Author: Les Shultz

The Congregational Way: What does it provide us?

Joe Polhemus then the editor of the Congregationalist, published by the National Association sent an e-mail message inviting me, and anyone else to address his concern which is as follows:

“The current issue of The Congregationalist, now languishing at the printer for several weeks, carries seven short definitions of the Congregational Way by seven Congregationalists, including Arthur Rouner, Jr.

“We talk at length about the merits of the Way, but when asked for specifics we get varied, sometimes vague, answers. If our Way is relevant, which I am sure it is, I believe we have a responsibility to articulate it in concise terms.

“I would welcome your definitions, in 150 words or less, by September 7, to be considered for publication in the Oct./Nov. issue of one of Christendom’s great publication. No prizes are being contemplated.”

The date came and went and I did not write anything for the Congregationalist. Mr. Polhemus’ concern is a genuine one, and one that ought to gain the attention of all who claim to be Congregationalists.

Specifically, what are the merits of the Way? What benefits do we acquire from our membership in the Congregational Christian Church?

If I were going to write a definition in 150 words the point that I would emphasize is FREEDOM! I would approach the meaning of freedom in this way.

In Congregationalism we have and must have freedom of choice, for good or ill. My reading of the biblical material defends this position. God created us and gave us choice. The first human used choice badly by eating fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God does not physically, emotionally or psychology restrain their choice, and neither does he ours. Choice is one of the qualities that defines what it means to be human.

In Congregationalism we are free from creeds and statements of faith. Creeds and Statements of Faith have their place. What often happens is that creeds and Statements of Faith become fixed once and for all time. It is at this point that they become restrictive to spiritual development. God wants us to grow. Growth towards spiritual maturity is the work of a lifetime. It never ends. Dependence on a creed has the tendency to stifle growth by allowing us to believe that we know all that there is to know. This is not true.

Well, I am already at 261 words in this response, but let me add one more thought. In addition to freedom of choice and freedom for growth there is in Congregationalism the freedom to be. I was startled and comforted when one day when I read, “God is not so much interested in what we do, but why we do it.” We cannot do enough work to satisfy the claim of God on us, we can only love. God helps us to develop the understanding and the capacity to be loving people. Even as a pastor in Congregationalism I am only one amongst equals. We are together in Christ, above all else, people who love and care for one another.

Mr. Polhemus wrote: “We talk at length about the merits of the Way, but when asked for specifics we get varied, sometimes vague, answers. If our Way is relevant, which I am sure it is, I believe we have a responsibility to articulate it in concise terms.” I hope that what I have tried to share with you in this brief article articulates the benefits of our Way in concise terms. I am delighted and proud (in the best meaning of the word) to be a Congregationalist.

Thoughts from here and there…What’s for Dinner?

I don’t know why they did it. Maybe they didn’t want to bother. Perhaps it was too much work. Possibly they were only exercising their independence, after all, who wants to be told what to eat. Its worth thinking about.

“The dinner I’m going to starts at 6, John so I’ve prepared everything for you here. There’s a nice casserole in the fridge just put it in the microwave and then into the oven at 350º ‘till it bubbles…Put frozen peas into a covered Pyrex dish and microwave on high for three minutes, stir and heat again. I bought buns, there’s a fresh garden salad , for dessert there is…”

Elizabeth interrupts, “We’ll be fine, mom—honest.”

Mom waves goodbye. John, Elizabeth and April are seen leaving through the front door. They go to a local burger restaurant where they are eating burgers, fries, and a soft drink. Behind them on the wall is a menu board with headings which read: “Burgorama,” “Dogorama,” and “Spudorama.”

This is an episode of “For Better or Worse,” featuring the Patterson’s as drawn and written by Lynn Johnston.

As I read the pictures and the dialogue, I wondered why? In this age of health-consciousness, why? Why the fat and sodium? Why the calories? Why not stay at home and eat the delicious and nutritious meal that Elly had prepared? It is typical, is it not? It gives us something to think about. Just think of the table that God has spread.

In Matthew 22:1-10, it is written that: “Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, “Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.” But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, “The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.” Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.'”

I know this is a future banquet, but the invitation and it’s acceptance take place in the present. If Jesus has prepared a great banquet, why should we go to McDonald’s? It doesn’t make sense to do this, unless we are more like the first invited guests to Jesus’ banquet than we might realize.

We have here in stark contrast the bread of heaven. In contrast the food of this world may be characterized as, “Deceitful,” (Proverbs 23:2-3); “Ashes,” (Isaiah 44:20); “Unsatisfying,” (Isaiah 55:2); “Like corn husks,” (Luke 15:16); and “Perishable,” (John 6:27).

People consciousness of their nutrition needs would certainly seek that which satisfies and nurtures; they would wouldn’t they? What Lynn Johnston reveals is that is not always the case.

Worship is a banquet spread with the encouragement of the word which feeds the hungry soul with good things.

Psalms 23:5, says “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

You cannot get this kind of food at Burger King.

Thoughts from here and there…What is your net worth?

Some time ago, I was privileged to participate in the funeral service for Charlie Stack at St. James Catholic church. Before I offered my few remarks, I listened to the homely of Father Drutowski. One observation that he made really caught my attention. He asked us to consider our net worth.

What is your net worth? It all depends on how you define net worth. I suppose that you could add up all your physical assets; bank accounts, stocks and bonds, value of property held and reduce the gross by your liabilities to get your net worth. In the eyes of the people of the world life is measured by our net worth, but what is it in the eyes of God.

Quite dramatically, Jesus reminds us of the dangers of valuing possessions over character. In Matthew 6, he says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” (Matthew 6:19-21 NRSV).

A few simple questions help us to better understand what Jesus is talking about. What is treasure? In one case it is material assets. On the other hand, it is the results of a life of faith and love. Truly, treasure is what the person, above all else, desires for him or her self.

How do you store up for yourself treasure in heaven? How often it is that we really don’t know. The answer is simple. We need to be exposed to information that helps us to realize the meaning. I know of only one source. God is the source of all true wisdom and knowledge. To answer the question one must become acquainted with the author of the source of the information. You cannot take it for granted that you can personally know within yourself.

We may have much net worth here on earth. That does not cut it with God. It makes no difference if we are wealthy or poor, or somewhere in between, what counts with God is the net worth that will be accepted and which provides us with a valid claim for participation in the kingdom.

What’s important in all this is my level of knowledge and wisdom. Worship attendance is designed to help each of us learn. In writing to the Ephesians, Paul said, “Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,” (Ephesians 3:8-10, NIV)

Notice the means by which the unsearchable riches of Christ are to be communicated; it is preaching. Ponder God’s intent how the manifold wisdom of God should be made known; it is through the church.

Congregationalists have always placed a great deal of emphasis on the Word, the preaching of the Word. It is central to our worship. And most often, though not always, the Word is preached in church. This is why it is important to participate in worship.

It would be very sad indeed to get to the gates of heaven and find out that your heavenly treasure is insufficient. You can enlarge your net worth through your participation in the programs and activities of the church and in living out the learned faith in the family and community.

Thoughts from here and there…Helping (I removed the names to protect the people mentioned in this blog.)

On June 20, 1996, I officiated at a non-member wedding in the sanctuary of Caldwell United Methodist Church, Caldwell, WI. After the wedding the gentleman who is a member of the church, and who opened and closed the building, approached me with a question and an inquiry. A church member complained about non-member families use of the church facilities. The comment was, “They neither will join the church nor attend services. Under these conditions, why should we provide people the services of the church?” Why indeed? But then, stop and ponder what the church is for.

My answer to the custodian of the day was, “The church is here to be taken advantage of.” We are to demonstrate love and do good works whether they are appreciated or not, even whether there is not a positive response or not. We are here to provide loving service to those in need within the hope that what is done might strike a responsive cord in their lives and turn them towards God in ways that we may not anticipate.

It is and has always been that way, even from the beginning when Jesus taught and performed the miracles of healing for mind and body. Jesus went about the countryside of Galilee and Decapolis, and other places healing people and teaching them the basics of the kingdom of God. Did Jesus ever say that these good people had to become church members? No! Of course, there was not yet a church, but Jesus did have a group of followers. He did not even tell people to become part of the group.

Jesus did not tell people that in order to be blessed by his power and wisdom that they had to change their lives and live according to his plan for them. All that he asked is that they considered what it meant to be a loving human being under the tutelage of a gracious God who loved them and wanted to save them.

Obviously Jesus also pointed out what might happen if individuals were unrelated to the kingdom of God. The results could be pretty severe. This might act as an incentive for life changes, but often it did not.

Jesus met and helped people where they were and so ought we do the same today. When you do the rewards may not be apparent, and yet they may be. I received this letter in the mail on July 30.

Dear Reverend Shultz,

My family wishes to honor the memory of ??? by this donation to you and your church.

His last days were greatly eased by your presence at the hospital, talking and praying with him.

My mother, ???, took great comfort in your ministry and spiritual help in dealing with her sadness. The beauty of ‘small town’ life is evident in the fact that you are a friend as well as pastor to anyone needing help.

We very much appreciated your wonderful, very personal eulogy. It helped all of us say Goodby to our dear friend and honorary “???.”

May God bless you for your kindness.

Sincerely,

??? & Family

I am delighted that the family was blessed by our ministry. For you see it is not only I who minister, but in our Congregational tradition I am only one amongst equals. We are all in ministry together for the people of our church, our community, and our world. God will bless this ministry in ways that we no not of because we reach out and seek to be helpful to everyone in every way we can.

“It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen used this thought to close his television program.

What we have discovered is that it is very easy to “curse the darkness.” Cursing is not swearing. Cursing is a form of criticism. It is a means of expressing a deep dissatisfaction with the way “it” is. “It” being anything that we want it to mean.

Each of us have a candle to light. That is, each Christian has a candle to light. Jesus speaks of the Christian and light:

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven, (Matthew 5:14-16 NRSV)

To light a lamp or a candle is to become involved, in a positive way, in seeking to address perceived wrongs, and to use one’s influence to bring about constructive change. Lighting a candle means to use one’s talents, abilities, and skills to create what needs to be achieved, rather than waiting for someone else to do it for you. It means remaining where you are, rather than seeking what it is that you feel you need in other directions where needs may not be ultimately met.

By getting involved in creating what is needed we do good deeds. As Portia in Shakespear’s play, The Merchant of Venice, says: “That little light we see burning in my hall. How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world”

Adlai Stevenson said of Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, “She would rather light candles than curse the darkness and her glow has warmed the world.”

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt wrote, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’…You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

Enough said. This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, and shine everywhere.

It is Wednesday, June 11, 2008, Charles Gibson of ABC News is reporting on a story where children who are cancer patients at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City were celebrating Prom Night. ABC asked its listening, viewing audience to send, “Messages of Hope for Cancer Prom-Goers.”

“We asked “World News” viewers to pass along their messages of hope to young cancer patients who just attended a prom. We’ve passed along your messages to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and we’ve posted some of your responses below.”

“Jeff from Bradenton, Fla., wrote: ‘Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about learning how to dance in the rain. Dance away’……Signed Jeff (Stage IV Lymphoma).”

Dr. Sharon McLaughlin from Wantagh, N.Y., wrote: ‘I loved your smiles on World News. This is a difficult time in your life. When I was 13 I was treated at Sloan-Kettering. I loved the playroom and the beautiful views of the city. I didn’t like losing my hair and the time spent away from my friends. My advice would be to live, love, laugh and fight. You will become a stronger person and have an understanding of life that some people do not learn in a lifetime. Best of wishes and only happy thoughts.’ Sharon T Mclaughlin MD FACS.”

I copied two of the messages and would share the with you because they are not just for the intended young people they are applicable to all of us.

Life is not waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about learning to dance in the rain. Dancing is better than crying.

We all have difficult times. Our times may not be as difficult as the patients face in Sloan Kettering. Sharon McLaughlin’s advice is just as vital for each of us. It is to live, to love, to laugh, and to fight for the right.

Thoughts from here and there….Have you arrived?

Jan Salisbury was a psychotherapist and organizational consultant. In a presentation to the Washington State Attorney General’s State Conference in September, 1986, she read to her listeners the following:

I Have Arrived.
I have not seen the plays in town
only the computer printouts
I have not read the latest books
only The Wall Street Journal
I have not heard birds sing this year
only the ringing of phones
I have not taken a walk anywhere
but from the parking lot to my office
I have not shared a feeling in years
but my thoughts are known to all
I have not listened to my own needs
but what I want I get
I have not shed a tear in ages
I have arrived.
Is this where I was going?

Is this where I was going? This is a question that very pointedly addresses the stresses and strains of modern life. Is this where I was going? Is also revealing because of what is not mentioned.

There is a remedy. Why not include attendance at worship. Worship exposes us, in a more intense way, to the presence of God. Worship is an expression of our faith in God. Worship gives you the opportunity to raise your voice in singing the great songs of the past and the present. Songs of praise as well as songs of penitence.

Worship provides you with the opportunity to share in laughter and sometimes in tears. Worship connects us with friend and would-be friends. Worship can soothe the troubled mind and bring relief to the anxious spirit.

Is this where I was going? There is a remedy. It is simple. It is worthwhile.

We are all part of the community of faith. We are all a part of God’s family. We cannot be part of something and live apart from it. We recognize that the community is not perfect. Sometimes imperfection is called hypocrisy; it is not. This conclusion is used to rationalize a view that a Christian does not need to be a part of the community for one can find God in nature, but what kind of nature?

Frederick Buechner reminds us of the limitations of this view. “Unfortunately, Adam and Eve took nature with them when they fell. You’ve only to look at the sea in a November gale. You’ve only to consider the staggering indifference of disease, or the field at Anthidium, or a cook boiling a lobster, or the statistics on child abuse. You’ve only to remember your own darkest dreams.”

In contrast, Dr. Andrew Weil, points out that being a Christian means accepting life in a community of faith. There are not only spiritual benefits, but psychological ones as well. “Human beings are highly social, communal animals. We are meant to live in families, tribes and communities, and when we lack those connections, we suffer. Yet many people pride themselves on their independence and habitually distance themselves from others. Some may indulge in isolation as a defensive strategy — possibly developed in reaction to painful emotional experiences. Others may never have learned how to connect meaningfully to anyone or anything beyond themselves.”

We can learn to connect meaningfully. It is a risk that is taken because the results are far more valuable than what may be had in the moment. Consider this, Can one be a Christian without a community? The answer is obvious.

Frederick Buechner, Whistling in the Dark: An ABC Theologized (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988), 85.

Andrew Weil, M.D., “Connectedness Is Vital to Your Well-Being,” Going Bonkers?, December 1997.

Tyops

Typos are mistakes in a publication. Typos may be misspellings. Typos may be an inappropriate word, like using scents for cents. Tpoys is the one thing in this modern age that is neither discovered by spelling or grammar checkers. No matter how hard to you try to get rid of them, they appear at the worst possible time and in the most embarrassing places.

In a M.E.M.O. column, Martin Marty who wrote for the Christian Century, can do a whole column on tsypo that are humorous and gain a laugh or two. Here are a few samples. Some of them are subtle, so read carefully.

“Surly the Presence of the Lord’ by: Chamber Choir.” “Leader: The Living God sends us froth to serve…” “Solo: ‘The Solid Rock/’Tis so Sweet to Rust in Jesus.'” “Births: Stewart and Amy had a baby girl on August 7 in Wisconsin. Material grandmother is Mary.” “A new church member was introduced: ‘In her free time she volunteers as a candy stripper.'” “A trustees report of a church in Connecticut: ‘The eves of the education wing need repair.'” How about one more. “A Lutheran Church announcement: ‘The Associated Ministries will hose Dr. Liebenow in an informal “Coffee and Conversation.”‘” Well, you get the point.

Typos cannot be hidden. They are right out there in front where everyone can see them. You cannot escape the comments that come as a result of your mistake. I mean, you proofread and proofread and still typos rear their ugly heads. It’s as if they were just laying in wait to catch the unsuspecting writer, and/or, editor.

I suppose that you know that the typo is a metaphor for part of our lives. How many times have you spoken when you ought to have remained silent, or vice versa? How many times have you tried to extend to someone a compliment and it came our a complaint. How many times have you told a person that you were a Congregationalist and they understood Congressionalist? We are all too human. We make mistakes. Some of our mistakes we can keep hidden from people so that we do not have to take the heat from them, but at other times there is no way of escape. The copy book is blotted for all the world, or at least as much of the world that we inhabit, to see.

Ah! Well! You cannot hide from typos. Typos are a part of life. I know only one way to handle typos and that is to smile and keep right on going, no matter how silly or how embarrassing they may be. And, I have been guilty of some of the most silly and the most embarrassing. Apologize for the typos that are offensive. Laugh with the ones that are the most silly. Correct the ones that are the most important. Learn from experience and try very hard not to do it again. But you know that it is going to happen. When you least anticipate or expect it, someone will find a typo.

(Martin Marty, “M.E.M.O., Froth and Spray,” The Christian Century, Vol. 113 No. 17 (May 15, 1996), 531.

Thoughts from here and there…Healthy Choices

He looked a bit confused, walking back and forth in front of the frozen entree food section at Pick and Save. I couldn’t help but stop and observe as he opened first one door and then another trying to decide between the perplexing numbers of choices that were available.

Have you ever stood there and seriously considered the choices between: Banquet, Marie Callander’s, Healthy Choice, Weight Watchers, Lean Cuisine, Stouffers, Gourmet, Swanson, and On-Cor, among others? I mean these are just brand names. The brand names do not begin to communicate the extraordinary variety of choices.

The man finally made a decision. He reached in a removed a Healthy Choice entree. I do not know what kind it was. He felt, perhaps, that he was making a healthy choice.

I could not help but question the name of this food product, “Healthy Choice.” I mean we are people who, because of time and circumstances, feel it necessary to use what is provided us. Frozen entrees are available in abundance. I think we will admit that they are not the healthiest of choices. They contain a lot of additives and preservatives that are not present in food cooked from scratch. Don’t take me wrong here I am not trying to make anyone feel guilty. There have been times when Helga was gone, and I have eaten a prepared or frozen entree.

In this situation, the thought occurred to me, “Is there a similarity between standing in front of the frozen entree section of a super-market selecting a dinner and standing in the midst of life and attempting to make healthy choices?” How do we make healthy choices, anyway?

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Phillipian Church in which he emphasized how to experience “joy” or “rejoicing in the Lord.” This word or phrase appears sixteen times in his letter. There were perils to watch out for which were not that much different from what we face today. The church had many enemies. There was danger in a self-seeking attitude and of pride, both of which could divide the people or cause great personal unhappiness. Paul concludes his letter with a few words that sum up how one may make healthy choices.

“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you,” (Philippians 4:8-9, NRSV).

The Christian faces a vast array of choices. Each source attempts to establish its claim to our decision-making processes. We need to investigate and evaluate well before we choose. Paul’s words provide a sound basis for measuring the potential harm or benefit of every choice.

Healthy choices. let’s make healthy choices for ourselves and for the benefit of others.