Pastor's Note

I write this from Washington state as I participate in board meetings for Multiply (our denomination’s missions agency). The board has been processing some potential strategic shifts in how Multiply interacts with and serves its missionaries and international partners around the world.

I’ve been excited for the upcoming women’s conference. Maybe that excitement is partially because I will have the kids to myself for a few days while my wife is away, which means meals of pizza and chicken nuggets. Dad time can be fun!

I saw this quote the other day, regarding the eclipse; “Eclipse Reminder - Earth is the only planet that we know of that has a perfect solar eclipse, since our moon happens to be about the exact same size as our sun when seen from the surface. As far as we know this is a coincidence, and about a one in a trillion bit of luck.”

Recently I read these provoking words in Os Guiness’ The Call, which was written in 1999, about 25 years ago. I wonder if he would still say the same thing today, or say it in the same way (or even say it more strongly)? I’d be curious to hear his thoughts in today’s cultural climate. What do you think of what he wrote?

What can you tell about a person from their the vehicle they drive? Often not much. But if someone’s primary vehicle is a 15-passenger van, you may safely assume they have a large family. If they drive a flashy, red, expensive sports car, you might assume they have some disposable income and a taste for adrenaline (and speeding tickets). What Jesus rode into Jerusalem said everything about Him and His mission.

Next Sunday of course is Easter. While every day and every Sunday should is transformed by the truth that our Lord lives and reigns, we set aside this particular Sunday to focus on the resurrection. And we know it is one Sunday that many will attend and participate in worship. How can we best prepare and be hospitable on Easter Sunday?

I’ve said often that one of my least favorite necessary tasks is review and assessment. When I worked as an administrative assistant for a seminary, I was generally annoyed by the academic review processes required by academic institutions. I think my distaste may be because I generally want to look forward, not backward.

At Sunday’s Family Gathering, we tried to give a good perspective on all of the ministries going on at CBC, and what they are currently doing, and how you can be involved. I also put forth the question I want all CBCers to consider, which is “What is my ministry, and how can CBC leadership help?”

Recently I’ve been reading “The Call” by Os Guinness, which is somewhat of a modern classic on the concept of Christian calling. In one segment, he talks about what leads to sloth and inactivity, and writes the following; “Loss of faith in God, and therefore in eternity and immortality, leads inexorably to an erosion of vitality in life itself. Max Weber wrote of the secularizing of the modern world as disenchantment.”

Every once in a while I get asked by CBCers if there are areas that need more help and service. I always love that question and the heart it demonstrates. Often, I’m not as ready for the question as I probably should be.