Over the course of the last few weeks, the attention of those in my parish has been drawn repeatedly to core identity markers for Christians. Every follower of Jesus bears in his or her being these identity marks. I say we “bear them” because to whole-heartedly follow Christ is to let loose the will of Christ within you. The markers of His identity follow.
Over the last 10 or more years, tattoos have made a big comeback. Have you noticed? I have a brother-in-law who loves Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He rides them, repairs them and more. When he got his first tattoo, guess what it was? That’s right, “Mommy.” Ok, just kidding. Of course it was a Harley-Davidson tattoo! When you enter his home you know he is a fan, because he has a variety of reminders around the home: a phone, a framed photo, coasters… whatever. He has a lot of fun being a Harley-Davidson guy.
Over the last several years I have seen lots of individual congregations attempt various ways to reach out to their community and offer a variety of worship services, Bible studies, and classes. All of this is done with great thought and sincerity, effort and prayer, and funds and volunteer teamwork. Yet, on the whole, the church-at-large in our area struggles to make an impact and reach people for Christ. We, the Church, do not merely struggle to reach non-Christians, but in reality we struggle to reach Christians, too, who have stopped regularly participating in the life of the Church. I cannot help but wonder, is this because we, the Church, make too much of a habit of inviting people to programs and events rather than inviting them to live a way of life revealed by Jesus?
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(BLOG written on May 5– sorry it wasn’t posted!)
Over the last few months I have noticed how popular different applications have become for “Facebook” users. First, if you don’t have a Facebook account (or “FB” for short), don’t worry. You’ll survive! Your life has not been cut short or lacks meaning—I promise! In fact, enjoy your free time. Nearly every FB user admits to the power Facebook use has to consume that time which used to be free time. However, since this medium is so popular as a way to stay connected to friends and colleagues, I have an account and use it several times during the week. Something has caught my attention. I have noticed that even among Christians the use of things that fall into the “idol” category has grown substantially. Read more…
As I led a recent Bible study, I asked people to identify “where” in the Bible story they saw themselves. The story is famous: The Prodigal Son. I wrote a brief reflection in my last blog based on this passage of St. Luke’s gospel in chapter 15 (Luke 15: 11-32). I’m still reflecting on the story, because it contains the heart of the gospel in it. As we move toward Palm Sunday (in three days), we are invited to enter more deeply into the real-life story of Jesus. After all, he invites us to do so. “I have come that they might have life and have it to the full,” St. John’s Gospel assures us. So, I wonder for you… do you see yourself in the story of the Prodigal Son? Where do you enter it?
I have been thinking about “lost and found.” From Luke, chapter 15, three stories powerfully convey the yearning to find what was lost. Right now I can certainly relate to the woman who had lost her coin and searched her home until she found it. After my ordination last November, I have lost my Celtic cross that I wore with my vestments on Sundays. I have turned things upside down, looked in crevices of each car, each closet, dresser… it’s not found yet. It is special to me because Fr. Gerry Grossman
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
If you were with us on Ash Wednesday, you heard this said to you as Fr. Ed McNeill and I imposed ashes upon your forehead. If you missed it—sorry! You missed a powerful time of worship and encouragement. The season of Lent begins with a stark reminder of our mortality, and therefore our cause to reflect over the manner and priorities of our lives. This theme is balanced by the theme of God’s triumphant Grace. This season is a gift. We willingly choose to allow more time and space for the Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask Him to examine our hearts, reveal changes that should be made, express real sorrow over sin and real resolve to move forward in the changes God convinces us to employ.
Inspiring, Fun, Strategic, Convicting, Hopeful, and Snowed-in for 3 days, wow, lots happened in Greensboro, NC during the last week of January. In many ways I am still gathering my thoughts from the conference. Here are some highlights.
One significant message I came away with came from Archbishop Kolini. He ended his sermon during the opening worship service and also a tribute session for him hosted by the Mission, with this question, “Will you obey the Lord?” He speaks from personal experience and the personal experiences of many Rwandan and other African priests and bishops. They have been shot at, threatened and some killed in service to Christ and his Church. “Will you obey the Lord?” is no simple question. Instead, will we obey when we lose a building, see a program fail, lose members or gain others? Will we obey in the face of opposition? Will we obey as the Lord guides, for it is His church into which we are called and given roles to play? This is what ++Emmanual Kolini asks. Will you sacrifice your finances, time, convenience, and priorities—whatever it may be—to obey the Lord?
A new year brings new things. I wonder what you hope for in 2010? Are you someone who likes to set goals and resolutions for the year? Or has maybe enough missed resolutions dampened your enthusiasm? A good friend of mine went through a health-scare last year, and since his recovery he has found “new resolve” to accomplish things that just sat on the back burners of his life over the years. I like that! I’m going to do the same—for me that means more exercise, more reflection time, and more planned activities with family. Read more…
Dear Friends,
At last Christmas is here! How remarkable it is that God “comes to us.” For love, Jesus was born so all the world could know God and be free from the way the bonds of sin alter our identity and purpose in life. Instead, God has love, grace, and purpose for us to experience as we follow the Lord in faith. What a better life we are offered!
Christ The King Anglican Church is an evangelical, charismatic, and sacramental congregation located in Campbell, CA. We’re committed to believe and trust Jesus Christ, to be directed by His Spirit, and to trust in His Holy Scripture as our standard in matters of faith and practice. Everyone who is at Christ the King now was once a visitor and decided to make this his or her church home. We hope you will consider making the same decision! If you are interested in church membership or more information, please call the church office at (408) 984-5320.
