intended to be.

We are not the only ones who needed self-control and self-denial.  Jesus was able to demonstrate and strengthen his self-control and self-denial by fasting in the desert for 40 days.  The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke describe his 40 days of fasting before the beginning of his public ministry.  During this time of fasting, Jesus endured temptation by the Devil.  Indeed, sometimes we too may feel we are being tempted by the Devil as we attempt some kind of self-denial!

But, more importantly, the attitude of Jesus during his gruesome crucifixion, is perhaps the greatest story of self-denial in human history.

Importantly, we need to balance the mere satisfaction of our personal appetites, with a second thing ---- with the giving of ourselves to others.  That balance is critical for our personal fulfillment and happiness.  Giving of ourselves to others is actually another form of self-denial ---- denying ourselves the luxury of just coasting through life. Further, we need to continue seeking new ways to give of ourselves to others.  It doesn't just happen.  We need to ponder regularly what these new ways might be.

This year at CPC, Pastor Don has organized a Lenten Study Series entitled "The Way: Walking In The Footsteps of Jesus," compiled by Pastor Adam Hamilton.  This series of small discussion groups is intended to open up our thoughts and feelings to some new ways each of us can give of ourselves ---- denying the typical inertia and appetite-pleasing habits most of us already have.  Interaction in this small-group setting may "jump-start" many of us into finding new ways and reasons for giving of ourselves.

The strengthening of our own discipline for appropriate denial of appetites and the giving of ourselves to others is so important to Christians, that long ago we adopted an annual period of mourning for and reflection on the nature of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. We call this period Lent.  We observe Lent for the six weeks leading to Easter Sunday. This year it extends from Ash Wednesday on February 18 to Easter eve on April 4.

During Lent, believers prepare themselves for Easter by paring down their lives through fasting, giving up luxuries, showing penance for their sins, and "giving alms" (donating time and talent to charities, or taking part in charity events).  All of these actions are forms of "denial of self."

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of worshipers as a reminder and celebration of human mortality, and as a sign of mourning for Jesus and repentance to God.  Ash Wednesday is not only a day of fasting, but also a day of contemplating one's own transgressions ---- a day of repentance.  The first day of Lent (Ash Wednesday) comes the day after Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday"), the last day of the "Carnival" season, famously celebrated each year in New Orleans.  The day before Ash Wednesday, therefore, in popular lore, is the last day to indulge in the vices and luxuries one has planned to give up for Lent.

Abstinence and fasting during Lent is a form of penance, but we also need to use this time to reflect on and take stock of our spiritual lives.  Perhaps Lent is not just about "giving things up".  It may be a good time to begin practicing some new longer-term attitudes, as well as just denying some of the appetites and attitudes we were so comfortable with in the past.
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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage you to pursue some personal spiritual growth this winter at CPC.
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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

WEEKLY COMMENTARY: What Are YOU Looking For At Central Church?

How and where people worship is constantly changing.  Denominations may begin with a fervent few, rise to prominence, then decline.  Others re-invent themselves.  And always there are new ones springing up.  Over time, church-going seems to mirror the shifting tastes and needs of evolving populations and cultures.

A Gallop Poll survey in 2012, about how Americans feel about religion, offered some glimpses into our nation's spiritual life.  Gallup asked 320,000 people how religious they considered themselves to be, and how often they attended religious services.  Overall, some 40% of adults considered themselves "very religious," and 29% "moderately" religious, while 31% said they were "non-religious."  Religiousness is "distributed quite unequally across various sub-groups and segments of the U.S. population," Gallup says.

Experts believe that nowhere is denominational "churn" as pronounced as in New England.  Over  four hundred years ago, religious refugees fled there,only to establish virtual theocracies.  Later came Unitarians and other theists, gospel skeptics whose open-mindedness helped frame the U.S. Constitution.   Next up were the personal-savior preachers of the first and second "great awakenings" who fostered a populist Christianity. Then it was on to the Transcendentalists with their celebration of nature and community.

Today's New England is still a religious incubator.  It is in the forefront of the "un-churched" trend.  That is, the growing group who see themselves as spiritually-minded but not denominational.  However, New England is also seeing a mushrooming of  non-mainstream churches, says Gallup.  Others say there is a desire for hands-on, make   -a-difference faith.

One Gallup analyst noted that children today often push away from the familiar and traditional as they grow up, but embrace those same qualities as they mature.  Does that mean that church-based religion could become more important in the U.S. in years to come as baby boomers age and the number of Americans 65 and older nearly doubles? According to Gallup, Americans are least religious at age 23, and most religious at age 80.

Through the many decades of change, does there not remain a natural yearning that never goes away ---- a hunger for communion with something beyond ourselves, and for community with others seeking the same thing?  So, in one sense, all along haven't we been seeking some special relationships ---- one with God, and multiple relationships with like-minded seekers?

In every era, churches have changed outwardly, but perhaps not in their essential purpose.  That's important because when we least expect it, we can suddenly wonder why we are here and where we are going.  Church can give us a way to work that out. Maybe church ---- not the building, but the essence of church, helps us understand the real purpose for why we were put on this earth!

Some say that what's emerging is a religious shift in the way faith is practiced.  They see adherents flocking to churches where the difference faith makes is concrete and visible.  Where broadly engaged mission activity invites all to participate.  Where connections fostered in the faith community enable one to nurture the self-discovery of our personal beliefs and faith.  They feel that a church connection could keep them on the right path.

On Sunday mornings at CPC, a church with 685 members, we may see less than 200 worshipers in the 10:00 a.m. service, but activity in the name of God is thriving in other ways.  There is a lively children's Sunday School taught by adult members of the congregation.  On Tuesday nights CPC hosts 40 youth from inner-city Elizabeth for an evening of coaching and mentoring.  CPC has two visitation teams organized for regular visits each week to the patients of two local hospitals.  There are specially-trained Stephen Ministers serving as on-going care-givers.  And, there are other groups and individuals called to regularly serve those who are most at risk in our society, young and old.  When you look at these metrics, CPC is a church that is very alive because it offers so many participation opportunities ---- and new opportunities are perceived and acted upon continually.  Mere worship attendance by itself does not tell the story.

How can CPC help you find more depth in your spiritual life?  It could be the good, old-fashioned way of helping get you better acquainted with the Gospel and the meaning of discipleship.  Or, it might be through new personal relationships with peers seeking similar growth opportunities that make a difference.  For example, consider becoming a participant in one of CPC's hands-on mission activities.

No two of us will answer these questions in the same way.  But, CPC offers many of the kinds of involvement opportunities that would help each of us find greater spiritual fulfillment.  This spring, let's just look for the right personal fit, and join in.  All you need to do is ask!
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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage you to pursue some personal spiritual growth this spring at CPC.
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Tuesday, February 3, 2015

WEEKLY COMMENTARY: Here Is Something The Super Bowl Teaches Us

Last Sunday evening more than 100 million Americans watched the 2015 Super Bowl.  This annual, end-of-season professional football match, attempts to bring together the top U.S. professional football players for a chance to show off their amazing sports talent.

I watched part of the game, including the exciting last few minutes of the game ---- what a surprise ending!  Later, while I was in bed, attempting to fall asleep, I wondered what life might be like as a professional athlete.  I envied the gracefulness, poise, strength and agility I had watched that evening on TV.  It was truly inspiring.

Then I began wondering about the "moral universe" of modern sport.  It seemed to me it is oriented around victory and supremacy.  So, the sports hero tries to perform great deeds in order to win fame and glory.  It doesn't really matter whether he has good intentions.  His job is to beat his opponents and avoid the oblivion that goes with defeat.

I was thinking that the modern sports hero must be competitive and ambitious for his own success. (Let's say he's a man, though these traits apply to female athletes as well.)   He is theatrical.  He puts himself on display.

He is assertive, proud and intimidating.  He makes himself the center of attention when the game is on the line.  His identity is built around his prowess.  His achievement is measured  by how much he can elicit the admiration of other people ---- the roar of the crowd and the respect of ESPN.

His primary virtue is courage ---- the ability to withstand pain, remain calm under pressure and rise from nowhere to topple the greats.

This is what we go to sporting events to see.  This sporting ethos pervades modern life and shapes how we think about business, academic and political competition.

Well, it was Sunday night, and thoughts about the life style Jesus was seeking for us slipped into my head.  We had talked about this somewhat that morning in our Central Presbyterian Church worship service.  The message had been about redemption, self-denial and surrender to God.

So, I was unable to avoid comparing the sporting ethos and the religious ethos.  One's ascent in the sports universe is a straight shot ---- you set your goal, and you climb toward greatness.  In fact, your progress usually can be measured.  However, one's ascent in the religious universe often proceeds by a series of "reversals," by which we seem to be turned inside out.  You have to be willing to lose yourself in order to find yourself.  To gain everything, you have to be willing to give up everything.  The last shall be first!  Most importantly, "It's not about you." 

For many religiously-oriented people, humility is the primary virtue.  One achieves loftiness of spirit, in their view, by performing the most menial services.  Think about Mother Theresa.  Or, the Old Testament King David who started out as a shepherd.  You achieve your identity, the religious believe, through self-effacement.  You achieve strength by acknowledging your weaknesses.  You lead most boldly when you consider yourself an instrument of a larger cause.

The most perceptive athletes have always tried to wrestle with this conflict ---- the demands of the sports ethos VS. the demands of the religious ethos.  Can these be reconciled?  Is it possible to give up playing for your team, so as to play selflessly for God?

A few years ago, The New York Times published a column by writer David Brooks, in which he quoted Joseph Soloveitchik, a prominent Jewish theologian.  Soloveitchik was quoted as saying that people have two natures.  First, there is "Adam the First," the part of us that creates, discovers, competes and is involved in building the world.  Then, there is "Adam the Second," the spiritual individual who is awed and humbled by the universe as a spectator and worshiper.

David Brooks saw Soloveitchik as assuming that humans are the product of God's breath, but also "from the dust of the earth."  The two natures of mankind, he would say, have different moral qualities.  One nature is "the morality of majesty," and the other is the "morality of humility."  They exist in creative tension with each other.  A religious person shuttles between them, says Brooks, feeling lonely and slightly out of place in both experiences.

If you agree that each of us has these two natures all the time, and that they are always in conflict, then when and by what rules do you decide which nature to "exercise" at any point in time?  Of course, there will always be those who believe they have only one nature, only one morality.  For them, life's purpose appears easy.  But, for the rest of us, don't you think that life and religion are more complicated than that?  

Which "nature" are you pursuing at this moment?  Why?
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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage you to pursue some personal spiritual growth this winter at CPC.
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