Abba

Check out Chris Cahill's post. Definitely food for thought and some healthy discussion~

http://sightingsontheway.blogspot.com/2011/10/courageous.html

Thanks Chris for your review of "Courageous."  I have not seen the movie so I cannot comment.

donna

Celebrating Saturdays

Many of our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ celebrated Reformation Sunday yesterday in worship services around the world. How glorious to acknowledge and praise God for the way he has moved in his Church. My heart has always been drawn to those chronos times in church when we become more aware of the kairotic moments of God's presence and activity in our lives. I enjoy hearing about all the hustle and bustle of preparing and experiencing Reformation Sunday from my daughter and her husband. I honor and respect Pastor Chris Cahill's reflections on Martin Luther and Chris' faithfulness to provide his church body with a sense of their biblical-historical tradition.

Isn't it wonderful when we can go to church and celebrate?

At Park Street Brethren Church, Pastor Bill often reminds us that worship is not about us, it's about honoring God. Yesterday we honored God by praising him for his love and thanking him for moving our church body to respond in loving obedience. We celebrated by testifying to how God is using our people to heal and bless the community we live in. The previous Sunday we gathered for breakfast, prayer and worship in song, and then scattered to serve the community in numerous ways. Wood was chopped for widows who heat their homes with wood stoves, parks were cleaned up, single Moms received help with household repairs, and blankets were sewn for first responders to take to children in crisis. These are just a few of the projects that were tackled last Sunday, and perhaps most importantly, new relationships were formed.  I anticipate some of these acts of service will be ongoing. That is something to celebrate!

Another celebration took place yesterday at  Inner Healing Ministries in South Euclid, Ohio. The church body was overflowing with praise for how God manifested his presence the day before. On Saturday, over eighty people representing ten churches participated in a healing conference. This conference addressed how to minister to: those who have been sexually abused; men who are seeking to become more like Jesus in their minds and hearts; leaders who want to facilitate healing in small groups; and God's people who are struggling with forgiveness. On Sunday, the Inner Healing Ministries church, under the shepherding of Dr. Reverend Benjamin Franklin, Jr., responded to God's anointing on Saturday through hearts of gratitude and praise for his greatness.

I've been thinking about the "Saturdays" of our lives. What is it that God is doing from Monday to Saturday, through you and through others, that you celebrate on Sunday?

What "Saturdays" are you celebrating on Sunday these days?

 You make known to me the path of life;

 in your presence there is fullness of joy;
 at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
 (Psalm 16:11 ESV)

You teach me the way of life.

In your presence is total celebration.

Beautiful things are always in your right hand.

(Psalm 16:11 CEB) 

The Anatomy of a Soul

Would you like to better understand yourself, others and God? Are you interested in understanding how your children's brains are developing? Would you like to keep up with the current neurological research without having to delve into its most technical aspects? If so, you may enjoy Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson, M.D. It is an easy read with rich insights to Christian spirituality and the way our brain processes our relationships to God and others.
You may differ with some of Thompson's theological concepts, but the heart of the book is quite engaging. If any of you out there are reading this book, I'd love to hear your reflections.

donna

Help for the Homeless

Greetings friends,
I am looking for a mental health facility or halfway house for a 22 year old schizophrenic man that will be released from the hospital soon. He tried to commit suicide Friday, broke both ankles through jumping off a bridge, and has no insurance or money to pay for residential care.

Anyone know of any leads? I understand the Vineyard Association churches have been very helpful to the poor and marginalized in the Cincinnati and Columbus areas. If any of you have a connection, please let me know.

Thanks,
Donna

Full Capacity

Today I am blessed by the visit of Pete Ohs and his wife Andrea. Our family has known Pete since he was born and he has been my son Brian's best friend since pre-school days. Interestingly, they are both "middle children" and incredibly sensitive, creative human beings. Pete and Brian spent many of their school years together in journalistic endeavors; Brian mostly in print but some video and Pete mostly in video projects. They would talk endlessly about film and script writing. Some of their joint high school projects were quite hilarious and they dreamt about the day when they would make their mark on the film industry. I, too, wondered where all this creative energy would lead them (especially as they matured) and am amazed at the way their sensitive spirits are touching lives through their giftings.

What they are doing today astounds me and I could not have envisioned the lives they are leading. Which brings me to the point of this blog. How often do we limit people by our preconceived notions of what we think they should be like? Do we place expectations on people according to our perspectives or agendas?

One of my most glaring examples of imposing my agenda on Brian was during his first Christmas teaching overseas. Much to my dismay, Brian called home the day after Christmas. I was awaiting his phone call and I had been praying that he would connect with a loving family to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I was worried about how lonely he would be. When he finally did call, I was humbled by his Christmas day report. "Mom," he excitedly shouted in the phone (that's Brian, he gets louder when he gets excited) "I just had the best Christmas day in my whole life!" Hmmmm.... without his family? (This is what I selfishly thought.) Brian continued with exuberance, "I spent the day with a friend who is a recovering alcoholic and I helped him from relapsing. I helped him with his loneliness which kept him from taking a drink. It was the best Christmas ever!"

In one split second I was full of a Mother's pride and the Holy Spirit's conviction. And again I wonder, how often do I limit people by my preconceived notions of what I think they should be like? I wanted Brian to find a loving family to take care of him. Instead Brian found the joy of caring for another. His loving action put my Christmas day agenda to shame.

Back to Brian and Pete. After high school they went to different colleges. Pete got married and Brian remained single. Both pursued their gifts. Brian is now a writer and teacher and Pete is now a film producer. Their career paths are not a surprise to me. But I did not anticipate how their interests would bring them back together again.  Unbeknownst to each other, Brian and Pete began studying the brain, mental illness and schizophrenia. Yes, that is quite the coincidence. Each have become absorbed with helping a population which is devastated by this illness. Brian spends his free time studying the latest research on neuroscience and neuropsychology. Pete spends his time gathering research for a documentary he is producing on the life of the schizophrenic which will be entered in national film festivals.

As I write, they are watching Pete's documentary and sharing what they've learned through their studies. Pete's goal is to raise awareness of the struggles for schizophrenics and their families, for his wife's brother bears that diagnosis with its daily struggles to just survive. Brian's goal is to someday write a book that makes a difference in the lives of those with mental illness. Through Brian and Pete, I am learning to appreciate the endless possibilities of what life can be for those I love and serve.

Through God's grace, he hasn't limited me. Miraculously, in him I have the capacity for becoming more than I ever thought I could be. He is slowly shaping me to become more like Jesus. Lord, give my eyes to see that capacity in others.

Jehovah-Jireh

Years ago, in my Findlay Bible Study Fellowship small group, I met a lovely young woman name Kim. She asked to meet after group because she felt  a connection with me. We only had a chance to have coffee and chat once because I was preparing to move to Ashland. Today Kim called me. After all this time, she remembered my name and the town to which I moved!

Kim's reason for calling was her concern for her 72 year old Mom, Carol, who is an Ashland resident. She wondered if I knew of anyone that could provide a listening ear for Carol, fellowship and perhaps some pastoral counseling. As we brainstormed a few ideas, Kim asked me where I went to church. I heard her audibly gasp when I told her Park Street Brethren Church. Coincidentally??? her Mom attends Park Street as well. Kim was even more astounded when I shared I am heading up Care Ministries at church and had several resources to suggest to her Mom for support and care.

Beyond my church leadership, I have a more personal interest in Kim's request. As a daughter, I know firsthand the need of an elderly Mother who yearns for the blessing of community. When my Mom was in and out of hospitals and nursing homes, her most immediate concern was access to friends and family. Once she became ill, loneliness became her reality. It was quite difficult for Mom to be stripped away of her social life due to her inability to see the people she loved on a regular basis. For me, one of the saddest circumstances regarding her death was the fact that she was surrounded by nurses and doctors she didn't know. She died in the very early hours of the morning and neither my brother and I, nor her sister or friends were at her bedside. I felt she died alone.

Two weeks ago at a church leadership team board meeting I met CEO Jay Brooks of Ashland Brethren Care. This residential facility is much like the one in which my Mom lived for most of her final months of life. Jay shared with me one of the most pressing needs of his residents is for someone to visit and spend time talking with them. Another coincidence?

My Findlay friend Kim had a strong sense that her Mom "just needed someone to talk to." On a happier note, Park Street Church can provide for Carol. Kim was full of praise for our conversation today and I truly understood the relief in her voice. Kim has more hope that her Mom will get what she needs. Could it be that the initial connection Kim felt with me was part of God's plan that is now unfolding? Is this the mystery of God to which we often speak?

It appears God has done his part in his provision (if I may humbly note) and now it's our turn to do ours. Spending time in nursing homes can be most discouraging, hospital visits can be awkward, and ministry to people facing the last season of their lives may be depressing. I know that on a deeply personal level. But if we're going to be like Jesus, we don't dismiss what is uncomfortable.

How about you? Do you know a person in need who "just needs someone to talk to?"

And if you still have the opportunity, call your Mom.

Care Ministries: Planning with Purpose

Last night I had the joy of spending time with a group of people that think like me. And yes, that can be a good thing! We gathered for the goal of solidifying the organizational structure of Care Ministries at Park Street Church.

Those of you who know me well may be thinking, of course Donna was enjoying putting together a plan for ministry. Yeah, yeah, I do like to initiate a plan and see it through, but I'm talking about something different today. Our meeting's focus was not about planning, but purpose.

We began the meeting with an invitation to share "I'm here tonight because . . ." The responses were amazing. God's purpose resounded through each person's story. And I realized I was in a room with some very special people. People who found purpose in life by giving to others in unique and unselfish ways. It was truly inspiring.

Here's where the "thinking like me" comes in. I've just always found joy through doing small things for other people. I don't say that arrogantly, because those closest to me know, (to apply an overused counseling term), my, ahem, "growth areas." They are blatant and numerous. But there's something positive and satisfying that expands within me when I am focused on giving rather than myself. And for me, I delight in the process. So to sit with others and hear the ways in which they consider the needs of those around them, for their families, and in the church body was both affirming and enriching.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 was our scripture lesson for the meeting because I do think Paul's voice regarding care giving is one of the most pointed and significant to care ministries.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort."

After a brief look at these verses, we prayed and asked the Lord to remind us of a time when he ministered to a need in our lives. After a few moments of silence, individuals shared their memories. This was definitely the highlight of the evening. Jesus had met them in profound and beautiful ways. No wonder this group of people were so enthusiastic about giving encouragement and comfort Paul spoke of in the scriptures. They experienced Jesus in their most difficult seasons of life. Truly, we can't help but want that for others.

Back to solidifying an organizational plan for care ministries . . . It begins with God's purpose for our lives. Somehow when that's the main point, the plan falls in place.