When we first arrived in El Salvador I asked A LOT of questions of the people who had been there before. I wanted to know what to expect, I wanted to know what we were going to do and I wanted to know how much we could accomplish. On Sunday, before we had even started working, I asked our group leader three questions.
I wanted to know what was the main reason for bringing a bunch of folks from the US down to this Central American country. Were we brought there to work? I thought this was the least likely reason we were brought down. I was pretty sure most of us did not have a vast amount of experience in masonry work and feared that our work might slow the process or worse lower the quality of work.
I asked if we had been brought down to raise up an awareness of the deep need in El Salvador. Beyond just poverty, natural disasters have decimated this country. It is estimated that 400,000 homes are substandard for habitation in El Salvador.
I also asked it we had been brought down to raise the morale of those we worked with. I wondered if it would boost the spirits of the workers and the homeowners to see these folks from the US taking time out of their lives to come down and partner with these individuals to let them know that people do care about them, even people that live many miles away.
A week later, as our trip was coming to an end, I reflected on these questions and realized that really we were brought down for all 3. We were able to do good work and make a difference in the construction of the home. We were made aware of the need and have been able to share this need with others. We were able to make strong connections with those we worked with and for those we were building the homes for. I hope they believe that we do care about them and see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of the language we speak, the color of our skin or the size of our bank accounts.
I know that I have been changed by this experience, and I want you to experience the power of this mission. Please consider joining us when we return to our brothers and sisters in El Salvador to continue to do God's work.
See you in Church, Pastor Chris
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Preparing for First Communion
One class that I truly enjoy teaching is First Communion. I get together with parents and their elementary children for three sessions to learn about the history, theology and blessings that come with this sacrament.
Generally, parents and children are together. However, for the first session, I take the parents alone and administer a three page, no looking, no talking test. For about ten minutes, there is silence in the room as they scribble down answers and mutter, "I should have paid more attention at confirmation classes."
The test is just a fun way (at least from my perspective) to teach a lot of information in a short period of time. If the parents are going to be the primary faith advisors for their children, then we need to make sure that we are all on the same page.
The fun part comes when the questions arise. With so many people coming from a variety of backgrounds, our understanding of baptism and communion is not always in unison. Here are some of the questions. . .
Can I receive communion in a Baptist, Catholic, Episcopalian church?
What is the appropriate age to receive communion?
How often should we celebrate communion?
My friend is an unbeliever. If I secretly baptize my friend's child in the bathroom, is that child baptized?
Go ahead. . .take a stab. Which question do you want to tackle?
Peace,
Pastor Scott
Generally, parents and children are together. However, for the first session, I take the parents alone and administer a three page, no looking, no talking test. For about ten minutes, there is silence in the room as they scribble down answers and mutter, "I should have paid more attention at confirmation classes."
The test is just a fun way (at least from my perspective) to teach a lot of information in a short period of time. If the parents are going to be the primary faith advisors for their children, then we need to make sure that we are all on the same page.
The fun part comes when the questions arise. With so many people coming from a variety of backgrounds, our understanding of baptism and communion is not always in unison. Here are some of the questions. . .
Can I receive communion in a Baptist, Catholic, Episcopalian church?
What is the appropriate age to receive communion?
How often should we celebrate communion?
My friend is an unbeliever. If I secretly baptize my friend's child in the bathroom, is that child baptized?
Go ahead. . .take a stab. Which question do you want to tackle?
Peace,
Pastor Scott
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Pastor Chris Experiences El Salvador
For my next two blogs I want to share with you two of the more powerful experiences I had during my time in El Salvador.
Before we got to work on the construction site, our contacts in El Salvador wanted to share with us a little bit about their identity and their history. This took us to "La Divina Providencia," a hospital for hospice patients. At this exact place, in the chapel, on March 24, 1980, while leading mass, Romero was assassinated. Romero was associated with the "Liberation Theology" movement and this did not sit well with the government. Romero argued that the way the government was treating the poor was unjust and conflicted with the teachings of Jesus. Romero went so far as to ask Salvadoran soldiers to obey God's calling, a higher calling, and not the government's orders to further violate the citizen's basic human rights.
As I reflected on this powerful site (so powerful they still have the clothes that Romero was wearing when he was shot in the chest, (bullet hole included) I was left asking the question, "when are we called to advocate for change?" Thankfully we don't experience the same evil that plagued Romero's land, but are we as Christians called to speak up for what is right and condemn what is evil? Think of Bonhoeffer who felt so compelled by the evils of Hitler that he, as a pacifist even, plotted Hitler's assassination. Do we have a mandate, instilled by our faith, to live up to a similar calling even if it might cost us our lives?
Before we got to work on the construction site, our contacts in El Salvador wanted to share with us a little bit about their identity and their history. This took us to "La Divina Providencia," a hospital for hospice patients. At this exact place, in the chapel, on March 24, 1980, while leading mass, Romero was assassinated. Romero was associated with the "Liberation Theology" movement and this did not sit well with the government. Romero argued that the way the government was treating the poor was unjust and conflicted with the teachings of Jesus. Romero went so far as to ask Salvadoran soldiers to obey God's calling, a higher calling, and not the government's orders to further violate the citizen's basic human rights.
As I reflected on this powerful site (so powerful they still have the clothes that Romero was wearing when he was shot in the chest, (bullet hole included) I was left asking the question, "when are we called to advocate for change?" Thankfully we don't experience the same evil that plagued Romero's land, but are we as Christians called to speak up for what is right and condemn what is evil? Think of Bonhoeffer who felt so compelled by the evils of Hitler that he, as a pacifist even, plotted Hitler's assassination. Do we have a mandate, instilled by our faith, to live up to a similar calling even if it might cost us our lives?
Monday, February 21, 2011
P3--The Ultimate Mat Carriers
On Sunday, we focused on the story in Mark 2 where four buddies carried their friend lying on a mat to a house where Jesus was teaching. Since they couldn't get to him because of the crowd, they made a whole in the roof to lower him down, mat and all.
So we talked about the importance of having mat carriers during those times in which we find ourselves in need of help. We all need mat carriers. Don't be so proud or stupid or private or stubborn to try to carry that mat of yours all by yourself.
But some truly don't have mat carriers. Not for lack of want. They would love a mat carrier. But for some reason, they find themselves alone with their mat and now where to turn.
Is that you?
We have a ministry that majors in carring mats. It's called P3. It is a group of about 30 volunteers who will bring over a meal, play cards, pick up groceries, look after children or drive you to the doctor. Whatever you need. Please call me if you need a mat carrier. That's what they love to do.
Or, maybe you are willing to take up a corner and carry someone else's mat. P3 could always use more. Let me know if you want to serve as a mat carrier for someone else.
We all need mat carriers. And I have found God does his best healing through the gift of these mat carriers who step up and say, "I'll take a corner of that!"
Peace,
Pastor Scott
So we talked about the importance of having mat carriers during those times in which we find ourselves in need of help. We all need mat carriers. Don't be so proud or stupid or private or stubborn to try to carry that mat of yours all by yourself.
But some truly don't have mat carriers. Not for lack of want. They would love a mat carrier. But for some reason, they find themselves alone with their mat and now where to turn.
Is that you?
We have a ministry that majors in carring mats. It's called P3. It is a group of about 30 volunteers who will bring over a meal, play cards, pick up groceries, look after children or drive you to the doctor. Whatever you need. Please call me if you need a mat carrier. That's what they love to do.
Or, maybe you are willing to take up a corner and carry someone else's mat. P3 could always use more. Let me know if you want to serve as a mat carrier for someone else.
We all need mat carriers. And I have found God does his best healing through the gift of these mat carriers who step up and say, "I'll take a corner of that!"
Peace,
Pastor Scott
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Greetings from El Salvador.
I am sitting in the closet where they keep the computer trying to understand a computer that speaks Spanish. We had our first day of work today, and it was hard work. I thought I would be using hammer and nails on this project but due to the lack of trees, a hammer and nails aren't really needed. The houses down here are constructed mostly of concrete and rebar and without much in the way of mechanical supplies you certainly get a workout.
El Salvador is a beautiful country that reminds me a little bit of Tucson. The country is full of volcanos and experiences earthquakes on a regular basis. This increases the need for homes in this country.
Christ Lutheran has a good reputation down here. We have worked with Habitat on many homes and they appreciate our relationship. Consider yourself invited for the next trip. We return Sunday night and I cant wait to share more of the trip with you.
Peace
Chris
I am sitting in the closet where they keep the computer trying to understand a computer that speaks Spanish. We had our first day of work today, and it was hard work. I thought I would be using hammer and nails on this project but due to the lack of trees, a hammer and nails aren't really needed. The houses down here are constructed mostly of concrete and rebar and without much in the way of mechanical supplies you certainly get a workout.
El Salvador is a beautiful country that reminds me a little bit of Tucson. The country is full of volcanos and experiences earthquakes on a regular basis. This increases the need for homes in this country.
Christ Lutheran has a good reputation down here. We have worked with Habitat on many homes and they appreciate our relationship. Consider yourself invited for the next trip. We return Sunday night and I cant wait to share more of the trip with you.
Peace
Chris
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Islam on Wednesday Night
Do you know the difference between Shia, Sunni and Sufism? Do you know the tenets of The Muslim Brotherhood? Can you separate the facts about Islam from those characterized by terrorism?
I can't answer all those questions.
As many of you know, the class I am "teaching" on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 7:30 is understanding our neighbors' faith. Each week, we have a different person from various faith traditions share the history of their faith, worship practices and theological foundations. This coming Wednesday, February 16, we have someone coming in from the Islamic community. Even if you have not been coming to this class, this would be one not to miss.
Come with your questions. Come with an open mind to learn. Come and learn about this growing, world religion that impacts our news everyday.
We meet in the Forum,
Pastor Scott
I can't answer all those questions.
As many of you know, the class I am "teaching" on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 7:30 is understanding our neighbors' faith. Each week, we have a different person from various faith traditions share the history of their faith, worship practices and theological foundations. This coming Wednesday, February 16, we have someone coming in from the Islamic community. Even if you have not been coming to this class, this would be one not to miss.
Come with your questions. Come with an open mind to learn. Come and learn about this growing, world religion that impacts our news everyday.
We meet in the Forum,
Pastor Scott
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Pastor Chris Heads to El Salvador!
Tomorrow morning, at the very early hour of 6:00 am, I will board a plane to El Salvador as a member of a Habitat For Humanity mission trip. For a while now I have encouraged our members to be part of an overseas mission trip and now, for the first time, I will take my own advice. As excited as I am I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little anxious. This will be a tremendous experience, and I will have the opportunity to be part of a great mission. But 9 days is a long time. It's a long time to be away from my family, and it will put an extra burden on my wife (pray for Gina). I assume I wont be able to check email, and I don't plan to take a cell phone, iPod, Kindle, etc. with me. I was told not to run my tooth brush under the faucet or open my mouth in the shower. But as much as I will miss these usual conveniences it doesn't take away from the opportunity.
To do God's work do we need to occasionally be taken out of our comfort zones? This doesn't mean that we cant do God's work here in Charlotte (or where ever you call home) or that we have to take a break from our work to do God's work. But with an experience like this there certainly wont be many distractions, my focus will certainly be on the work that we have been sent to do.
As excited as I am to make a difference in the lives of others I am equally excited to see how this experience impacts me. Faith is rooted in community and as I engage with a community that is different from my own they will change me as much as I will change them. I believe we benefit greatly from these types of exposures.
My thanks to Christ Lutheran Church for making this possible and I look forward to sharing with you my experiences when we return next Sunday. Your prayers are appreciated.
Peace,
Chris
To do God's work do we need to occasionally be taken out of our comfort zones? This doesn't mean that we cant do God's work here in Charlotte (or where ever you call home) or that we have to take a break from our work to do God's work. But with an experience like this there certainly wont be many distractions, my focus will certainly be on the work that we have been sent to do.
As excited as I am to make a difference in the lives of others I am equally excited to see how this experience impacts me. Faith is rooted in community and as I engage with a community that is different from my own they will change me as much as I will change them. I believe we benefit greatly from these types of exposures.
My thanks to Christ Lutheran Church for making this possible and I look forward to sharing with you my experiences when we return next Sunday. Your prayers are appreciated.
Peace,
Chris
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