YOU are Beautiful!

Sometimes the messages of God's love, forgiveness and grace come to us in unexpected ways. Yes, we will hear it in church and Bible Study and in certain circles. But when that message comes at a time and place we least expect it, it can be powerful.

I have a confession to make... I have been known to watch a few episodes of "American Idol."  Lisa and I don't watch much TV, but somehow, this has become a ritual for us over the past few years. If you have not watched the show, or don't want to admit you watch the show, American Idol is a singing competition that gives the viewing audience the opportunity to vote for their favorites through text messages, on line or by phone. The season begins in the middle of winter and concludes in May. Lisa and I record the show so we can fast forward through the commercials and comments, and focus on the singers. We never call in to vote, and so we can't complain when we disagree with the results of the votes.

This season, there was one singer who, in my opinion, was stellar. Candice Glover is her name. She has a beautiful voice. Lisa and I were happy to see her win this year's competition. As the contestants were narrowed down to just two, each of them performed a song that would be their first record. Candice's song is "I Am Beautiful." In it you will find a two minute sermon. The message of grace and compassion and welcome is wrapped up in these words. Maybe watching American Idol isn't all that bad.

Below are the lyrics, and a video of Candice Glover singing the song on the show.

You say I sound silly when I laugh real loud 
Talk about my day and you tune me out 
You keep telling me lies to make things worse 
But I don’t hear you 
‘Cause I’m listening to his words 
And he says I am beautiful 
And when I fall 
It don’t matter that I’m not perfect 
I am beautiful 
I’m not alone 
And in his eyes I’m so worth it 
I’m worth every tear 
And every scar 
And even when you say I’m not 
He says I’m beautiful 
You say I’ll never be good enough 
Knock me down 
Won’t help me up 
And you always say the right thing to make hurt 
But I don’t hear you 
‘Cause I’m listening to his words 
And he says I am beautiful 
And when I fall 
It don’t matter that I’m not perfect 
I am beautiful 
I’m not alone 
And in his eyes I’m so worth it 
I’m worth every tear 
And every scar 
And even when you say I’m not 
He says I’m beautiful 
And I deserve better things 
He says he understands 
I got to do what's right for me 
And he says I am beautiful 
And when I fall 
It don’t matter that I’m not perfect 
I am beautiful 
I’m not alone 
And in his eyes I’m so worth it 
I’m worth every tear 
And every scar 
And even when you say I’m not 
He says I’m beautiful 
He says 
He says 
I’m beautiful 
And I’m worth every tear 
And every scar 
And even when you say I’m not 
He says I’m beautiful




Peace,

Pastor Charlie

Better Than A Hallelujah Sometimes

Ask someone how he or she is, and most likely you will get the response, "Fine." Greet a parishioner after church and I often hear, "Good Morning!" or "Nice sermon, Pastor." There seems to be an unwritten script to life and expected greetings and responses. In some ways, this provides a pattern and flow to our encounters, and there is some comfort in that familiarity. But sometimes these comments might take the place of what one might really want to say.

I wonder if that might be true in our relationship with God. While there is comfort and great benefit to the routine and liturgy of worship, might there be times what we really want to bring to the feet of God is held inside? Don't get me wrong; I appreciate the flow of worship and the structure of the liturgy - it is one of the things that drew me to the Lutheran church. There is good reasoning for why we do what we do. But there may be times what we need to bring to God in our worship or devotion is what St. Paul calls "sighs too deep for words" (Romans 8). Those sighs might be those times when words are not there, and all we can do is turn to God and fall into God's embrace.  

Amy Grant sings a song called "Better Than A Hallelujah." In this song, she captures this notion. (skip the ad when you can!) 

 

There is a need for good order and the right words and responses. But sometimes there needs to be room for something else.

Peace,

Pastor Charlie

Missing Mom

Sunday is Mother's Day. This Mother's Day will be different than any other for me, because it will be the first Mother's Day I won't be calling Mom or sending her flowers or a card.  Mom passed away last May, just a few days before her 90th birthday.

Oh, how I miss her, my visits with her up in Michigan, and our conversations on the phone. The last couple years, those conversations were all very much the same, and often I heard the same stories over and over again. But that was okay. It was good to hear her tell of the activities at the assisted living facility that had become home for her and Dad some seven years earlier. It was a blessing to share memories of Dad with her, and hear her speak of how much she missed him since his passing back in 2008. I realized after Mom's passing that it felt as if I lost a part of Dad when she died.

Yes, I will miss Mom, but I won't forget. I will give thanks to God for her raising my brothers and me to be who we are today. I will give thanks for the sacrifices she made for us, the lessons she taught us, the trust she placed in us, and the love she shared with us. Now don't get the wrong impression - I am not trying to put my mother in the running for sainthood. Raising four boys was not an easy task, and we definitely had our share of spats and disagreements. But in the end, the foundation of love and nurturing outweighs the difficult times we had now and again.

I know that we all have different memories and relationships with our parents. Some can be quite painful to recall. I understand that days like these can be joyful for some, and hurtful for others. I know that all of us who are parents have said at one time or another, "I will never do (you fill in the blank) like Mom or Dad did." But for me, and I imagine many of you, there are memories and traits we hope we can pass on to our children.

On Mother's Day, I will be attending my son's graduation from Ohio Northern University. He will be receiving his Doctorate degree in Pharmacy. I know Mom would be so proud. I will make sure I let him know that (and that Dad is proud too).

Happy Mother's Day!

On a MUCH lighter note, I came across this video years ago - it reminds me so much of my brothers (not me - I am the baby of the family who can do no wrong!) 

Peace,
Pastor Charlie

Interfaith Hospitality Network

A couple weeks ago, I had the privilege and joy of hosting a night at the Greene County Interfaith Hospitality facility with other Epiphany members.  The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) of Greene County is a nonprofit ministry committed to uniting the religious community in Greene County to provide shelter, meals and assistance to homeless families. Their mission is to reach out as messengers of God, reflecting His unconditional love with compassion and acceptance, providing help, hope and a safe haven for our guests while they seek permanent employment and affordable housing. There are many opportunities for us as a church to get involved. When assigned for the week, we provide meals, hosting, and opportunities just to meet and greet the families.

The old Francis Inn in Xenia, Ohio was transformed into a facility for this program for the past three years. Epiphany Lutheran Church is one of 10 hosting churches that are involved in the program. The building has 10 bedrooms, four bathrooms with showers, a host room, storage and office space, a laundry room, kitchen and eating space, computers for homework and job searching, and even a quiet lounge area for some downtime for those staying there.

There is an Executive Director, and Administrative Assistant, a Kitchen Manager, a Training Manager and a weekend staff person who make the program work. A dedicated Board of Trustees and an Advisory board offer support and guidance as well. The goal of the program is to serve 50 displaced families a year with case management, temporary lodging, and nutritious meals, and placing at least 40 of these families in permanent housing each year. 

What I appreciate about the ministry is the opportunity not just to serve, but to be with the people you are serving. There is a great sense of community that happens in this place. While I was there, I had the opportunity to meet the parents and kids who are currently there. One little girl, just three years old, became my shadow – I will call her Tiffany. As Jim Evans (Epiphany member and chair of the IHN Board) was giving me a tour, Tiffany wanted to show me everything on the walls, on the floor, and more! I could tell she felt at home in this place, a place that is safe and welcoming. I realized that while I had come to be her host, she wanted to be mine. 

This ministry relies on the support of donations and gifts to keep this ministry going. One way you can support this is through the IHN Golf Marathon 2013. We hope to have 40 golfers participate (I am one of them) who will be playing 100 holes of golf to raise funds for IHN. If you would like to sponsor me or my partner, Ted Urban (we are splitting the holes and doing 50 each!), contact me and I will send you more information (cwoodward@epiphanydayton.org). 

Thanks and Peace,

Pastor Charlie

We Have Never Done It That Way!

The good news of Jesus Christ - the one who takes on himself the sins of the world, the one who loves us, forgives us and promises to be with us, the one who desires the best for us - his is the message we, the church, are called to share. That is why we exist. That is what we do. That is our mission!

How do we do it? With whatever methods and gifts we have at our disposal. At Epiphany, we are blessed with great facilities, wonderful music, gifted teachers and leaders, a pantry that assists many in the community that is staffed by many volunteers, many other outreach ministries and volunteers, a great drama ministry, inspired worship, fantastic youth programs, joy in fellowship, and so much more. These things happen because people find joy in serving, and through these many facets, the good news is proclaimed.

The message is what is important. We have to be careful not to get in the way of the message being shared even if it is done in a way that is not the way we would do it.  Someone once said, "The last seven words of the church will be 'we have never done it that way.'" As the church continues to grow and move forward, may we be focused on our purpose, "We love Jesus by serving others." How that might look? Let's be open to where God is leading us.

I give you an example of what I mean. One of my favorite music groups is "The Piano Guys." In this video clip, you will see how a piano can be used in ways one never imagined. And yet, the music is shared.  (sorry for the advertisements at the beginning)





I encourage you to be a partner in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ for all who have ears to hear. May we encourage one another to use the gifts in sharing the good news even if we have never done it that way before.

Peace,
Pastor Charlie

Be Still and know!

I have just returned from vacation. I promise to not bore you with pictures or stories of my time away, but I will tell you it was good to have some "down time" as we like to say. The phone was turned off, and the only clock we used was the placement of the sun in the sky.  Ahhhhh.................

Okay, I am back! I was reminded during the time away how important it is to take time to stop, to be still, and to be at rest. I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like I am in such a rush that I get ahead of myself, and maybe even get ahead of God, and I soon forget that I am not the leader. How important it is to take time to stop, be still and rest.

A favorite verse of mine is Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God." Be still! What is surprising is that this verse comes at the end of the psalm Martin Luther used as the basis for the Lutheran fight song - "A Mighty Fortress." Singing that hymn never conveys silence and peace to me. But maybe there is a sense of hope and comfort knowing that God is in charge. Peace. Be still.

I have found this verse to be a great prayer.  Simply take off a word or two at the end of the verse each time, and there you will find a new reflection:

• Be still and know that I am God - God is in charge
• Be still and know that I am - that is the name of God given to Moses to share with Pharoah - "Tell Pharoah that 'I Am' has sent you."  I Am = Yahweh. God IS.  Not "God has been" or "God will be." NO. "God Is!"
• Be still and know - know that God is the one who loves you. God knows YOU. And the one God knows is the one God loves.
• Be still - there is nothing you can do to make God love you more. There is nothing you can do to make God love you less. Be still.
• Be - God created you. In God's eyes you are precious.

I pray you find time to be still and know.

Peace,
Pastor Charlie

A great song based on this verse

Risen Indeed

Christ is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed.  Alleluia!

What a great week of worship from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. Jesus the Christ has won the battle over sin and death for you!  Rejoice!

This song, which we sang on Easter at our contemporary services, sums up the Easter message so very well.

In Christ Alone



More posts to come after vaction!

Happy Easter!

Peace
Pastor Charlie