A Box Marked "FRAGILE"

Boxes Marked “Fragile”

John 10:10b

            As some of you may already know; my wife and I recently relocated to Boulder.  We’ve been appointed to the Mountain View UM Church for a year now, but it took us this long to sell our place and box it all up for our move.  Four very strong, baby gorillas, and a truck were hired to haul all our stuff from Centennial earlier this month, and we are left sorting through boxes--trying to locate the telephones, some of my books, and a couple of kitchen gadgets.  There are a few boxes marked “fragile”, and I want to see if any of them got damaged in the trip.

I wouldn’t want the neighbors to get the wrong idea about us, from our boxes.  Pilling them up alongside the house, I was concerned that they might think we were raging alcoholics, as most of our packing was done into liquor boxes (the free kind) which I begged off a kindly Pakistani store owner.

The bigger issue is that over the years we have accumulated far too much stuff, and with the passive assistance of our grown children, we have filled one entire room of the parsonage with questionable treasures, which are begging to be given away.  I believe the technical word for this is “Down-sizing”.  Most of you, I imagine have done this, and know what I’m talking about.  It is not easy!

It means that although everything we own had a purpose and place in our last home (or at one time), that is not necessarily the case, here.  A beloved bureau may not have held up as well as it should have.  A hobby enjoyed at one time, may not delight as it once did.  A child grew up, but their “stuff” still hangs on…

What you may not have discovered from your own, “downsizing experience” is that everything without a purpose begs to be given away!  The challenge to this then is that -- lacking a purpose -- some things still have an emotional pull (like my eldest son’s first ball glove, or our daughter’s “little girl” treasures).  And as such, refuse to be given away, no matter how hard we might try!

This passage of scripture is an affirmation of what the faith teaches so clearly to us Christians: that Jesus came into the world, so that persons might have life, and have it abundantly.  Are there any here who still believe that Jesus was talking about “abundance”, as acquiring still more stuff?

No, Jesus is trying to get those who are listening to him to understand that abundance has a lot more to do with contentment, simplicity, joy and appreciation, than it has to do with a new car, property or acquisition.  That abundant life is more about people, acquiring wisdom, building relationships across generations -- and not at all about things!

An illustration comes to mind about a billionaire, who was given just 3 months to live by his physician.  After this prognosis had soaked in, the man went to his doctor, minister, and lawyer, and gave each of them 1 million dollars in cash. To each he said, “You are my friend, and I know you to be trustworthy to carry out my final wishes.  When I die, Just to prove them wrong, I want you to put this money in my casket, so that I can take it with me!”

They, each one in turn, agreed to do as he asked and then came the fateful day.  The billionaire died, and each one of his friends was at the funeral with their packages.  Solemnly, they placed their parcel in the casket as he had instructed, the pastor said the benediction, and then they left to toast their friend at the bar.  The conversation drifted to the parcels each of them had placed in the casket.

The doctor said, “I know I promised to put all the money in the casket, but I just couldn’t.  I’m associated with this research project to cure cancer, so I gave $500,000 to the Foundation, and put the rest in the coffin.”

The minister said, “I’m glad you said something, Doc.  I wanted to build a youth center for our kids, to come and learn about Jesus and to be better people.  I gave $900,000 to the church, and put $100,000 into the coffin.”

The lawyer looked at them both in disgust.  He said, “I’m surprised at you both.  You knew our billionaire friend’s wishes to take it with him, and yet you betrayed his trust!  I want you both to know that, I put my personal check for $1 million dollars in that casket!”

How often we get the purpose and priorities of life wrong!  How often do we live life for money and things, and ignore the real reason for LIFE: God’s abundance, peace and genuine love?

William Sloan Coffin, a preacher of the last century, famously said: "There are people and things in this world, and people are to be loved and things are to be used.  And it is increasingly important that we love people and use things, for there is so much in our gadget-minded, consumer-oriented society that is encouraging us to love things and use people."

Tonight we have gathered to recognize our losses, and commemorate our honored dead.  We will leave this place resolved to live life to its very top, or we will simply go on to the next thing scheduled on our iPhones. 

Wherever we head from here, I would like to encourage us to look back and then look ahead to how we will leave our legacy for succeeding generations.  How will we express our values, beliefs and passions to leave a trail for those who come behind us to follow?  How will you and I have lived the ABUNDANCE that Jesus talked about, such that the boxes marked “fragile” will survive the trip?

I have come to believe that part of the answer is to be found in acknowledging our losses, and recounting our blessings; in facing our human vulnerabilities, while embracing our divine resources.  For surely, it is LIFE itself, which should be marked “FRAGILE”, and handled with utmost care! 

We seek the abundance which Jesus points to as a gift of the life, well lived.  How will we resolve to live it out in the days we have left to give?  How will you and I resolve to have life and have it abundantly?

AMEN

Steven K. Warren

Frasier Meadows Founders/memorial Service

Well, it's been a while since I've posted on my blog.  We have been very busy building relationships at Mountain View, and settling into life in a wonderful community.  More significantly, we have been on a spectacular vacation to New Zealand!  In November, Beth and I made the journey to the other side of the world to share with our son and daughter in a trip of a lifetime.

New Zealand is a wet, green, paradise with breathtaking flora and fauna.  I especially enjoyed talking to bee keepers and knowledgeable locals about N.Z.'s plants and pollinators; its economy and ecology.  I am addicted to international travel, as it allows me to study people and their ways, their connections to God and the land.

Our son, Sam, did a fantastic job as chauffer, host and tour guide; taking us 3500 miles around the south island, showing us his favorite sites and natural wonders!  New Zealand is a wonderful place, and it's people are kind and warm.  I shall always remember the stunning wonders we saw, but time with family remains the greatest blessing!

It's a Fact of Life...

It is a fact of life; things are not always as they appear.  It is the same as the old, old adage; you cannot judge a book by its cover.  This is also true for people, situations and congregations.  One may experience a congregation one way, but it takes some time and effort to come to understand at a deeper level.

One summer evening in Pittsburgh when I was very young, maybe 5 or 6, our family went to an amusement park.  It was hot and muggy; a typical summer night in Western Pennsylvania.   We set our sights on a “FUNHOUSE”.  For those who have never been inside such a place, the mirrors make your body look fat or skinny; contorting reality and twisting body image.  The walls and floors are pitched at funny angles, the ceilings aren’t square, and there is very little light.  The whole set up is designed to scare, panic and disorient.  I was never so happy to leave a place, even though my big brother was there somewhere in the darkness. So, while dashing out of that house of mirrors, I came too quickly around a corner and ran headlong into black boy about my same age.  I said, “You get outta my way, you n--ger!” 

Out of a child’s mouth often comes a reflection of the times and experiences of the culture; a mirror of the soul, some say.  It was the early 60’s and images of racial tension, violence, and uncertainty abounded, even to a 5 year old boy.  My older brother came up behind me and heard my denunciation, and immediately apologized.  He made me apologize too.  Ours was a Christian family, and we didn’t talk like that.

The boy (I can see him to this day) smiled broadly and replied, “He don’t mean nothin’ by it.  He was just funnin’.”

Now, with adult eyes and modern sensibilities we can all condemn my public sin.  I behaved badly.  I was foul mouthed, hateful and aggressive.  I acted the bully!  What one might not know about my private self was that I was also abjectly and utterly terrified.  (It’s no excuse, and I do not offer it as one either today or for yesterday.)  What one might never have known, is that earlier that year I had spent several days in the Pittsburgh Hospital for Children. 

Back then it was a sterile, green and white tiled institution where nurses wore white, pointed caps and everywhere smelled of iodine, alcohol and bandages.  My roommate, another small boy, returned one night unconscious from surgery with a lot of tubes and bandages.  Before morning he was gone to surgery once more, and I never saw him again.

A day or two later my own tests turned out negative, and I remember that my parents were visibly relieved -- a bizarre chapter in a young boy’s life.   Leukemia was suspected, but it was something far more benign, and I went home to my rowdy siblings in the arms of grateful parents.

Enter the house of mirrors. 

It was a hot and muggy summer night; not uncommon for Western Pennsylvania, where the Allegheny and the Monongahela come together to form the Ohio.  Two young boys, breathless from their disorienting experience in a mirrored funhouse, collided.  One of those boys was me. 

I have learned since then that, when fear gets the better of us in the confusing darkness, we often say and do things which reflect the turmoil within and the ugliness around us.  It’s no excuse, but it helps to understand a little of the inner struggle, which results in the outward sin.

I was so glad, when that black child offered forgiveness to me in exchange for my ugliness.  I have never forgotten him!  In that child’s actions, time and reflection have revealed  the power and Grace of God to me.  I've wondered what became of that child?

When life throws us into the mirrored darkness of hate, fear and disgrace, try to think before you speak.  Try to listen beyond the moment to consider the consequences of your words and actions.  And when you feel the fear rising within, look for your brother, who is always close at hand.

People are stressed and hurried. Situations are complex.  Congregations are sometimes wounded.  We are not always as we first appear.  Given time, patience and Grace, perhaps we will come to understand eachother better, and grow from the experience.

Best,

Pastor Steven Warren

IN THE BEGINNING, GOD

IN THE BEGINNING, GOD

With the advent of Creation, I imagine that the Creator had a lot on God’s mind.  What color should a Swallowtail butterfly be?  How tall should I make the Rocky Mountains?  And were in the world did I put those left-over parts to make up the African Wildebeest?

This has been a pretty intense week for us, even with the 4^th of July holiday.  Mostly it has to do with the mental work of getting oriented.  Which way to the Post office?  Where can I get an inexpensive lunch?  And can I succeed in networking my laptop with the rest of the church computers?  I’m sure that very briefly these early tasks will seem very simple, but for the Pastor remembering everyone’s names and stories is an ever expanding challenge.

In seminary I recall a visit to Magnolia, Arkansas (right next to Toad Suck; the one-time Confederate capitol), when we visited a newly minted clergy friend in his first post.  After worship services we dined with a distinguished Southern gentlewoman in her grand antebellum home.  Being near 100 years old, she had forgotten our names by lunchtime, but I learned that she had a unique way of handling the situation.  In a very genteel manner Miss Imogene said, “You must forgive me, I remember you, but your names have entirely escape me!”

I wonder if God ever stopped in that first week to wonder what in the universe He intend to do with the other stars in the Milky Way.  I question in our own lives, if we can remember to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly, as the prophet Isaiah  said.  Can we endure hardship, uncertainty and defeat, and still find our way back to worship God as a defiant act of faith?

When I begin new things, I find it helpful to remember that just as at Creation, it is God who precedes us in our endeavors.  In the Beginning, God decided to start the ball rolling.  In the Beginning, God conceived of our relationship.  In the Beginning, God acted to separate day and night, heavens from earth and water from dry land.  I find it helpful to remember that GOD DID IT, and we were nowhere to be found! 

All of this is to say that whatever will come of our time together; earth and humanity, times of plenty and times of want, New Pastor and beloved Church – IN THE BEGINNING, GOD, and Creation is not a one time affair!  It is in God's nature to continue the miracle of Creation right up to and beyond our little day!

Grace and Peace,
Steve

I Love An Adventure

I love an adventure.  When I was growing up part of a family of 7, I craved spending time with my dad.  My fantasy was to be with him; just he and I, walking and talking -- No place to be, and no chores to do --  Just he and I, walking.  The adventure part was in the fact that this almost never happened.  With 5 children within 10 years, my folks were always on the go!  In our predominantly Catholic neighborhood, we were known as the passionate Protestants.

An adventure is when the excitement we crave is met in the moments we discover.  Glimmers of hope for adventure came for me when we would roughhouse with dad after he got home from work each night.  He’d kiss my mom, changed his clothes and roughhouse with us before dinner.  This was OUR time with dad, and we LOVED it!  Hearts pounding, sweat pouring and arms and legs squirming -- a “dog pile” of kids, LOVE, and dad.

Adventures are unpredictable.  Occasionally, a “dog pile” would get too heavy, the fun a bit rough or an elbow would hit a tender spot.  Tears would erupt from the happy mound.  In the fun of the moment a breathy timeout would be called to discover the wounded one, and make amends.  Sometimes it would be a false alarm, just to get on top again and the fun would resume, other times real tears would be met with genuine hugs and pats from all to comfort and assure -- a blessing, and wash up before dinner! 

I learned for this, that real adventures involve real risk.  I might get hurt.  I might become emotionally exposed.  I might unintentionally hurt someone else. As I got older, my adventures changed.  Some still involved my father -- hunting and hiking, projects together and hard work.  Still other adventures involved risks taken in the company of others.  I remember on a High school UMYF mission trip to Browning Montana, when I was asked by a homeless man to buy him some beer.  I didn’t think beer was such a good idea, but PB&J sounded pretty good to me.  I could always eat.  I told my leader where I was going, went with the man to the grocery, and sat with him for an impromptu lunch.  This was a different sort of adventure, I suppose, but everything I know has been different from that day; my appreciation for ALL people, my path, my calling, my very own heart!

Sitting with that man, I discovered that: Adventures in our lives promise in proportion to our trust.   Can I trust God with my future?  Can I learn to allow things to unfold at their own pace?  Will I be able to enjoy the moment (by trusting in God’s timing) or will I rush past on my way to something I thought was more important? 

Coming to Boulder Mountain View is, indeed, an unpredictable ADVENTURE for the both of us; Congregation and Pastor.  During this time of transition, let us aim higher than merely a season of suspended judgment of one another.  Let us aim for a bit of risk and true adventure, a bit of love and a lot of trust in God.

After all; who knows wherever God will lead us?

Best,

Steve

Wherever God Leads Us

 A friend and collegue of mine reminded me when I was talking about doing a blog that I said that blogging was a sign that a person didn't have a real life...Well, here goes.

I don't want to substitute a real life for a virtual one, but I do want to reach out to anyone who is asking questions about their faith, and wanting to reflect on possible answers.  I'm hoping that Blogger has spell check (invented personally for me) and can be a place where we can reveal some of our inner spiritual life and Joy.

I am about to launch  a new enterprise with Boulder Mountain View United Methodist Church, as their Senior Pastor.  As I have before, I hope to build lasting and meaningful friendships, share our love for God, and help lead that sacred community forward in thier mission in Jesus Christ.  I pray that I am up to the task, and ask you to pray for me, too.  That's where I think all great enterprizes begin, and all great successes are to be found, "Together, before God, on our knees."

Whereever God Leads Us will be that kind of experience; one which hopefully draws us out of ourselves and our comfortable places and into God's bright and challenging light.

May it be so!

Pastor Steve Warren