Orthodoxy
Orthodoxy is also known as “Eastern Christianity. It includes three groups of churches primarily including, The Assyrian Churches, The Oriental Churches, and The Eastern Orthodox. There are approximately 240 million Orthodox Christians throughout the world. Russia has the largest population of about 100 million, Ethiopia has 22 million, Romania 15 million, Greece 10 million, Egypt 4 million, Syria 800 thousand, Israel 300 thousand.
The Orthodox church continues to hold that the Patriarch of Constantinople is “first among equals” among the Orthodox bishops.
There is some considerable confusion as to whether Wesley sought for some of his preachers to be ordained by a Greek Orthodox Bishop. There are accounts of such an event happening, yet Wesley did not claim responsibility for such action. There are even reports Wesley was consecrated as a Bishop by an Orthodox Bishop. Wesley was influenced by the Orthodox spirituality and his prayer life was greatly influenced by the orthodox traditions.
Orthodox Christians have a different calendar from Western Christians. The most noticeable difference being the date of Christmas as January 6 instead of December 25. This goes back to the Julian Calendar which is still used in the Orthodox tradition. (Pope Gregory introduced the “Gregorian” calendar in 1582, because the seasons were getting out of sync with the old Julian calendar.)
Unlike the Catholic Church, The Orthodox celebrate “mysteries.” These mysteries resemble Sacraments but differ in that a mystery is not limited to a list but could include any act in which a person connects with God. The common Mysteries of the church include: Baptism, Chrismation (an anointing of the Holy Spirit), Fasting, Almsgiving, Holy Communion, Repentance, Marriage, Monasticism, Holy Orders, Anointing with Oil.
Important dates in Orthodox Christianity.
1204 the sacking of Constantinople. In 1198 Pope Innocent III called for a crusade to capture the city of Jerusalem for the Christian faith. The armies of the crusade were to meet in Constantinople and sail to Jerusalem from there. The crusading armies in some confusion with the leaders of the city, attacked Constantinople. Much of the city was destroyed in fire and the chaos of war. Pope Innocent was ashamed and his attempt to take Jerusalem was a massive failure. In 2004 Pope John Paul II apologized to the Patriarch of Constantinople for the incident.
1453 Constantinople falls to the Ottoman Empire, ending the Byzantine Empire. Moscow becomes the new center of Orthodox Christianity.
If you have had the opportunity to worship in an Orthodox congregation you would be immediately struck by the iconography through out the building. Icons, paintings of saints, fill the Orthodox worship space. They tell the story of the Christian faith and they literally surround the congregation as a cloud of witnesses.
Most protestants do not understand the iconography of the Eastern tradition, for some it even seems like idol worship. For the Orthodox Christian, the icons are a means of communion with God. Remembrance of the Saints functions as a spiritual discipline to build our relationship with God. As one remembers the story of the saint it informs our contemporary Christian life. Prayer with the saints is seen as one might have a conversation with a deceased relative. It is not to worship the saint, but to reconnect to an important relationship of our life.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Thursday, January 04, 2007
January Newsletter Article
Building a Relationship
At some point as I was talking with one of my ministry mentors he shared with me a simple idea, “ministry is about relationships.” Seems obvious once it is stated, but sometimes church leaders (and church members) need to be reminded of the obvious. We gather together as a community because of the relationship with each other and the relationship we have with God. When things are working well, those relationships are a gift of grace.
This New Year’s Eve I was able to host a gathering of friends that have been getting together in one form or another for nearly 15 years now. We have celebrated marriages, the birth of children and now we are looking toward our children growing up and on our growing older. This community was formed by the relationships built through the ministry of the church. We met at first as youth at Ocean Park Camp, then as college students many of us gathered together while we were at W.S.U. These relationships are a gift of grace for me and I treasure them deeply.
It is my hope and prayer that as we gather together as the People of Longview United Methodist Church that we would understand being a disciple for Jesus Christ is to be in relationship with God and with our neighbors.
As a growing congregation our challenge is to continue to find ways to build relationships with others. Often we find ourselves at a point where we are comfortable with the number of people we have relationships with. Sometimes we don’t want to form a new relationship (relationships take work after all.) Yet, that is what we must do. We must find ways to continue to foster new relationships with others as well as deepen our relationship with God. Pray for the ministry of Longview United Methodist Church as we continue to work to build up the people of God in this New Year.
At some point as I was talking with one of my ministry mentors he shared with me a simple idea, “ministry is about relationships.” Seems obvious once it is stated, but sometimes church leaders (and church members) need to be reminded of the obvious. We gather together as a community because of the relationship with each other and the relationship we have with God. When things are working well, those relationships are a gift of grace.
This New Year’s Eve I was able to host a gathering of friends that have been getting together in one form or another for nearly 15 years now. We have celebrated marriages, the birth of children and now we are looking toward our children growing up and on our growing older. This community was formed by the relationships built through the ministry of the church. We met at first as youth at Ocean Park Camp, then as college students many of us gathered together while we were at W.S.U. These relationships are a gift of grace for me and I treasure them deeply.
It is my hope and prayer that as we gather together as the People of Longview United Methodist Church that we would understand being a disciple for Jesus Christ is to be in relationship with God and with our neighbors.
As a growing congregation our challenge is to continue to find ways to build relationships with others. Often we find ourselves at a point where we are comfortable with the number of people we have relationships with. Sometimes we don’t want to form a new relationship (relationships take work after all.) Yet, that is what we must do. We must find ways to continue to foster new relationships with others as well as deepen our relationship with God. Pray for the ministry of Longview United Methodist Church as we continue to work to build up the people of God in this New Year.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Catholocism
On January 14th the Sermon will focus on early church history from the perspective of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Roman Catholic Church along with the Orthodox Church's share the roots of the first organization of Christian denominations. Today the Roman Catholic Church has approximately 1 Billion members (or 1/6 of the worlds population.) This is the largest religious organization in the world. For many the Pope is seen as the Christian world leader. There is no denying the influence of the Roman Catholic Church in the world.
On Sunday January 14th we will take a look at not only the history of the Roman Catholic Church but also its influence on the Christian faith.
Questions for Discussion:
What has been the affect of the lawsuits regarding clergy and sexual abuse on your perceptions of not only the Roman Catholic Church, but also on "The Church" of any denomination?
What Theological idea or religious practice within the Roman Catholic Church do you find the hardest to understand?
What do you most admire about the Roman Catholic Church?
The Roman Catholic Church along with the Orthodox Church's share the roots of the first organization of Christian denominations. Today the Roman Catholic Church has approximately 1 Billion members (or 1/6 of the worlds population.) This is the largest religious organization in the world. For many the Pope is seen as the Christian world leader. There is no denying the influence of the Roman Catholic Church in the world.
On Sunday January 14th we will take a look at not only the history of the Roman Catholic Church but also its influence on the Christian faith.
Questions for Discussion:
What has been the affect of the lawsuits regarding clergy and sexual abuse on your perceptions of not only the Roman Catholic Church, but also on "The Church" of any denomination?
What Theological idea or religious practice within the Roman Catholic Church do you find the hardest to understand?
What do you most admire about the Roman Catholic Church?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy New Year
As 2007 begins I would like to invite you into a conversation with me. It is my intention to begin the conversation on with up coming idea's for Sermons at LUMC.
This idea partly springs from a short conversation with a friend of mine at our New Years Eve gathering. I was asking about her experience of church and what would be valuable and her answer was something like "ask the hard questions." Then I asked if I should also answer them, and she gave the response I was expecting, "no."
On January 14 we will begin a new series called "Windows on the Gospel" (thanks to Adam Hamilton of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood Kansas.) These sermons will be taking a look at some of the various denominations of the Christian faith. The Schedule for the sermons is as follows:
January 14: Catholicism
January 21: Orthodoxy
January 28: The Reformers
February 4: The foundations of Methodism
February 11: Methodism
February 18: Methodism's Children
So consider this an invitation to continue to develop the community of LUMC through the wonders of the Internet.
This idea partly springs from a short conversation with a friend of mine at our New Years Eve gathering. I was asking about her experience of church and what would be valuable and her answer was something like "ask the hard questions." Then I asked if I should also answer them, and she gave the response I was expecting, "no."
On January 14 we will begin a new series called "Windows on the Gospel" (thanks to Adam Hamilton of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood Kansas.) These sermons will be taking a look at some of the various denominations of the Christian faith. The Schedule for the sermons is as follows:
January 14: Catholicism
January 21: Orthodoxy
January 28: The Reformers
February 4: The foundations of Methodism
February 11: Methodism
February 18: Methodism's Children
So consider this an invitation to continue to develop the community of LUMC through the wonders of the Internet.
Monday, December 18, 2006
3rd Sunday in Advent
Gather the Outcast
The reading today comes from Zephaniah. Zephaniah was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah, in fact, Jeremiah at one point asks Zephaniah to take a message to the king. The book Zephaniah is written in response to raids by a group called the “Scythians” who were nomadic raiders originating out of the southwestern Russia. Zephaniah sees these raiders as a warning of more troubles to come if the people do not change their ways.
This by now has become a common theme of the prophets. Destruction is at hand, the people must change their ways, God will save.
Disparity of Wealth and caring for the poor is not only an ancient problem. Consider the following:
“average pay for corporate chief executive officers rose to 369 times that of the average worker last year, said finance professor Kevin Murphy of the University of Southern California; that compares with 131 times in 1993 and 36 times in 1976.”
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/295840_polleconomy14.html?source=mypi
In fact, the disparity of wealth between the richest 1% of our country and the rest of us is becoming as dramatic as it was in 1929 preceding the great depression. The best year was 1976 when the wealthiest 1% owned 20%, the wealthiest 1% today own about 38% of the nations wealth.
http://sociology.ucsc.edu/whorulesamerica/power/wealth.html
The “brood of vipers” become citizens of the kingdom of God when they begin to live in the recognition that all people are of worth and valued by God. They become citizens when they don’t make judgments about the poor but they begin to do something with the poor.
The people of LUMC have done much to live this vision. This past year through the “Pastor’s Love Fund” we have distributed nearly $1,000 to those in need. We have purchased food, gas and clothing. We have helped with rent, electric and water bills. We have purchased medications, and helped with doctor bills.
This year we will continue to live as people of the kingdom as we continue to name and do the work of helping our neighbors. We will continue to help those who ask for assistance and we will find more ways to bring help to those in need. As we help our neighbors, as we look for signs of the kingdom, we are making the way ready for the Messiah’s reign.
Devotions for the fourth week of Advent
Monday Read Zephaniah 1:7-13
The prophet describes God’s judgment as separating the rich from the objects of their wealth. How might it be a good thing to be separated from objects of wealth, what would the benefit be?
Pray for those holding on to possessions.
Tuesday Read Zephaniah 2:1-4
The people are called to gather together before God’s judgment comes and the people are scattered by God’s hand. How might we find strength in community? How can you participate in building community in your neighborhood, or your church?
Pray for those who are isolated and vulnerable.
Wednesday Read Zephaniah 3:14-20
This is a song of joy, for the community is restored as the outcast are gathered together. What prayers, time or money can you give for a mission of the church this next year?
Pray for the Mission opportunities of the church where we might feed, house, teach, build up the people of God.
Thursday Read Luke 3:1-6
John the Baptist quotes Isaiah, that to prepare for the Messiah we need to make straight paths, lift valleys, lower mountains, smooth over the rough places. How does this image fit your life today? Its December 21st, only a few days now until Christmas, what do you need to change so you can receive the Christ child?
Pray for your life with God, any rough places that you and God need to work on together?
Friday Read Luke 3:7-14
John seemingly turns on the people calling them a “brood of vipers.” Then addresses their questions about living a life with God, with answers like, tax collectors don’t take too much and soldiers respect the people. How might John the Baptist lead you in your work or life so you can live according to God’s kingdom?
Pray for those who are oppressing others and justify it by saying, “I’m only doing my job.”
The reading today comes from Zephaniah. Zephaniah was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah, in fact, Jeremiah at one point asks Zephaniah to take a message to the king. The book Zephaniah is written in response to raids by a group called the “Scythians” who were nomadic raiders originating out of the southwestern Russia. Zephaniah sees these raiders as a warning of more troubles to come if the people do not change their ways.
This by now has become a common theme of the prophets. Destruction is at hand, the people must change their ways, God will save.
Disparity of Wealth and caring for the poor is not only an ancient problem. Consider the following:
“average pay for corporate chief executive officers rose to 369 times that of the average worker last year, said finance professor Kevin Murphy of the University of Southern California; that compares with 131 times in 1993 and 36 times in 1976.”
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/295840_polleconomy14.html?source=mypi
In fact, the disparity of wealth between the richest 1% of our country and the rest of us is becoming as dramatic as it was in 1929 preceding the great depression. The best year was 1976 when the wealthiest 1% owned 20%, the wealthiest 1% today own about 38% of the nations wealth.
http://sociology.ucsc.edu/whorulesamerica/power/wealth.html
The “brood of vipers” become citizens of the kingdom of God when they begin to live in the recognition that all people are of worth and valued by God. They become citizens when they don’t make judgments about the poor but they begin to do something with the poor.
The people of LUMC have done much to live this vision. This past year through the “Pastor’s Love Fund” we have distributed nearly $1,000 to those in need. We have purchased food, gas and clothing. We have helped with rent, electric and water bills. We have purchased medications, and helped with doctor bills.
This year we will continue to live as people of the kingdom as we continue to name and do the work of helping our neighbors. We will continue to help those who ask for assistance and we will find more ways to bring help to those in need. As we help our neighbors, as we look for signs of the kingdom, we are making the way ready for the Messiah’s reign.
Devotions for the fourth week of Advent
Monday Read Zephaniah 1:7-13
The prophet describes God’s judgment as separating the rich from the objects of their wealth. How might it be a good thing to be separated from objects of wealth, what would the benefit be?
Pray for those holding on to possessions.
Tuesday Read Zephaniah 2:1-4
The people are called to gather together before God’s judgment comes and the people are scattered by God’s hand. How might we find strength in community? How can you participate in building community in your neighborhood, or your church?
Pray for those who are isolated and vulnerable.
Wednesday Read Zephaniah 3:14-20
This is a song of joy, for the community is restored as the outcast are gathered together. What prayers, time or money can you give for a mission of the church this next year?
Pray for the Mission opportunities of the church where we might feed, house, teach, build up the people of God.
Thursday Read Luke 3:1-6
John the Baptist quotes Isaiah, that to prepare for the Messiah we need to make straight paths, lift valleys, lower mountains, smooth over the rough places. How does this image fit your life today? Its December 21st, only a few days now until Christmas, what do you need to change so you can receive the Christ child?
Pray for your life with God, any rough places that you and God need to work on together?
Friday Read Luke 3:7-14
John seemingly turns on the people calling them a “brood of vipers.” Then addresses their questions about living a life with God, with answers like, tax collectors don’t take too much and soldiers respect the people. How might John the Baptist lead you in your work or life so you can live according to God’s kingdom?
Pray for those who are oppressing others and justify it by saying, “I’m only doing my job.”
Thursday, December 14, 2006
O Christmas Tree
Last Night we finally got the tree up. We had a bit of a family discussion about the tree this year, Kendra and I with our newly refinished oak wood floor, wanted to get a simple “fake” tree. Brianna was disappointed. She likes how the “real” ones smell. Finally we agreed, Brianna could have another tree in her room, and that seemed to satisfy her.
There has been a lot of hubbub about trees this week. I received an e-mail from “The American Family Association” who is all upset that Senator Murray refused to say “Christmas” tree instead calling it a “holiday” tree. Ugh. I don’t know why she didn’t call it a Christmas tree. The AMA seems to take this as an attack on Christmas. Politically I think it is silly to try to call a Christmas Tree a holiday tree instead. Have people of other religions all the sudden wanted to claim the Christmas Tree as a symbol? IS a “Christmas Tree" a Christian symbol at all, or is it simply a popular thing to do from the Victorian era? What “holiday” is the tree representing if not Christmas? Are evergreen trees part of Hanukah?
Then there is the well known story about Sea-Tac Airport and its removal and eventual un-removal of said trees. Sea-Tac officials, when asked to display a menorah, decided instead to remove all the Christmas Trees from the airport. Ugh. You have to love the overreaction. Apparently, now all is good and the tree are back as is a menorah.
Here’s the thing. There are a number of Christians who complain about the “commercialization” of Christmas. I too become annoyed when the Christmas decorations and store advertisements appear on November 1st. So why do some of those same people have a problem when “Christmas” trees become “holiday” trees? Wouldn’t it be good for the Christian faith if those who are not followers of Jesus, those who are not professing Christians, stopped celebrating Christmas? What if Christmas was a time set apart for Christians and everyone else went about their normal business?
Of course that isn’t going to happen. Christmas has become a national holiday along the lines of 4th of July. Atheist and Agnostics don’t go to work on December 25th, they don’t refuse Christmas presents, or tell their children that Santa is a Christian Saint and so there will be no presents from Santa this year. So we will continue to struggle with the separation of church and state, Christmas trees and holiday trees, until the Christian faith reclaims Christ’s Mass is its own unique time.
I propose that Christians reclaim the 12 days of Christmas. So that when everyone else has packed up the decorations, stopped playing the songs, returned the unwanted gifts, there will be Christians who are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Let the Senator call the tree whatever she wants to call the tree. Let the airport decorate its halls however it chooses (or not) to do. Let us give thanks to God for sending the light of Jesus Christ into this dark and troubled world.
There has been a lot of hubbub about trees this week. I received an e-mail from “The American Family Association” who is all upset that Senator Murray refused to say “Christmas” tree instead calling it a “holiday” tree. Ugh. I don’t know why she didn’t call it a Christmas tree. The AMA seems to take this as an attack on Christmas. Politically I think it is silly to try to call a Christmas Tree a holiday tree instead. Have people of other religions all the sudden wanted to claim the Christmas Tree as a symbol? IS a “Christmas Tree" a Christian symbol at all, or is it simply a popular thing to do from the Victorian era? What “holiday” is the tree representing if not Christmas? Are evergreen trees part of Hanukah?
Then there is the well known story about Sea-Tac Airport and its removal and eventual un-removal of said trees. Sea-Tac officials, when asked to display a menorah, decided instead to remove all the Christmas Trees from the airport. Ugh. You have to love the overreaction. Apparently, now all is good and the tree are back as is a menorah.
Here’s the thing. There are a number of Christians who complain about the “commercialization” of Christmas. I too become annoyed when the Christmas decorations and store advertisements appear on November 1st. So why do some of those same people have a problem when “Christmas” trees become “holiday” trees? Wouldn’t it be good for the Christian faith if those who are not followers of Jesus, those who are not professing Christians, stopped celebrating Christmas? What if Christmas was a time set apart for Christians and everyone else went about their normal business?
Of course that isn’t going to happen. Christmas has become a national holiday along the lines of 4th of July. Atheist and Agnostics don’t go to work on December 25th, they don’t refuse Christmas presents, or tell their children that Santa is a Christian Saint and so there will be no presents from Santa this year. So we will continue to struggle with the separation of church and state, Christmas trees and holiday trees, until the Christian faith reclaims Christ’s Mass is its own unique time.
I propose that Christians reclaim the 12 days of Christmas. So that when everyone else has packed up the decorations, stopped playing the songs, returned the unwanted gifts, there will be Christians who are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Let the Senator call the tree whatever she wants to call the tree. Let the airport decorate its halls however it chooses (or not) to do. Let us give thanks to God for sending the light of Jesus Christ into this dark and troubled world.
2nd Sunday of Advent
Who Can Endure?
The prophets we most often read and hear about such as Elijah, Isaiah or Jeremiah were preaching in a time of disaster for Israel. They spoke of the doom coming to the nation state as foreign armies would take control of the land. Then we have prophets like Malachi. The book is perhaps most notable to Sunday School students for being the last book of the Old Testament. It is written in a later time than those prophets (although it is not the newest of the “Old Testament” books.)
Malachi was written during the time of the Persian empire about 450 years before Christ. The crisis that Malachi faces is not foreign rule (although Israel is under Persian control) it is the failure of the Messiah to come. Contemporary people in Malachi’s time had expected that sometime soon after the temple was rebuilt, the Messiah would come. The temple was rebuilt about 100 years before the writing of Malachi. The rebuilding has become a fond, but distant memory for the living generation and yet, no Messiah.
Malachi’s concern is that the people having let go of their hope for the return of the Messiah have now become lackadaisical in their religious life. The people and their leaders no longer give their best for God.
Malachi’s question is also John the Baptist’s question. Who can endure? For John the Baptist and for Malachi those who endure are those who turn their life toward God instead of themselves. Malachi calls the people and the priests to once again put their hope in God. John the Baptist invites all to come and accept the sign of repentance in the waters of the Jordan River.
When we make our path straight we are preparing for the Messiah. We make our path straight, when we give our best for God. We make our path straight, when we find meaning in the traditions of the faith. We make our path straight, when we tend to the needs of our neighbor.
Daily Devotions for the 2nd week of Advent
Monday Malachi 1:2-5
God proclaims his love but the people ask questions, why do the wicked prosper? How do you respond to this inequality today?
Pray for those who are prosperous.
Tuesday Malachi 1:6-2:9
The prophet bemoans the church leaders who have forgotten to give God their best. How can you help the church give its best for God?
Pray for church leaders, our Bishop Rev. Ed Paup, our District Superintendent Rev. Mike Graef, and our Pastor Rev. Bruce Smith.
Wednesday Malachi 2:10-16
Malachi’s strong words against divorce are a call for men to be faithful husbands and to not leave their wives vulnerable and in need. Faithfulness in relationships is a sign of living in covenant with God. What can you do today to tend to your family relationships?
Pray for your family.
Thursday Malachi 2:17-3:5
The prophet describes the coming of the Messiah as a time of judgment.
Pray for the oppressed, the vulnerable, the foreigners.
Friday Malachi 3:6-12
The people are accused of robbing God by holding back their tithes. When do you hold back something in your life from God?
Pray for your life of faith and spiritual guidance.
The prophets we most often read and hear about such as Elijah, Isaiah or Jeremiah were preaching in a time of disaster for Israel. They spoke of the doom coming to the nation state as foreign armies would take control of the land. Then we have prophets like Malachi. The book is perhaps most notable to Sunday School students for being the last book of the Old Testament. It is written in a later time than those prophets (although it is not the newest of the “Old Testament” books.)
Malachi was written during the time of the Persian empire about 450 years before Christ. The crisis that Malachi faces is not foreign rule (although Israel is under Persian control) it is the failure of the Messiah to come. Contemporary people in Malachi’s time had expected that sometime soon after the temple was rebuilt, the Messiah would come. The temple was rebuilt about 100 years before the writing of Malachi. The rebuilding has become a fond, but distant memory for the living generation and yet, no Messiah.
Malachi’s concern is that the people having let go of their hope for the return of the Messiah have now become lackadaisical in their religious life. The people and their leaders no longer give their best for God.
Malachi’s question is also John the Baptist’s question. Who can endure? For John the Baptist and for Malachi those who endure are those who turn their life toward God instead of themselves. Malachi calls the people and the priests to once again put their hope in God. John the Baptist invites all to come and accept the sign of repentance in the waters of the Jordan River.
When we make our path straight we are preparing for the Messiah. We make our path straight, when we give our best for God. We make our path straight, when we find meaning in the traditions of the faith. We make our path straight, when we tend to the needs of our neighbor.
Daily Devotions for the 2nd week of Advent
Monday Malachi 1:2-5
God proclaims his love but the people ask questions, why do the wicked prosper? How do you respond to this inequality today?
Pray for those who are prosperous.
Tuesday Malachi 1:6-2:9
The prophet bemoans the church leaders who have forgotten to give God their best. How can you help the church give its best for God?
Pray for church leaders, our Bishop Rev. Ed Paup, our District Superintendent Rev. Mike Graef, and our Pastor Rev. Bruce Smith.
Wednesday Malachi 2:10-16
Malachi’s strong words against divorce are a call for men to be faithful husbands and to not leave their wives vulnerable and in need. Faithfulness in relationships is a sign of living in covenant with God. What can you do today to tend to your family relationships?
Pray for your family.
Thursday Malachi 2:17-3:5
The prophet describes the coming of the Messiah as a time of judgment.
Pray for the oppressed, the vulnerable, the foreigners.
Friday Malachi 3:6-12
The people are accused of robbing God by holding back their tithes. When do you hold back something in your life from God?
Pray for your life of faith and spiritual guidance.
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