My service of Death and Resurrection

Ministers are called to guide and assist people through many spiritually challenging life events. The most common is death of a loved one. Due to recent conversations and events I decided it would be useful to share this pastor's hopes for his service of Death and Resurrection.

1. It's a worship service, so worship! No, not me, worship God. A funeral is a time to worship God(well so is a wedding but try convincing the bride's mother). I want myfuneral to celebrate God's love and caring for all humanity, includingme. Worship connects us with God. The greatest healing for grief andthe best source for answers to our questions of life and death is God.If the service held for me does not connect people with God it failed it's primary task.
   
2. Sing like you mean it. Every person I have served as pastor will tell you: "Norman cannot sing!" However I still know the power of musing and song. So sing of sorrow, sing of hope, sing to and about God. Please no dragging songs, play them fast and sing them with fire, make it rock!
3. Did I mention a funeral is a worship service? There will be communion. It will be open to any follower of Jesus. Sometimes I fear the only events which pull Christians of all denominations, theological and political stripes together are funerals.
4. While on the subject of drawing people together please make everyone comfortable. My life has intersected with people of many nationalities, religions, life styles and political persuasions. Please go out of your way to make them welcome. A truly "Christian" service of Death and Resurrection should be a powerful witness to our trust in God and to God's love of us.
   
5. Laugh, grief is appropriate when we have lost a loved one but it is not the only emotion our loved one's inspire in us. I have done things worthy of laughter and when I'm gone you can laugh without hurting my feelings. If God used my life to touch yours celebrate the gift from God of my life. I hope the fellowship meal is full of stories, laughter and celebration.
   
6. Now, about those memorials. No brass plaques, I mean it! Okay, one on the memorial board but that is all! Seriously, if my life inspires people to give to God then I hope the gifts will be used for ministry. I expect the church leadership to use any funds or other gifts wisely in service to God and those God loves. If the church receives a physical gift in memory use it well and throw it away when it is worn out.
   

There you have my preferences for my service of Death and Resurrection. I hope it is clear the service should be about God not me. Oh, and feel free to start without me. I plan to be late.

Ripples of depression

Today I realized how deeply depression has impacted my life. That looks like foolish statement as depression for all the damage it does is also amazingly subtle. I thought I was doing well and I guess I was--compared to how bad it was a few years ago.

Currently I'm taking part in an intensive leadership development program. The material is very good as is the group. The books are challenging and hopeful. I wish I was confident I can implement what I am learning in my church.

A suspicion began growing as I considered the books we have read, the video we have watched and the discussions we have held. What, I wondered, is wrong with me that I have not, perhaps cannot, feel the way these people do, take the risks they do or meet conflict and challenges with the optimism and courage they do. Many (many) years ago I felt as these people do. I could challenge established patterns with confidence. I felt hope and could encourage others to hope.

That was in Somalia dealing with (seemingly) overwhelming numbers of refugees trapped in a political, military and bureaucratic nightmare. After illness forced my return to the States I've lost that confidence. And I'm stuck in what often seems a nightmare; a low paying position with little hope of advancement.

Practical Spirituality: A Blog by Wes Eades: Another Quote from Gerald May

Wes introduced me to a very interesting and valuable insight from Gerald May.
Practical Spirituality: A Blog by Wes Eades: Another Quote from Gerald May
We Christians and the Church would be much better off if we spent some time each day reflecting on that insight.

Deep Change

Just started reading Deep Change. Compelling reading, how do we apply it in the small rural church? I need to think on this (and finish the book).