For my blog this week I am giving you a homework assignment: see the movie "Food Inc." It's not in theaters but you can find it on video, or I am sure it is "On-Demand," we rented ours from the local library (for free). The obvious question might be what does this have to do with faith? It is by no means a biblical movie, it does not talk about Jesus or the Bible but it does talk about how we are called to live with the world that God has created for us.
Unfortunately greed is destroying us and our world and it has become a silent partner in the food industry and we are the ones paying the price. At times being ignorant seems like the easy way out but when our ignorance leads to corruption and injustice we as Christians are called to act. As the body of Christ we are called to care for our brothers and sisters regardless of their ethnicity and economic status. Someone recently challenged the church's connection with social justice and I cant think of a more important issue for the church to be a part of. We must expose sin so that God's light may shine in that darkness. As hard as it is we need to educate ourselves into the darkness that is around us.
PLEASE!!! see this movie and when you do let me know what you think, I am curious to see how this movie effects you.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Experience Homecoming!
WOW! WOW! WOW!
On Sunday, The Experience performed at both 10:00 and 11:15 at the homecoming concert after a week long trip to Tennesee and Missouri. With 75 high school youth and about ten adults, they knocked it out of the park. The singing was strong, the faces were alive, the skit was poignant and the message was clear.
When I am asked about Christ Lutheran Church, I tell them about worship, I tell them about some service opportunities like McClintock, but included in the top five things that make CLC unique is The Experience. Many of us remember youth group in churches where we grow up. These kids will remember The Experience as not just a youth ministry but a life-defining, life-changing experience that will shape them for a lifetime. This ministry is significant.
On a more personal note, my son Nathan was on the tour but when they got to Memphis, he experienced some severe abdominal pain. Long story short, he had to be left behind in Memphis with an adult chaperone, Catie, while the rest drove on to St. Louis. Nathan had emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction caused by scar tissue from an appendectomy over a year ago. Gretchen and I drove the ten hours to pick him up. I want to thank the care and concern that we all received during this difficult time. For Catie staying with him, for Mark making the right call, for the prayers of The Experience and for Nicole's beautiful blogs about the angels. We feel deeply loved and cared for by these kids and this amazing congregation.
Thank you,
Pastor Scott
On Sunday, The Experience performed at both 10:00 and 11:15 at the homecoming concert after a week long trip to Tennesee and Missouri. With 75 high school youth and about ten adults, they knocked it out of the park. The singing was strong, the faces were alive, the skit was poignant and the message was clear.
When I am asked about Christ Lutheran Church, I tell them about worship, I tell them about some service opportunities like McClintock, but included in the top five things that make CLC unique is The Experience. Many of us remember youth group in churches where we grow up. These kids will remember The Experience as not just a youth ministry but a life-defining, life-changing experience that will shape them for a lifetime. This ministry is significant.
On a more personal note, my son Nathan was on the tour but when they got to Memphis, he experienced some severe abdominal pain. Long story short, he had to be left behind in Memphis with an adult chaperone, Catie, while the rest drove on to St. Louis. Nathan had emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction caused by scar tissue from an appendectomy over a year ago. Gretchen and I drove the ten hours to pick him up. I want to thank the care and concern that we all received during this difficult time. For Catie staying with him, for Mark making the right call, for the prayers of The Experience and for Nicole's beautiful blogs about the angels. We feel deeply loved and cared for by these kids and this amazing congregation.
Thank you,
Pastor Scott
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
CLC in the News!
If you read the Charlotte Observer hopefully you saw that we made the paper. Apparently we weren't the only church in the area who tried something different for father's day. Another church publicized a shorter service (45 mins), had some cool vehicles, served up some grilled grub and sold cigars! Now I try my best not to criticize other churches, and hopefully this doesn't come across as a criticism, but I wonder if guys might be insulted by such an approach? As guys, do we need the service to be shorter and our mouths and eyes filled with things that "guys" like to make church enticing for us?
One of the things I like most about Jesus is how he is constantly challenging people, something I wish I did better and had the guts to do more often. Jesus doesn't say, "hey, if your not too busy why don't you come and follow me." He never says, "If your cross isn't too heavy why don't you pick it up and follow me." Jesus says things like, "Go and sin no more," "Sell everything you have, give the money to the poor, then come and follow me."
I believe that people want to be challenged we are just too often too scared to challenge them. We are afraid of offending them or putting them off, but if Jesus did it aren't we called to do the same thing? So here is my question for you, how is God challenging you? Is it in your giving, your serving, your prayer life, how much time you spend with your family? If something is important to us we work hard at it and important things usually take hard work. Are you working on your faith? Are you letting God challenge you to be a better follower of Jesus?
Pastor Chris
One of the things I like most about Jesus is how he is constantly challenging people, something I wish I did better and had the guts to do more often. Jesus doesn't say, "hey, if your not too busy why don't you come and follow me." He never says, "If your cross isn't too heavy why don't you pick it up and follow me." Jesus says things like, "Go and sin no more," "Sell everything you have, give the money to the poor, then come and follow me."
I believe that people want to be challenged we are just too often too scared to challenge them. We are afraid of offending them or putting them off, but if Jesus did it aren't we called to do the same thing? So here is my question for you, how is God challenging you? Is it in your giving, your serving, your prayer life, how much time you spend with your family? If something is important to us we work hard at it and important things usually take hard work. Are you working on your faith? Are you letting God challenge you to be a better follower of Jesus?
Pastor Chris
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Challenged by Jesus
If you read the Charlotte Observer hopefully you saw that we made the paper. Apparently we weren't the only church in the area who tried something different for Father's Day. Another church publicized a shorter service (45 mins), had some cool vehicles, served up some grilled grub and sold cigars! Now I try my best not to criticize other churches, and hopefully this doesn't come across as a criticism, but I wonder if guys might be insulted by such an approach? As guys, do we need the service to be shorter and our mouths and eyes filled with things that "guys" like to make church enticing for us?
One of the things I like most about Jesus is how he is constantly challenging people, something I wish I did better and had the guts to do more often. Jesus doesn't say, "hey, if your not too busy why don't you come and follow me." He never says, "If your cross isn't too heavy why don't you pick it up and follow me." Jesus says things like, "Go and sin no more," "Sell everything you have, give the money to the poor, then come and follow me."
I believe that people want to be challenged we are just too often too scared to challenge them. We are afraid of offending them or putting them off, but if Jesus did it aren't we called to do the same thing? So here is my question for you, how is God challenging you? Is it in your giving, your serving, your prayer life, how much time you spend with your family? If something is important to us we work hard at it and important things usually take hard work. Are you working on your faith? Are you letting God challenge you to be a better follower of Jesus? Let me hear from you! Pastor Chris
One of the things I like most about Jesus is how he is constantly challenging people, something I wish I did better and had the guts to do more often. Jesus doesn't say, "hey, if your not too busy why don't you come and follow me." He never says, "If your cross isn't too heavy why don't you pick it up and follow me." Jesus says things like, "Go and sin no more," "Sell everything you have, give the money to the poor, then come and follow me."
I believe that people want to be challenged we are just too often too scared to challenge them. We are afraid of offending them or putting them off, but if Jesus did it aren't we called to do the same thing? So here is my question for you, how is God challenging you? Is it in your giving, your serving, your prayer life, how much time you spend with your family? If something is important to us we work hard at it and important things usually take hard work. Are you working on your faith? Are you letting God challenge you to be a better follower of Jesus? Let me hear from you! Pastor Chris
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Faith Stories
One of the great joys in being a pastor is getting to hear the faith stories of the church’s youth. At the end of the Confirmation interviews, I ask the students: “Where do you want to go from here?” Often there is silence in the room and the look of confusion fills their face. Then the inevitable question breaks the quiet: “What do you mean?” Now that they are taking responsibility for their faith, the possibilities in their relationship with the divine are endless. They can leave my office and never pick up a Bible again or they can delve into a quest of enrichment where God becomes more amazing with each passing day. The choice is now theirs to make.
But it makes me wonder: What would happen if we had a Reconfirmation Program? Where would we be in our relationship with God as we entered it? Society makes it way too easy to get caught up in the mundane and superficial aspects of life. If the story of Christ is the truth of the world then why are so many Christians apathetic about their spiritual development? It is the condition of our souls that matters the most, not our intellectual prowess or physical beauty / fitness! Yet we see in our media that our priorities say otherwise. Our energies are spent on sculpting a better body or attaining additional skills in order to advance in worldly affairs. The possibilities of attaining our selfish dreams demote Jesus to an hour on Sunday, maybe. Think about your priorities and consider if Jesus ranks first, or even second, on the list. Make today the first in your Reconfirmation program where relationship with God becomes the center of your life. Pastor Troy
But it makes me wonder: What would happen if we had a Reconfirmation Program? Where would we be in our relationship with God as we entered it? Society makes it way too easy to get caught up in the mundane and superficial aspects of life. If the story of Christ is the truth of the world then why are so many Christians apathetic about their spiritual development? It is the condition of our souls that matters the most, not our intellectual prowess or physical beauty / fitness! Yet we see in our media that our priorities say otherwise. Our energies are spent on sculpting a better body or attaining additional skills in order to advance in worldly affairs. The possibilities of attaining our selfish dreams demote Jesus to an hour on Sunday, maybe. Think about your priorities and consider if Jesus ranks first, or even second, on the list. Make today the first in your Reconfirmation program where relationship with God becomes the center of your life. Pastor Troy
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Vacation Bible School
Remember going to VBS in the summer as a kid? I remember using yarn and popsicle sticks to make "God's eyes," signing songs and playing great games with my friends outdoors (finally!) after a long Minnesota winter.
This week at CLC, the halls and rooms are filled with kids and helpers doing crafts, singing songs, playing games, eating snacks and having a ball. Vacation Bible School is really a highlight of the summer with the crowd and all the energy. For good reason--attendance is up about 25% this year!
More than inexpensive babysitting for working families, VBS provides the ongoing foundation of faith captured in song and motion and stories and crafts. I still remember my time at VBS and I bet you do, too.
The theme is Sonquest Rainforest, and the creativity of the leaders and musicians far outweigh anything I experienced 40 years ago! Even if you don't have a child in VBS this summer, I would encourage you to join us for the closing on Friday, June 18 at 12:45. You will find yourself singing all the way back home those catchy songs that stick in our hearts.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
This week at CLC, the halls and rooms are filled with kids and helpers doing crafts, singing songs, playing games, eating snacks and having a ball. Vacation Bible School is really a highlight of the summer with the crowd and all the energy. For good reason--attendance is up about 25% this year!
More than inexpensive babysitting for working families, VBS provides the ongoing foundation of faith captured in song and motion and stories and crafts. I still remember my time at VBS and I bet you do, too.
The theme is Sonquest Rainforest, and the creativity of the leaders and musicians far outweigh anything I experienced 40 years ago! Even if you don't have a child in VBS this summer, I would encourage you to join us for the closing on Friday, June 18 at 12:45. You will find yourself singing all the way back home those catchy songs that stick in our hearts.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
Monday, June 14, 2010
The Hermansen Family Spending Fast
This week my family and I are trying something for the very first time, a spending fast. We are going to try and go an entire week without spending a dime, not one penny! Now we did plan accordingly by filling up our gas tanks and our fridge but I am excited to see if we can do it.
One of the comments I have struggled with regarding our economy is that any hope for an upward turn hinges on people spending money, that the financial success of our country depends on whether or not people buy things. I don't know how that sounds to you, but to me it sounds silly. Consumerism is running rampant in our culture and it is attacking our families, relationships and our faith. If we put our hope in shopping, if we find our value in possessions and if we buy into the lies of advertisements then our sole identity becomes as a consumer, we are nothing more than a potential buyer.
Over the past few weeks I have been meeting with a bunch of teenagers as they finish up their confirmation requirements by completing their pastoral interviews. One of the questions I ask each student is to tell me about an experience they have had that impacted their faith. Most of them talked about working at a soup kitchen. Each one has shared with me that they are blown away by how happy these people seem to be, even though they have virtually nothing more than the clothes on their backs. I encourage each student to look closely at that experience to understand where true happiness comes from.
The notion that the success of our economy relies on whether or not we take out our credit cards is ridiculous to me because I know we are far more than consumers. I want to challenge you to join the Hermansen family as we attempt a week long spending fast. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. I am guessing it will be a liberating experience.
See you Sunday,
Chris Hermansen
One of the comments I have struggled with regarding our economy is that any hope for an upward turn hinges on people spending money, that the financial success of our country depends on whether or not people buy things. I don't know how that sounds to you, but to me it sounds silly. Consumerism is running rampant in our culture and it is attacking our families, relationships and our faith. If we put our hope in shopping, if we find our value in possessions and if we buy into the lies of advertisements then our sole identity becomes as a consumer, we are nothing more than a potential buyer.
Over the past few weeks I have been meeting with a bunch of teenagers as they finish up their confirmation requirements by completing their pastoral interviews. One of the questions I ask each student is to tell me about an experience they have had that impacted their faith. Most of them talked about working at a soup kitchen. Each one has shared with me that they are blown away by how happy these people seem to be, even though they have virtually nothing more than the clothes on their backs. I encourage each student to look closely at that experience to understand where true happiness comes from.
The notion that the success of our economy relies on whether or not we take out our credit cards is ridiculous to me because I know we are far more than consumers. I want to challenge you to join the Hermansen family as we attempt a week long spending fast. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. I am guessing it will be a liberating experience.
See you Sunday,
Chris Hermansen
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Attention all artists!
Beginning in the fall, we are going to launch a sermon series that will walk us through the Bible in a year. We are going to start with the great stories of Genesis, go through the kings and prophets, study the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus and then into the early church. We've never done this before--a 45 week sermon series!
You are going to be so smart and faithful after this one!
Why this series? Because I am constantly amazed that even our most regular members sometimes have difficulties with the details of the Bible and the order of events. If we are going to know more about God then we need to know more about God's word.
To help us visualize the stories, we are asking all artists to help us create icons or symbols for each of the stories. One per week. It can be out of wood or paint or metal or cloth or whatever else you like to use. We will decorate the entire Spirit Hall with all the works of art. And then, at the end, we will have this huge auction for those who would like one of the pieces for their home.
Interested?
We are going to meet on Sunday, June 13 in the church library. Come at either 11:00 or 12:15 to hear more. If you can't make it, call either Stephanie Burke or me and we will give you the details.
Beginning in the fall, we are going to launch a sermon series that will walk us through the Bible in a year. We are going to start with the great stories of Genesis, go through the kings and prophets, study the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus and then into the early church. We've never done this before--a 45 week sermon series!
You are going to be so smart and faithful after this one!
Why this series? Because I am constantly amazed that even our most regular members sometimes have difficulties with the details of the Bible and the order of events. If we are going to know more about God then we need to know more about God's word.
To help us visualize the stories, we are asking all artists to help us create icons or symbols for each of the stories. One per week. It can be out of wood or paint or metal or cloth or whatever else you like to use. We will decorate the entire Spirit Hall with all the works of art. And then, at the end, we will have this huge auction for those who would like one of the pieces for their home.
Interested?
We are going to meet on Sunday, June 13 in the church library. Come at either 11:00 or 12:15 to hear more. If you can't make it, call either Stephanie Burke or me and we will give you the details.
What Are You Doing on Father's Day? Church?
I hope you plan to be at church on June 20th because it is going to be an incredible day. Mother's day is the third biggest church day after Christmas and Easter. Father's day is typically not as big. We hope to change that this year. We are making June 20th all about the dads (and men) in our church and community. First, we are having a mini car show with some older cars and some newer ones. We have some guys in the church who share my obsession of cars but have actually been able to accumulate something cooler than a 1995 Honda Civic. They will be parked around the fountain. Please stop by and check them out.
Second, we have a special guest preacher, Mr. Leonard Wheeler. Leonard is a former professional football player who played for the Bengals, Vikings and Panthers. He has continued to be involved with the Charlotte community and strives to make a difference in the lives of everyone he meets. I first met Leonard through my wife who religiously attends his "boot camp" class at the Siskey YMCA on Wednesday mornings. I joke that the second coming is about the only thing that would keep her from attending his class.
One of the issues that churches struggle with in connecting with men is that church seems to be more on the feminine side. Is this something you have thought about or struggled with? Leonard is going to tackle this issue, among other things, in his sermon on Sunday. I hope you will be there to hear his story of how a hard hitting NFL safety not only maintained his faith during his playing career but allowed it to continue to shape his life and lead him to become the leader he is today and will be tomorrow.
I met with Leonard earlier this afternoon and let me tell you his personality is electric. I am extremely excited to see how God is going to speak through him to encourage and inspire the men and woman of Christ Lutheran church to become better followers of God. You don't want to miss this!
See you Sunday,
Chris
Second, we have a special guest preacher, Mr. Leonard Wheeler. Leonard is a former professional football player who played for the Bengals, Vikings and Panthers. He has continued to be involved with the Charlotte community and strives to make a difference in the lives of everyone he meets. I first met Leonard through my wife who religiously attends his "boot camp" class at the Siskey YMCA on Wednesday mornings. I joke that the second coming is about the only thing that would keep her from attending his class.
One of the issues that churches struggle with in connecting with men is that church seems to be more on the feminine side. Is this something you have thought about or struggled with? Leonard is going to tackle this issue, among other things, in his sermon on Sunday. I hope you will be there to hear his story of how a hard hitting NFL safety not only maintained his faith during his playing career but allowed it to continue to shape his life and lead him to become the leader he is today and will be tomorrow.
I met with Leonard earlier this afternoon and let me tell you his personality is electric. I am extremely excited to see how God is going to speak through him to encourage and inspire the men and woman of Christ Lutheran church to become better followers of God. You don't want to miss this!
See you Sunday,
Chris
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Questions, Queso and Q'doba's. It makes for a great evening.
Every Tuesdays, I'm meeting with seniors in high school and younger college students at Q'doba's in the Arboretum to go through the eight most difficult questions posed to Christianity.
What about suffering?
What about evolution?
Is the Bible reliable?
How can Jesus be the only way?
Miracles contradict science.
Church history is full of violence.
How can I doubt and still be a Christian?
Is Hell real?
The questions are real, the struggles are difficult and the answers are not always neatly tied up in a bow with three sentences. But together, we are addressing and answering the tough questions that these young adult must face in and out of the classroom as they defend their faith in a growing secular world.
You'd be proud of these kids! I am. For their faith, their questions and their willingness to sit down with their pastor to help formulate some answers.
Jesus said, "I'm sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. . .be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves."
I'll let you know how it goes over the summer blogs.
Every Tuesdays, I'm meeting with seniors in high school and younger college students at Q'doba's in the Arboretum to go through the eight most difficult questions posed to Christianity.
What about suffering?
What about evolution?
Is the Bible reliable?
How can Jesus be the only way?
Miracles contradict science.
Church history is full of violence.
How can I doubt and still be a Christian?
Is Hell real?
The questions are real, the struggles are difficult and the answers are not always neatly tied up in a bow with three sentences. But together, we are addressing and answering the tough questions that these young adult must face in and out of the classroom as they defend their faith in a growing secular world.
You'd be proud of these kids! I am. For their faith, their questions and their willingness to sit down with their pastor to help formulate some answers.
Jesus said, "I'm sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. . .be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves."
I'll let you know how it goes over the summer blogs.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Pastor Troy Reflect's on Memorial Day
Memorial Day is the secular version of Easter Sunday when we set aside a day for honoring the fallen that died securing the freedoms we enjoy today. Listen to Jesus’ words through the lens of what our heroic patriots experienced: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13). He goes on to say that his decision to endure crucifixion is of his own volition. Heroes choose to respond to crises with courage. Remember September 2001 when recruiting stations had lines out the door with citizens eager to defend the country from further attack, and how the bombing of Pearl Harbor inspired thousands to leave home for foreign shores? But it isn’t weaponry that makes America great. It is the ideals we uphold as inherent and life-affirming. When the soul of America is threatened, sacrifice of self is secondary to community preservation.
Christians could learn a great deal from America’s salute to the fallen on Memorial Day. Are we willing to consider such dedication in our faith life as others have demonstrated for their country? The early Christians recognized that our spiritual life is akin to a soldier’s journey. Paul details the different parts of our battle gear, everything from a breastplate of righteousness to a helmet of salvation. Christianity in our contemporary context has grown soft because we have tricked ourselves into believing there is no spiritual war. Faith has been relegated to a portion of the complete life, behind financial security and anti-aging treatments. We’re in the middle of a greatest cosmic war between the forces of good and evil, and few people are lining up at the Christian recruiting office (AKA- the church)? Is the devil winning this “forgotten war”? A serious faith is a courageous one. If trust in God is not our supreme loyalty, what is? What are we willing to lay down our life for? Military personnel are certainly brave and I am grateful for their service. But there is something far better to uphold than American values. It is the Kingdom of God. Take time this week to reflect upon your faith journey and discern how best to position God as the center of your life. Be prepared for the spiritual conflict that is unavoidable.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,
Pastor Troy
Christians could learn a great deal from America’s salute to the fallen on Memorial Day. Are we willing to consider such dedication in our faith life as others have demonstrated for their country? The early Christians recognized that our spiritual life is akin to a soldier’s journey. Paul details the different parts of our battle gear, everything from a breastplate of righteousness to a helmet of salvation. Christianity in our contemporary context has grown soft because we have tricked ourselves into believing there is no spiritual war. Faith has been relegated to a portion of the complete life, behind financial security and anti-aging treatments. We’re in the middle of a greatest cosmic war between the forces of good and evil, and few people are lining up at the Christian recruiting office (AKA- the church)? Is the devil winning this “forgotten war”? A serious faith is a courageous one. If trust in God is not our supreme loyalty, what is? What are we willing to lay down our life for? Military personnel are certainly brave and I am grateful for their service. But there is something far better to uphold than American values. It is the Kingdom of God. Take time this week to reflect upon your faith journey and discern how best to position God as the center of your life. Be prepared for the spiritual conflict that is unavoidable.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,
Pastor Troy
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