"This Player Coach's Wristband"
July 18, 2010
Dear Friends,
Did you read the story about the local fellow with the spray paint ministry? Perhaps you’ve seen him standing on a corner in Hampton with one of his signs. The sign says:
“No matter what, trust God.”
He heard a voice that told him this. Since then, he’s distributed over 3,000 of these signs all over Hampton Roads and in a variety of states. Evidently, his signs have occasionally brought him trouble with codes and compliances.
Some folks might think he’s a little unusual, I guess. I like the fact that he’s a bold witness for his faith.
Be bold in sharing your faith in Jesus Christ! It matters! It makes a difference!
Peace,
Pastor Freeborn
July 11, 2010
Dear Friends,
The local newspaper carried an article in the Sunday, June 27, paper about how the recession is hurting church giving. Giving is down in churches this year. The Wall Street Journal had an article entitled, “The Paralyzed Plutocracy,” a couple of weeks ago. It cited a wealth report that America’s millionaires “are back—their combined fortunes down just 10% or less from the 2007 peak.”
But what intrigued me in the Wall Street Journal article were the observations of Meir Statman, behavioral-investment expert at the Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University. Among the reasons he gives that we are a “paralyzed plutocracy” instead of “confident capital” is a lack of MENTAL LIQUIDITY. He says: “Some people have a loss on an investment, but they are reluctant to sell it and move and realize the loss to buy something else because they don’t want to admit the loss. They’re frozen. They can sell, but they don’t want to. I call that “a lack of Mental Liquidity.”
Wow! I know the scripture says, “Without a vision, the people perish.” I wonder if “a lack of Mental Liquidity,” an inability to admit and deal with loss, a frozen paralysis, is also just as deadly. I think it is.
One cannot invest in the future if they’re stuck with a lack of Mental Liquidity. Maybe that’s what’s really ailing Americans and American churches. Maybe that’s what’s behind the decrease in giving in American churches. Maybe that’s the real illness—a lack of Mental Liquidity.
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
July 4, 2010
Dear Friends,
In this week’s wristband, I want to call your attention to an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal on June 24-25 (?). In the column entitled, “Houses of Worship,” Jon A. Shields, Assistant Professor of Government at Claremont McKenna College, wrote about the recently deceased basketball star, Manute Bol.
Bol was 47 when he died. He was a Christian Sudanese immigrant and 7 feet, 7 inches tall. It is a heart-warming, inspiring story about his Christian faith and how he let his “little light” shine. In a professional basketball player world of “Big” men and “Bigger” egos, his “little light” was as bright as the sun. I’ve posted the article on the bulletin board on the right as you enter the education building. Take time to read it. It’ll do your soul good!
Pastor Freeborn
June 27, 2010
Dear Friends,
Do you know where phrases like:
“green-eyed monster,”
“in a pickle,”
“love is blind,”
“wear my heart on my sleeve,”
“there’s the rub,”
“cruel to be kind,”
“wild goose chase,”
“dogs of war,”
and, “strange bed fellows” come from?
No, it’s not the Bible or a movie or a rock song. They come from the pen of William Shakespeare.
On Tuesday in Men’s Bible Study, we encountered this phrase from Galatians 2, “the right hand of Christian fellowship.”
Extending the right hand is a symbol of peace and good will and acceptance. When you extended your right hand in ancient times, it showed you were disarmed, carried no weapon, and harbored no ill will. Christian fellowship is established by the “right hand of Christian fellowship.” We greet one another in Christ’s peace and as brothers and sisters of the Lord.
That “right hand of Christian fellowship” is precious and godly. It is violated when dissimulation occurs. (That’s the point of Galatians 2.) We say we’re all about Christian fellowship, but then we intentionally do harm or ill will.
Phrases are wonderful things. Expressions are delightful. But “the right hand of Christian fellowship” is a sacred act not to be entered into casually or lightly.
How fitting a thing it is, thus, when we welcome new members to say, “I extend to you the right hand of Christian fellowship.”
Peace,
Pastor Freeborn
June 20, 2010
“This Player-Coach’s Wristband”
Dear Friends,
What a busy and productive week we’ve had! It was the week of special year-end chapel services for our school, All-School Chapel on our final day of the term (Thursday) and Fifth Grade Graduation on Thursday evening.
Today we have our Annual Congregational Meeting complete with the election of officers, receipt of reports, and action on the church budget and other items docketed for action. It is also my hope that the Council will announce the names of those serving on our Pastoral Search Committee.
Yes, it has been a very busy week, indeed. So, be nice!
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
“This Player-Coach’s Wristband”
Dear Friends,
Part of serving a congregation with a strong active duty military presence is the sadness we feel when new assignments come to them, and they “march on.”
We will be saying goodbye to the Freakley family, the Garcia family, the Hood family, the Hutchison family, the Krause family, the Nixon family, and the Peterson family this month. What a privilege to have you with us at Gloria Dei these past few years!
Please know we will always hold you in our prayers and our hearts. We are grateful for your service to our nation and ask God to bless and keep you in all your new opportunities.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Freeborn and the people of Gloria Dei
Dear Friends,
I recently read a great message based on Joshua 1:1-7 entitled, “What Happens Next?” The passage in scripture concludes with God saying to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” The preacher, The Rev. Byron Wade, said: “My hope for this church is contained in the overall ability to be ‘strong and courageous.’
- Be strong and courageous in becoming a church that is diverse and inclusive of all of God’s people.
- Be strong and courageous in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a broken and fearful world.
- Be strong and courageous in believing that, despite our differences, we can live together as a denomination and not be fearful of what may divide us but to respect each other as persons made in God’s image.
- Be strong and courageous in discovering new ways of becoming authentic, hospitable, and welcoming communities of faith, where worship and communal life will be participating and engage our local communities in mission.
- Be strong and courageous in providing leadership of opportunities for youth and young adults so they may grow in Christ.
We enter into the next decade poised to cross over into a new place God has for us.” I thank God for these words. They encourage me as a Pastor in this season of ministry. My prayer is that they encourage you, too!
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
Dear Friends,
On Pentecost Sunday, we celebrated the birthday of the Church with the receiving of God’s Holy Spirit. You’ve all heard that old story of Jesus ascending to heaven where He was asked by the angels about the plans He had left in place for continuing His ministry on earth. “I’ve left My disciples in charge,” He said. “What!” they exclaimed. “Those guys!” And so the ministry is up to us.
But let’s not forget Pentecost. “I will not leave you desolate,” Jesus said. He promised the power of God, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, to His Church. We’re not alone. We’re not on our own. The Holy Spirit is in us, guiding and directing; empowering and enabling. The Holy Spirit is with us, upon us, in us. How can we fail?
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
The Bivocational Congregation. “What’s that?” I wondered. Well, it’s a congregation that “operates upon...and may even self-consciously understand...two callings: the calling of function and the calling of mission.” As I read further, it became clear such a church ministers to the needs of the congregation today while putting equal energy and commitment into the missions of tomorrow. In fact, such a congregation has “a willingness to experiment and trust that a higher power has something wonderful in store for tomorrow.”
Historically, Gloria Dei has been a Bivocational Church in our ministry with school families, military families, and the Hampton community (i.e., Police Department and Fire Department Chaplaincy, H.E.L.P., Fox Hill community, etc.). We recognize we are called to care for the established Gloria Dei Church community and these other persons as well.
During this time of transition, it is my hope we will not lose our Bivocational focus. It is important that we care for and minister to those beyond our immediate church membership. It is a matter of spiritual health not only for them, but also for us.
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
Dear Friends,
Those Presbyterian folks sure do like to measure things! Here’s their latest information. Three out of ten Presbyterians have had to reduce their giving because of the economy. (The Barna Group study also shows that nationally 45 percent of Americans have reduced their donations.) The Presbyterians also found that one-quarter of church donors cut their contributions by 20 percent. “The implication is that church and nonprofit leaders should prepare for another lean year,” said David Kinnaman, Barna Group President.
The fact is that Gloria Dei has been affected, too. Lots of folks are struggling with medical bills, increased fixed costs, reductions in pensions, employment fears, increased energy costs, support of unemployed family—just a lot of uncertainty over all.
Let’s be in prayer about this! Keep stewardship in your prayers! May God give us the comfort, confidence, and, in some cases, the financial relief we need, especially in these difficult times.
Peace,
Pastor Freeborn
Dear Friends,
I was in the doctor’s office recently, patiently waiting my turn (o.k., not so patiently) when I picked up a magazine. There was an article in it about Kristin Armstrong (the former Mrs. Lance Armstrong), a mother of three. The article was entitled, “The Gift of Grace.” You can understand why it caught my eye!
Kristin Armstrong has written a book entitled: Work in Progress: Guide to Grace. Her divorce taught her humility, that she wasn’t perfect and never would be, and, “Hey, I’m not in charge.” In answer to the question: “How can women begin to lead a more grace-filled life?” Armstrong gave this answer. “My Mom always used to say, Start the way you want to end up. I take that to mean being aware of what I am doing, how it affects others, how it affects me, how it affects my relationship with God. I believe in constant refinement and focus to become not only the woman I want, but the woman I believe God made me to be.”
I realize this isn’t a theological book. It points, though, to the tension between understanding “Hey, I’m not in charge,” and taking appropriate initiative for the living of one’s life. Confident in God’s grace through Jesus Christ and the presence of God’s Holy Spirit with us, we endeavor to “start the way you want to end up.” We never make it perfectly or completely, but by God’s grace we persevere.
What does the phrase, “Start the way you want to end up” mean to you?
Peace,
Pastor Freeborn
5/2/10
Dear Friends,
I appreciate the writings and courses I’ve taken from an excellent pastor and consultant named Susan Beaumont. Recently, she wrote an article addressing the question, “Do I Have What it Takes to Effectively Lead a Large Congregation?” She lists the following “core competencies” to lead a congregation with an average worship attendance of 400-800 persons per week:
? Preaching and Worship Leadership
? Public Communication
? Strategy and Vision
? Willingness to Engage Conflict
? Decision Making
? Organizational Agility
? Collaboration
? Spiritual Mobility
? Initiative
? Ego Strength
? Personal Resilience
It’s a pretty interesting list, isn’t it? As we move to eventually calling a Senior Pastor, perhaps it might be helpful to think about this test. What do we affirm or reject? What would we add?
Pastor Freeborn
4/24/10
Dear Friends,
Something you might not know about this Pastor is that I really like Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Always have. Always will. I’ve ridden on the back of them, but have never driven one. The fact of the matter is that I probably don’t have the balance it takes to drive one. But, be that as it may, I do like Harley-Davidson motorcycles! So, while I do not own one, I do own a few shares of stock in the company.
In their annual report to shareholders, the Company President and CEO, Keith Wandell, entitled his report, “Courage, Focus and Direction.” He noted how HD persevered in the worst economic downturn in decades and established a bold, clear strategic direction.
For Christians, our leader, Jesus Christ, gives us courage, focus, and direction. Our courage comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Our focus is the great commission to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Our direction is seizing, by God’s grace, God-given opportunities that providentially come our way.
Courage, Focus, and Direction is ours in following Jesus Christ.
“Courage. You can call it character. You can call it
determination. Or you can call it guts. But courage changes
everything.” ~Harley Davison 2009 Annual Report
Pastor Freeborn
4/17/10
Dear Friends,
A number of Church leaders were surveyed about the future and their recommendations for the broader church embracing that future. Here are some of their observations:
- People need to become more comfortable talking about their faith and willing to share the good news with other people.
- We need to be more experimental and take more risks.
- We need to broaden our horizons and appeal to all races and all classes.
- I hope we listen to how the next generation sees community and how they see justice.
- We need to respond to “a fluid culture in a fluid world in a way that we are comfortable with.”
- We must struggle with how to maintain structure and sustainability in a world and in a lifestyle that doesn’t lend itself to that.”
- We will struggle with congregations that have fewer than 100 members and cannot afford full-time pastors.
- We must grow “deep and wide.”
- We must move from a laissez -faire market model church to a missioned model church that asks: Where are we needed?
As a Parish Pastor, I find these comments and observations very interesting. I’m thinking about the future. Which of these observations do you agree with? What observations would you add? Join me in thinking about the future of the church!
Pastor Freeborn
4/7/10
Dear Friends,
The Lord Is Risen! He Is Risen, Indeed! Hallelujah! The veritable darkness of Christ’s death of Good Friday has been transformed into the brightness of the new Resurrection Day of Easter victory. Hope is not only restored, it is realized hope. Realized hope means that all of our best longings for holiness, justice, perfect love, and absolute joy in the Lord are not just rekindled. They are accomplished in Christ’s Resurrection. Our hope is a sure thing! It is realized! It is certain! Today, we celebrate Christ’s glorious Resurrection, and realized hope is our definitive reality.
Hallelujah!
Pastor Freeborn
3/21/2010
Dear Friends,
I recently read an article in a magazine entitled, “It’s All Jazz.” The author reflects on a Sunday brunch hosted by a pastor and spouse for 40 young adults. The purpose of the brunch was to introduce the congregation’s new Minister for Young Adults. Immediately, the new Minister for Young Adults “began working the crowd, forming relationships, introducing people, and testing out her belief that young adults’ ministry must shatter all paradigms. ‘It’s all jazz,’ the older Senior Pastor said afterward.”
By that, the Pastor meant something new was happening, a “free-flowing, flexible interplay of persons.” The Senior Pastor wasn’t sure what to call it, but this new generation has a unique way of participating. For one thing, they’re comfortable with virtual community. They have new skills, tools, and patterns as they live their lives of faith.
The author of the article reminds us that the church has changed many, many times throughout its history. For example, World War II veterans were welcomed home in the late 1940s and 50s by the generation that survived the Depression. The World
War II folks had a different perspective on their needs. Classrooms were built for their children, and “coffee hour” became a mainstay of parish social life.
Changes are happening again. I am a 34-year pastoral veteran, who emails, Facebooks, IMs, internets, and even Skypes! I’ve come a long way from the ditto machine! And, while the Gospel is dependable and consistent, these new ways and opportunities are exciting!
Yes, it’s all jazz!
Pastor Freeborn
3/14/10
Dear Friends,
Remember the story of Moses? Where Moses stood, “The bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed.”
(Exodus 3:2)
I can only imagine how that would startle me, a 21st century person, let alone how it must have startled someone who lived thousands of years before Christ. It came out of nowhere and was unexpected!
Opportunities that call us to change and do new ministry are the burning bushes. They come out of nowhere, it seems. They startle us. They’re beyond initial comprehension. Finally, we recognize that they come from God.
What burning bushes are coming your way?
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
3/7/10
Dear Friends,
Social scientists are observing that we are living in an era characterized by “The 4 As”—Anything. Anyone. Anytime. Anywhere.
Anything (products/services) can be modified or
created.
Anyone can be their own “expert” in many fields (i.e.,
investing, medicine, home repair, film
making, education).
Anytime. We expect goods/services available
immediately on demand.
Anywhere. At home or abroad, in the real or virtual
world.
And yet, in the 4A world there is still a need for a “third place.” The first place is your home, the second place is where you work, and the third place is a place to engage others, recharge, have social experiences. People still seem to need a third place. Maybe it’s Cheers—Where Everybody Knows Your Name, or the Fraternity, or Starbucks, or the Bookstore. Maybe it’s even Church. Noted successful coffee groups, bookstores, bars, etc., intentionally pitch themselves to be people’s third place.
I believe Church is the Ultimate Third Place because it was created by God, blessed by God, sustained by God, and is the ordained instrument of God’s meeting place with God’s people. And in this 4A world of ours, we remember a fifth A: Our God is an Awesome God!
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
2/28/10
Dear Friends,
In his book, “Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection,” John T. Cacioppo affirms the conclusion that human beings are “inherently unselfish—or at least need to be for their health and the perpetuation of their genes.” (Forbes, Ideas and Opinion, August 24, 2009) He says: “We survive and prosper, and our genes survive and prosper, only because we are socially connected to each other.” In other words, loneliness kills. Quality relationships matter as much as, if not more than quantity relationships. Do you remember the story of creation? God said: “It is not good for the man to be alone.”
Jesus said those who do God’s will are family. That was His ultimate connection, next to His connection to His Heavenly Father, more important than even His biological family. I worry about people who think they can “go it alone.” They can’t, really. It’s not our nature. It’s not God’s plan for how we are made. For the sake of your health, spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, psychological, stay connected in quality relationships with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
2/21/10
Dear Friends,
Lent is a wonderful season for letting go of grudges and bitterness. Nearly everyone has been hurt by the words or actions of another person. When this happens, you can either hold onto the grudge and bitterness or you can embrace forgiveness and move forward, away from resentment and vengeful thoughts. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you deny the other person’s responsibility for their action, nor that the hurt doesn’t remain part of your life’s history. Rather, I like to think of forgiveness as applying a kind of peace to your life. It is a refusal of allowing the hurt, the grudge, or the bitterness to define you or the context of your life.
Forgiveness brings many benefits. It provides the opportunity for healthier relationships, greater spiritual wellbeing, greater psychological wellbeing, better physical health (i.e., lower blood pressure) and lower risk of negative personal behavior like self-medicating substance apnea.
But what if you’re stuck and are having a hard time with forgiveness? Talk with your pastor or someone you’ve found to be wise and compassionate. Pray. Consider journaling to “get the feelings out.” Reflect on times when you’ve hurt others and needed forgiveness.
Lent is a wonderful time for forgiveness, especially as we contemplate the Christ who said on the cross: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
2/7/10
Dear Friends,
Rodney L. Petersen recently wrote an article for the Alban Institute called American Dissonance. He notes: “As with other contemporary religious expressions, Christianity has become a movement of great fluidity and diversity in the twenty-first century. Religious “border-crossing” is not unusual but, in fact, represents much of post-demonstrational Protestantions and the wider religious currents of which it is a part.”
Petersen sees “border-crossing” as an expression of democratizations and the principle of free association. There is an erosion of trust in institutions. People are “border-crossing.” One of the interesting characteristics of Gloria Dei is the high percentage of people who did not historically grow up Lutheran or who have been members of other denominations as they moved from place to place. As a pastor, I have been impressed that an overwhelming majority of people attend Gloria Dei because of what Gloria Dei stands for and not simply because of brand loyalty. It is important for us to recognize this contemporary dynamic, not to waiver on our church’s commitment to the ELCA, but to appreciate the attraction Gloria Dei inherently offers, as together we “lift high the Christ.”
It opposes hard-line parochialism ministry in twenty-first century America. Hospitality, welcoming, and openness is the order of the day.
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
1/31/10
Dear Friends,
On every “Holy Communion Sunday,” we confess our faith using the Nicene Creed. A theological dispute that threatened the early church resulted in the first church-wide council in 325 A.D. Over 300 bishops met in Nicea (in present day, Turkey) to resolve a controversy about the nature of God in general and relationship between the Father and the Son in specific. The questions were:
Is Jesus Christ fully divine, one with the Father, as well as fully human? (Yes)
Or is the Son subordinate to the Father, a God-created divinity? (No)
Did God come in the person of Jesus Christ? (Yes)
Or was Jesus just an “emissary?” (No)
Is Jesus “true God” and His salvation the effect of God’s gracious will? (Yes)
Or was Jesus something less and God’s will ultimately mysterious? (No)
Were believers in Christ reconciled to God? (Yes)
Or were “additional steps” required? (No)
The Bishops didn’t meet to develop doctrinal formulas. Rather, they met to express the consensus of the world-wide Church as it lived out the Christian life begun in baptism. As Joseph D. Small puts it: “At Nicea, the bishops clarified ambiguities and removed uncertainties.”
Whenever we say the creeds, I get “goosebumps” remembering the generations of Christians who have spoken these weighty words of belief and identity. I am moved to remember the history behind the formulation of the creeds, especially the Nicene. I remember that, even after the conclusions of the Nicene Creed were resolved, it took decades for its consensus to be fully integrated into the Church’s core being and practice. How wonderful it is to be part of a confessional Church! We stand with like-minded Christian believers of history!
Peace,
Pastor Freeborn
1/24/10
Dear Friends,
A recent article about teens likened their situation in contemporary culture to that of first century Christians in the Roman colosseum. The hopes they face on ethical and moral dilemmas of the present culture. It is critical that they come from a positive value system if they’re going to survive. Studies reveal that young people who lack a basic Biblical belief system are:
36% more likely to lie to a friend,
48% more likely to cheat on an exam,
200% more likely to steal,
200% more likely to physically hurt someone,
350% more likely to use illegal drugs, and
600% more likely to attempt suicide!
This weekend, I will be attending our Synod’s Senior High retreat, “Winter Celebration” over in Lynchburg with 21 of our youth and five advisors. Our youth are a priority. We want them to not only survive; we want them to thrive.
Please keep our retreat in your prayers and our youth in your ongoing prayers.
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
1/17/10
Dear Friends,
Stewardship notes in January? Unheard of! Well, I just want to share a couple of comments with you.
Stewardship campaigns look at taproot issues for a congregation. It forces us to ask questions.
§ What special purpose do we serve?
§ What good things do we want to accomplish with our dollars?
§ Are some of our expenditures simply done out of habit and aren’t regularly reexamined?
§ What way of life are we inviting people into?
§ Whose lives do we mean to change and in what way?
It won’t be long until we start beginning to prepare budgets for the school and the church. It’s time to prayerfully start thinking about these and other important evaluative questions.
Put on your thinking caps!
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
Epiphany
1/10/10
Dear Friends,
“Once upon a time.” That’s how many stories begin. Have you ever thought of your life as an unfolding story? In part, that’s how the liturgical church year unfolds, around the life of Jesus. As we remember His life, it’s fun to remember the chapters and seasons of our lives as well. Think about the story of your life. Where have you come from? Who have been the important people along the way? What have been the major events? Where are you now? Where are you going?
As you reflect on these things, may you follow the star that leads to the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. With Christ in your life, you have the very best there is.
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
12/27
Dear Friends,
I went to the movies recently and was amazed. I wasn’t amazed by the movie, its plot, the characters, or any of the usual things. I was amazed by the intermittent distraction of people who used their cell phones, Blackberrys, and various electronic equipment to text their friends, check email, or connect to the web. They couldn’t stand to be “disconnected” for even two hours. They couldn’t concentrate on one thing, the movie. They had attention-span deficiency.
How about you? In your devotional life with God, can you stay focused? Can you stay focused on the Christ? At Christmas, you and I are invited to draw away from the many electronic distractions of life and place them at the doorway of the manger.
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
12/20
This Player-Coach’s Wristband”
Dear Friends,
Last week, I wrote about “Walking the Walk.” Someone gave me an article from Forbes Magazine entitled, “Walking Our Way Out of the Recession.” It was very interesting. However, what most caught my eye was the catchy phrase: Perambulating with a Purpose. In addition to writing about economics, the author sang the praise of taking a walk. He quoted Hippocrates: “Walking is man’s best medicine;” and Erasmus: “Before supper, walk a little; after supper, do the same;” and Thoreau: “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day;” and Trevelyan: “I have two doctors, my left leg and my right.” Yes, walking is great exercise.
But what about making it a spiritual discipline? Thomas Mann used to say: “Thoughts come clearly when one walks.” “Why the act of walking should induce and clarify thought is unclear, but it does,” the author says. Let me suggest walking can be a means to Perambulate with a Purpose Called Prayer. As you walk, pray. Open your heart to God. Listen for the clarity that comes from God. Dedicate your walk to a special time of undivided attention to God.
Perambulate with Prayerful Purpose all the way to Bethlehem. It’s good for the body and the soul.
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
Dear Gloria Dei,
When I was in Boston recently, I had lunch at The Green Dragon Tavern on Marshall Street. The Green Dragon was the favorite tavern of the Boston Founding Fathers, where they met to plan their revolutionary activities, the “hotbed” meeting place of Samuel Adams, Daniel Webster, and Paul Revere. The Sons of Liberty held meetings there, and the British plan to capture Sam Adams and John Hancock was discovered there. Sam Ballard, a 13-year-old, overheard two British officers and told the landlord who, in turn, informed the committee of safety, thereby saving Adams and Hancock. Throughout the generations, political clubs and organizations have met at the Green Dragon. The North End Caulkers Club met there, for example. It’s from the meetings of this club that we get the political term, “caucus.” They were also the ones who dumped the tea into Boston Harbor.
As I sat there, taking in all the history and a delicious lobster roll, I noticed the prayer on the placemat covering the table. “May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings, slow to make enemies, quick to make friends, but rich or poor, quick or slow, may you know nothing but happiness, from this day forward. Slainte!” As we come to this Thanksgiving Day, this is my prayer for you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Pastor Freeborn
Dear Friends,
Today we celebrate Veterans Day, an opportunity to give thanks for those who have served our nation in the armed forces and especially remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in that service. As a child, I remember the red poppies people wore in their lapels on Veterans Day. As school children, we were taught and memorized the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD, of the Canadian Army during World War I.
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
I especially find these words compelling. “The torch; be yours we throw…If ye break faith with us who die…We shall not sleep, though poppies grow…In Flanders fields.” The torch of the highest and noblest principles of democracy, virtue, and justice is now in our hands, placed there by those who have kept the faith in their generation. With gratitude in our hearts, we remember them. Prayerfully, we persevere.
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
Dear Friends,
“We live in a narrative,” Eugene Peterson once wrote. “We live in story. Existence has a story shape to it.” Indeed, it does.
Life unfolds itself scene to scene, chapter to chapter. The story of our lives comes from our hearts as we seek to “make sense of it all.” We want to understand the story of our lives. How do you understand the story of your life?
One important way of understanding our individual stories is to understand it in light of The Story, God’s story. God’s story is a story about God’s love, humankind’s rejection of God in sin, God’s persistent desire to save us, the Incarnation, Life, Ministry and Saving Work of Jesus Christ, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, the Ascension, the giving of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of Christ’s return. It is The Story about God’s grace, God’s gift of faith, and God’s never-failing love.
Yes, when we understand our story in light of God’s ultimate story and bend our lives to God’s story, we have joy and peace, no matter what! Like the old hymn says: “I love to tell the story, ‘twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.”
Faithfully yours,
Pastor Freeborn
Dear Gloria Dei,
The old Christian pastor’s greeting from the Scripture goes: “Grace and truth to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” I have begun many a sermon with these words. They remind me (and us) of our Christian balance and model of grace and truth. Today’s world is an increasingly secularized and post-modern culture in which historic Judeo-Christian values are challenged and undermined. Despite the world’s confusion and relativizing value system, we remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” 2 Timothy 2:14-15 instructs: “Be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as workers who don’t need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 3:16 says: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”
The Church of Jesus Christ is called to be a church of grace and truth. On this Reformation Day, we remember Martin Luther, who embraced both and said: “Here I stand; I can do no other.”
So may we stand.
Grace and truth to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Pastor Freeborn
Dear Friends,
I recently read a story in which a Christian psychologist named, Dr. Larry Craft, reported attending a worship service in England and sitting next to a frail, elderly, “but somehow strongly alive in a way you could feel woman.” She had been forced to leave her home in Zimbabwe by a corrupt government which had seized and sold her farm. She told stories of soldiers breaking into Christian worship services, dragging people out of the church, and beating them for their faith. She asked Dr. Craft, “When you return to America, will you ask Christians to pray for their brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe? But don’t pray for more safety and less suffering, pray for the courage of faith, for integrity of life and for faithfulness in prayer.” Wow!
When asked about her prayer life since she had returned to England, she said: “Oh,” almost whispering in shame and slowly shaking her tired gray head, “I feel too secure in this country to pray as well as I prayed when I lived in Zimbabwe.”
Perhaps feeling too secure isn’t an especially good thing for one’s spiritual life. Perhaps we need to cultivate a deeper appreciation of “the edge” by remembering those who suffer, especially for the faith, in our prayers. In our prayers, we can stand with them in Christian solidarity and, perhaps, even “pray well.” Let us pray for the Church throughout the world.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Freeborn
Dear Gloria Dei,
Did you hear David Letterman the other night when he confessed to his sexual relationships with females on his staff, fornication and adultery, “terrible things.” As he talked about this and the extortion attempt he said: “I’m motivated by nothing but guilt. I am a towering mass of Midwestern Lutheran guilt.”
This evoked a lot of mixed emotions. I’m sorry that Letterman was blackmailed. I’m glad he felt guilt, although evidently it was more guilt in being discovered rather than guilt for the sinful act. I’m amazed that the audience found this all humorous and that his ratings have gone up since this episode.
But most of all, while I pray he comes to a genuine sense of contrition and changes his life, I hope he becomes a towering mass of Midwestern Lutheran grace.
We are saved by grace through faith. This grace of God is amazing!
We all have our guilt, don’t we? But we live confidently because of God’s grace.
Amazing!
Pastor Freeborn
“The Mind of Christ”
Dear Friends,
1 Corinthians 2:16 speaks to us about having the mind of Christ:
“For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to
instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
The mind of Christ is our right mind. Are you in your right mind? If you are, the Word made flesh is dwelling with and within you.
Christians often talk about “salvation.” This word comes from the Greek word, “sozo,” which includes total restoration of a person—physical, emotional, spiritual, mental. Jesus comes not only to ‘save us’ from judgment and hell, but to give us full and abundant life in all dimensions of our being.
Paul, explores more about this mind of Christ in Philippians 4. Having the mind of Christ means:
? Not worrying about anything.
? Praying about everything.
? Telling God all your needs, hopes, and fears.
? Thanking God in advance for all God has done and will do.
? Claiming the peace the Christ gives you.
The mind of Christ Jesus brings health. It is being in your right mind. May you have the mind of Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Freeborn
Wriston’s Law
Dear Friends,
Have your heard of Wriston’s Law? Walter Wriston was a banker who said, “Capital (money and ideas), when freed to travel at the speed of light, “will go where it is wanted and stay where it is well-treated.”
Now I had never heard of Wriston’s Law until I read an article about it in Forbes Magazine. Forbes says, “By applying Wriston’s Law of capital and talent flow, you can predict the fortunes of companies, countries, states, and cities. All predicting about future performance must start with the most basic question: “Do organizations attract money and talent, or repel them?”
After reading the article, I wondered about churches in general and our church in particular. Do we want capital and treat it well? Do we want talented people and new ideas and treat them well? There is a synergy to success, I think, and it begins with being wanted and being well-treated. Historically, Gloria Dei has wanted capital to do great things to the glory of God and treated that capital wisely and well. Traditionally, we have welcomed bold, new ideas and talented people in the service of Christ. Accordingly, we have been blessed. And I see no reason to not continue with Wriston’s Law in the present and the future!
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
"In Touch with Your Inner Rocky”
Dear Friends,
The other day, I was reading the newspaper and came across an article entitled, “A CEO Steps Up Weight Loss by Exercising His Inner ‘Rocky.’” It caught my attention. It told the story of a businessman who lost 100 pounds by boxing. He puts on his boxing gloves and boxes across the room using jabs, hooks, upper cuts, and kicks. He gets in touch with his “Inner Rocky.”
Now then, I love boxing, and the movie, “Rocky,” is a centerpiece to my DVD collection (Yo! I’m from Philadelphia). But as I thought about this, I remembered the Scripture, “We are more than conquerors through Him (Jesus Christ) who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
Yes, you and I are conquerors because of Jesus Christ. Are you in touch with your “Inner Rocky?”
Go and conquer!
Pastor Freeborn
Dear Friends,
I’ve entitled my weekly message, “Hitting the High Notes,” remembering my initial struggle with singing the liturgy. It sure was a challenge. Especially when it came to hitting the high notes, the ones that felt a little bit out of my vocal range. By God’s grace, sometimes I even hit the high notes.
“Wait a minute,” I thought. That’ll preach! Living for Jesus means always endeavoring to hit God’s moral high notes, doesn’t it? In and of ourselves, we don’t do this very well. But, by the grace of God and equipped in the power of God’s Holy Spirit, we can hit God’s moral high notes. Let’s all keep one another in prayer this week that, by God’s grace, we will hit God’s moral high notes!
Blessings,
Pastor Freeborn
Dear Friends,
On this Labor Day weekend, we give thanks for all those who work, day in and day out, and thereby contribute to the good of our American society. And, at the same time, in these difficult economic times, we prayerfully remember those who wish and hope to be employed, but are presently unemployed.
The reality of the global economy often makes us feel particularly vulnerable to economic forces beyond our control. On this Labor Day weekend, let us give thanks to God for our various employments and also that we who are employed can contribute to the care and relief of those who are in need and out of work through no fault of their own.
Our crisis fund has been well used this year to help those who are struggling with economic hardship. Your special gift will be well used to make a difference and bring hope to another’s life.
Sincerely,
Pastor Freeborn
8/30/09
Dear Friends,
Abbreviations fill text messages. LOL means laugh out loud. 4COL means for crying out loud. HAND means have a nice day. CID means consider it done. WRUD means what are you doing? For an old guy like me, it’s hard to keep up! Learning these codes is like learning a foreign language.
Sometimes I wonder if our religious language seems like a foreign language to those not raised in the church. When we talk about our faith, do we do it in easily understood, everyday ways? Perhaps figuring out better down-to-earth ways of talking about Jesus would be a great topic for a Sunday School class or a conversation around the coffee bar.
Please share your faith with others, and do it in down-to-earth ways. After all, that is why Jesus came down to earth. Oh, and BTW (by the way), KUTGW means...keep up the good work!
Pastor Freeborn
8/23/09
“This Player-Coach’s Wristband”
“Bear One Another’s Burdens”
Dear Friends,
I saw the most beautiful thing in Chapel on Thursday. As Pastor Bugg called the flag helpers forward to hold the American flag for the pledge and anthem, two of the flag helpers quite apparently had some special needs. One, a little Caucasian boy, had difficulty walking and keeping his balance due to a physical impediment, and the other, a little African-American girl, struggled with a broken arm in a full cast. As they approached the Altar steps, they looked at each other, held out their good hands, and helped one another up and later down the Altar steps. Beautiful!
It’s like the Scripture says: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Freeborn
“This Player-Coach’s Wristband”
Dear Friends,
“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” My dear friend and colleague, Pastor Stowe, would often say, “Don’t let anyone take your peace away.” To that I would add, “Don’t let anyone take your joy away.”
The Lord is risen! In the times when death comes or our hearts are otherwise broken, we must remember, “The Lord is risen!” And so, even in the midst of heartache, grief, and sadness, there is the ultimate joy of Jesus Christ and his real, dependable promises for us.
I love that good old hymn, “Standing on the Promises.” The second verse goes,
“Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail.
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.”
In times of grief, sadness, and sorrow, try belting out a couple of verses of those great old hymns.
Pastor Freeborn