My family dragged me into the digital age kicking and screaming! They dragged me away from my trusted upright Underwood Typewriter--my friend of forty years. They found a good deal on a Word Processor--one I could afford--insisting (almost demanding) that I buy it.
I reasoned without hope. I argued against it. I dragged my feet everyway I could, but they pulled me along to the store and almost refused to let me go home without a purchase. That was a major step toward the computer age. I enjoyed my Word Processor, it multiplied my productivity and before you know it I was into a tiny--compared to what I now have--computer enjoying AOL, email, and the world wide webb.
The rest is history and I wouldn‘t go back! I am lost without my computer, although I can check my email via some other computer. I love what my computer does for me. It expands my whole life. I email widely and instant message with family and friends. I surf the webb, google, even tip-toe into Face Book, since a friend invited me. I can’t afford cell phones, I-pods, and all the gadgetry kids think is life-essential. I give thanks--freely--for the benefits of technology.
Nonetheless, I suggest some have gone too far down the road in the wrong direction. We contact more people over a wider area than ever before--wired to the world--but drifting too far into that Far Country of Individualism. Now, speaking to members and ministers of my own Faith Community, I offer this insight gained from Pastor Gary Brown in Winchester, KY.
While preaching about the Elder Brother of the Prodigal Son. Gary described living in that Far Country. He noted that the benefits always disappear when we stop our deposits into the Bank of Relationships. Both Elder brother and Prodigal dropped their family deposits. While Gary threaded his thoughts, I wandered down another path, contemplating the individualism, the independency, the lack of cohesion which the Church of God, Anderson, has experienced in recent years.
Pastors are overly involved paddling their own canoes … building their own “kingdoms.” Local congregations attempt their own foreign mission efforts. Our individualism reflects in the decreases in our cooperative budgeting--especially the national. It shows in many ways, including down-sized staffing at Chog Ministries and weakened programs. Dr. Ron Duncan and others have written and spoken to this point, leading discussion groups about our congregational polity, our voluntary Associations, our lack of corporate cohesion (cooperative) efforts--especially noteworthy at the national level.
I grew up on camp meetings and many other cooperative church ventures, and this is neither a promo for returning to camp meetings or other corporate efforts. It is to observe that too many among us live in a Far Country where individuals play Lone Ranger, remaining only loosely wired to the larger church family.
We are discovering that the benefits at the Bank of Relationships soon disappear when we stop making deposits to that account. We run out of benefits sooner or later, when we abandon those relationships from which our benefits came!
IS THAT A FAIR ANALYSIS OF WHERE WE ARE? We want all the relational benefits without the burden of the relationships? I married 62 years ago and I told my spouse that day that I loved her; I ought not need to tell her every day of those 62 years. But try it and see what happens…………..
If you are a pastor, or someone who wants no obligation beyond home base - strictly local option - no headquarters - no CHOG Ministries to coordinate programs and acts as liaison in coordinating our gross-output, think again! It “ain’t” going to happen!
Speaking Biblically, we are corporately THE BODY OF CHRIST--with all true believers everywhere. We work under one head--all equal. Every limb coordinates with every other part of the body, from the head down. What my hands accomplish is greatly enhanced by where my feet take me, as directed by up above. My heart functions with every other part of my reasonably healthy body. Thus, I accomplish far more together--in unity and purpose--than when each part functions independently.
In the church, we accomplish far more together than we can possibly achieve by ourselves, be we a mega-church or a mini-ministry. I’d love to see us functioning as a healthy, well-coordinated interdependent church, with a sound mind and strong body, rather than being a loose collection of disconnected body parts.
This is Wayne
From Warner’s World
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Grace
I love this story from Tijuana, Mexico. It comes via Riverside, CA. Eric Denton tells the story. Perhaps someone will read this account, who has not seen Eric’s Siempre newsletter. At right is
Grace; at upper left is Eric with David and Grace.
The church Eric pastors sponsors a children’s center in Tijuana--Siempre. It is part of their hands-on missions ministry. I read every issue of Siempre’s online newsletter. It reminds me what is happening in a world where God’s grace is in short supply. It shows me what happens when people give of themselves, share the story of Jesus, and make a positive difference.
What do you call an infant that has no name, Eric asked the other Sunday. How does one assume the great responsibility of naming a child placed in our care? What will their last names be if no one ever adopts them?
Alejandro, Siempre's director, told Central Church the story of getting the babies - how hard the people of DIF were working - how many babies they had to care for ... Eric could only think of how many never find the shelter of their care in Tijuana, a city of millions, a city that adds nearly a thousand new residents every single day, almost all of them living in poverty.
“What happens to those babies?”, asks Eric? Telling the story of these new infants on a recent Sunday morning, he spoke of infants without names. He reported “a woman in the church began to raise her hand like a kid in school, adding “it's been 25 years since I taught public school but it must be ingrained deep within.”
Mid-message, Eric turned and "called" on her: "Yes Jeri, do you have a question?"
"I know what we should name the little girl!" she said excitedly, "Grace!"
Suddenly, it seemed so obvious, says Eric, “the series I'm preaching, leading into Memorial Day Weekend is titled: Waiting for Grace. Grace had arrived... we just had to recognize and name her.”
Sharing the story with the leaders at Siempre, they immediately agreed that Grace was her name--Graciella in Spanish. “We then held the baby boy and as Dr. Ricks suggested, Jesus and Alejandro tried out Salvador.”
“Consuellos, the infants primary care giver, asked if we could name him David... said he seemed like a David to her... and so his name is David. God moves... we've prayed that God would give us the opportunity to help rescue abandoned babies as part of our work... now we've held them, named them... they're part of our lives and resident in our hearts.”
“He's given us the Grace we were waiting for,” concludes Eric, adding that “God moves and He changes us forever. Grace is waiting ... she's perfect, safe and at home at Siempre…”
To his congregation Eric says, “Grace is waiting to change your life. God moves. God's moving. Don't miss this moment of grace.”
Let no one of us miss our moment of “grace”, either to experience God’s moving in our own life, or to become a pipeline of God’s grace for another.
Wayne,
From Warner’s World,
From Warner’s World,
Reading Proverbs
On My Own Now … Straight Talk from the Proverbs for Young Christian Women Who Want to Remain Pure, Debt-free and Regret-free … by donna lee schillinger (The Quilldriver, Clarksville, AR USA). $14.95.
Having known some of Donna’s family for many years, I appreciate their work in Hispanic Missions. This is Quilldriver’s second publishing, Donna’s first book. She first published Walking Man, the story of Narciso Zamora written by Narciso about his sojourn in Western South America. I was more than a little intrigued; I was curious what she would write. I discovered a young lady, younger than my own children, in whom I find great delight.
She has a solid academic background in the behavioral sciences with a Master’s Degree in anthropology. She offers a variegated background typical of bright, curious, sensitive people. As one who spent a lifetime working out of the Bible as a resource manual, I wondered at her mining skills for digging into Solomon’s “Proverbs” … all 285 pages.
I have never read Proverbs as much as I “intended;” Donna has. She rewarded me without preaching or pitching pious platitudes. She offered me and other readers thoughtful insights into wise living, each chapter leaving a handle to use in discovering “Wow!” experiences.
She didn’t just read a Commentary either; rather, she wrote out of years of social work, Peace Corp, and travel, with discreet transparency. She used her experiences and insights--high times and low times--to create (communicate) life-concepts that I found personally reaffirming, life renewing, even biblically solid.
Young adults now on their own will benefit from Donna’s wisdom, especially younger women--guys too! Although I number with her elders, I had no difficulty understanding her, even when she conversed in the chatty colloquialisms of the younger set. My wife and my daughter would thoroughly enjoy reading her. My friends can benefit from her insights. Although she targets young believers, non-believers will find her as refreshing as a Spring shower.
Find Donna at http://www.the/ Quilldriver.com; http://www.onmyownnow.com/; or http://www.walkingman.ws/. You can learn much more about her as well as finding her numerous resources: free downloads, reading and listening resources, et al.
From Warner's World,
I recommend On My Own Now from the Quilldriver herself,
Wayne
Having known some of Donna’s family for many years, I appreciate their work in Hispanic Missions. This is Quilldriver’s second publishing, Donna’s first book. She first published Walking Man, the story of Narciso Zamora written by Narciso about his sojourn in Western South America. I was more than a little intrigued; I was curious what she would write. I discovered a young lady, younger than my own children, in whom I find great delight.
She has a solid academic background in the behavioral sciences with a Master’s Degree in anthropology. She offers a variegated background typical of bright, curious, sensitive people. As one who spent a lifetime working out of the Bible as a resource manual, I wondered at her mining skills for digging into Solomon’s “Proverbs” … all 285 pages.
I have never read Proverbs as much as I “intended;” Donna has. She rewarded me without preaching or pitching pious platitudes. She offered me and other readers thoughtful insights into wise living, each chapter leaving a handle to use in discovering “Wow!” experiences.
She didn’t just read a Commentary either; rather, she wrote out of years of social work, Peace Corp, and travel, with discreet transparency. She used her experiences and insights--high times and low times--to create (communicate) life-concepts that I found personally reaffirming, life renewing, even biblically solid.
Young adults now on their own will benefit from Donna’s wisdom, especially younger women--guys too! Although I number with her elders, I had no difficulty understanding her, even when she conversed in the chatty colloquialisms of the younger set. My wife and my daughter would thoroughly enjoy reading her. My friends can benefit from her insights. Although she targets young believers, non-believers will find her as refreshing as a Spring shower.
Find Donna at http://www.the/ Quilldriver.com; http://www.onmyownnow.com/; or http://www.walkingman.ws/. You can learn much more about her as well as finding her numerous resources: free downloads, reading and listening resources, et al.
From Warner's World,
I recommend On My Own Now from the Quilldriver herself,
Wayne
Doing Church
A family member sent me this notice from Pastor Jack Hilligoss to his Burns Avenue church family in Lake Wales, Florida.
“Dear HPC family, Just a quick note to say, ‘Thanks” and to celebrate with all of you who came out to take part in our first, “Don’t Go to Church” Sunday this past Sunday. We have been learning for five weeks that the church is not a denomination or building or institution, but a family of people whose lives have been changed by Jesus and who exist to have radical, positive impact for him in their community.
“We saw a little piece of that this weekend. Nearly 300 HPC members showed up and went out to over 15 sites to serve Lake Wales. We dug drainage ditches, organized libraries, visited nursing home patients, planted trees and cleaned up around local schools, installed plumbing for the Chamber of commerce, painted rooms for Circle of Friends, installed shelving at community centers, built a ramp on the home of a disabled person, cleaned a yard and scrapped paint for a new transitional housing unit for the Care Center…and more!
“I have been getting wonderful and exciting messages of gratitude from principles, camp leaders, and community leaders all day today. What a privilege to serve in a church where so many are serious about wanting to serve.”
What a neat way for this growing congregation to relate to their community. Nice change of pace as a way of doing church. Find a need and fill it; that is Christian worship at its best..............
From Warner’s World,
Wayne
“Dear HPC family, Just a quick note to say, ‘Thanks” and to celebrate with all of you who came out to take part in our first, “Don’t Go to Church” Sunday this past Sunday. We have been learning for five weeks that the church is not a denomination or building or institution, but a family of people whose lives have been changed by Jesus and who exist to have radical, positive impact for him in their community.
“We saw a little piece of that this weekend. Nearly 300 HPC members showed up and went out to over 15 sites to serve Lake Wales. We dug drainage ditches, organized libraries, visited nursing home patients, planted trees and cleaned up around local schools, installed plumbing for the Chamber of commerce, painted rooms for Circle of Friends, installed shelving at community centers, built a ramp on the home of a disabled person, cleaned a yard and scrapped paint for a new transitional housing unit for the Care Center…and more!
“I have been getting wonderful and exciting messages of gratitude from principles, camp leaders, and community leaders all day today. What a privilege to serve in a church where so many are serious about wanting to serve.”
What a neat way for this growing congregation to relate to their community. Nice change of pace as a way of doing church. Find a need and fill it; that is Christian worship at its best..............
From Warner’s World,
Wayne
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A Test of Divine Revelation
Back in December I reported a story of Buddhist clerics and local council officials holding 13 newly converted Christians captive in a pagoda in a southeastern mountainous district of Bangladesh in an attempt to forcibly return them to Buddhism. Such events happen regularly in countries around the world from Baghdad to Beijing.
Christians sometimes have difficulty accepting other Christians. Christians are often persecuted by Muslims, Hindu’s, and Buddhists alike. Examples come daily of people of one religion attempting to disallow others not of their faith the right to live in their country. They deny other religions no political rights and often attempt to enforce their religious beliefs upon any and all living in that country (theocracy).
The religions of the world have varied differences, but all have their sacred writings. Christians have their Bible; Muslims have their Koran; Hindu’s have their sacred writings, so Christians are not the only ones who feel their writings are sacred. Many, in fact, believe the truths within their sacred writings are divinely revealed.
As a Christian, I know it is easy to become dogmatic and stake a claim to universal divine revelation. We can become defensive and reactive when differing with other Christians about how much authority the Bible has, whether or not it is inerrant, and other such issues.
As easy as it is to disagree with other Christians, how much more difficult is it to avoid being dogmatic when there is a clashing of opinions regarding the writings of vastly differing religions?
I raise this question to share this thought: when we insist upon something as truth that is neither inclusive, universal, or respectful of others, it is neither divine nor is it revelation. I believe in the teachings of Jesus, but I do not believe in them just because he said them, or because I believe he is the way, the truth, and the life, or even because I believe in his divine origin.
More than anything else, the one thing that motivates people to accept the teachings of Jesus is because they work; they are pragmatic. They are inclusive,universal,and respectful, of any and all. They lift everybody; they omit no one; they respect even their enemies.
Without looking to any one religion to illustrate with, or to point fingers with, I suggest that anything one practices-or-believes must work for everyone. If it fails to work for one, it should not be for anyone. If it denies rights or respect to any color, creed, or culture, it has neither God nor divine revelation behind it, be it the God of the Christians, or Allah, or Buddha, or Jahwey.
This may not be very profound, but truth has the power of God--divine revelation--behind it. So, the next time you get on your religious soapbox,
be sure what you advocate works,
be sure it lifts all people everywhere and not just select persons, and
be sure it respects people--even those who disagree with you.
It is not truth just because you believe God said it..........................
From Warner’s World,
Wayne
Christians sometimes have difficulty accepting other Christians. Christians are often persecuted by Muslims, Hindu’s, and Buddhists alike. Examples come daily of people of one religion attempting to disallow others not of their faith the right to live in their country. They deny other religions no political rights and often attempt to enforce their religious beliefs upon any and all living in that country (theocracy).
The religions of the world have varied differences, but all have their sacred writings. Christians have their Bible; Muslims have their Koran; Hindu’s have their sacred writings, so Christians are not the only ones who feel their writings are sacred. Many, in fact, believe the truths within their sacred writings are divinely revealed.
As a Christian, I know it is easy to become dogmatic and stake a claim to universal divine revelation. We can become defensive and reactive when differing with other Christians about how much authority the Bible has, whether or not it is inerrant, and other such issues.
As easy as it is to disagree with other Christians, how much more difficult is it to avoid being dogmatic when there is a clashing of opinions regarding the writings of vastly differing religions?
I raise this question to share this thought: when we insist upon something as truth that is neither inclusive, universal, or respectful of others, it is neither divine nor is it revelation. I believe in the teachings of Jesus, but I do not believe in them just because he said them, or because I believe he is the way, the truth, and the life, or even because I believe in his divine origin.
More than anything else, the one thing that motivates people to accept the teachings of Jesus is because they work; they are pragmatic. They are inclusive,universal,and respectful, of any and all. They lift everybody; they omit no one; they respect even their enemies.
Without looking to any one religion to illustrate with, or to point fingers with, I suggest that anything one practices-or-believes must work for everyone. If it fails to work for one, it should not be for anyone. If it denies rights or respect to any color, creed, or culture, it has neither God nor divine revelation behind it, be it the God of the Christians, or Allah, or Buddha, or Jahwey.
This may not be very profound, but truth has the power of God--divine revelation--behind it. So, the next time you get on your religious soapbox,
be sure what you advocate works,
be sure it lifts all people everywhere and not just select persons, and
be sure it respects people--even those who disagree with you.
It is not truth just because you believe God said it..........................
From Warner’s World,
Wayne
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
CA Same-Sex Marriage Ban...
From the Washington Post comes this announcement today:
News Alert1:06 PM EDT Tuesday, May 26, 2009
California Supreme Court Upholds Same-Sex Marriage Ban Court upholds voter-approved ban on same-sex unions, but allows existing same-sex marriages performed before the November referendum to stand.
The announcement set off a firestorm of opposition by those who thought they could bully their way through the legal system. They threaten reprisal and further court action. This is to be expected; there are those who put their personal priorities first, before culture, creeds, customs, or whatever else is.
It is also as I expected, and I expect it to continue. I respect the civil and legal rights of same-sex individuals. However, same-sex--from self-manipulation to self-determination--does not change the biological fact of the case. Neither does it change the deep rut of history that goes deeper than choice, or religion, or morality. A sex partner in any kind of relationship, whatever it is called, must seek help from a member of the opposite sex to create that third person and thereby constitute a "family".
It has always been that way, whether we like it or reject it. I do not see that changing in the forseeable future, however much one may rail against the way things are.
Wayne………….,
from Warner’s World
News Alert1:06 PM EDT Tuesday, May 26, 2009
California Supreme Court Upholds Same-Sex Marriage Ban Court upholds voter-approved ban on same-sex unions, but allows existing same-sex marriages performed before the November referendum to stand.
The announcement set off a firestorm of opposition by those who thought they could bully their way through the legal system. They threaten reprisal and further court action. This is to be expected; there are those who put their personal priorities first, before culture, creeds, customs, or whatever else is.
It is also as I expected, and I expect it to continue. I respect the civil and legal rights of same-sex individuals. However, same-sex--from self-manipulation to self-determination--does not change the biological fact of the case. Neither does it change the deep rut of history that goes deeper than choice, or religion, or morality. A sex partner in any kind of relationship, whatever it is called, must seek help from a member of the opposite sex to create that third person and thereby constitute a "family".
It has always been that way, whether we like it or reject it. I do not see that changing in the forseeable future, however much one may rail against the way things are.
Wayne………….,
from Warner’s World
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day Conclusion
As Memorial Day 2009 comes to a close, I’ve been blogging for just over a year. Since I was involved in research regarding the patron saint of our church, D. S. Warner, and since I carry the same name, it was an opportunity not to be passed by. So, I launched Warner’s World on blogsite.
I have written narrative since being an introvertive teen that corresponded with numerous pen pals in distant places. I love writing, but I had no interest whatsoever when told on a listserv that I should try blogging. I think I clogged that e-community with political opinion that created too much dissension.
Since blogging, I find I like it, although I am not sure how many read me. I started out intending to offer opinions regarding aspects of peace, as opposed to war. I’ve not succeeded well in doing that, although I have argued for peace (I think justifiably), and against a political administration that introduced preemptive war as American policy--an historical first for us.
Today, I refer back to something Paul Williams wrote. He writes for the very readable religious publication Christian Standard, at Standard Press of Cincinnati. I like the magazine, and knew former Editor Sam Stone as a very fine Christian gentleman, brother in the faith, and personal friend. Sam’s son Dave later replaced Bob Russell at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville.
Enough palaver. Paul Williams wrote this about the Iraq War: Some estimate that by the time it concludes, America will have spent a staggering $2 trillion on the war in Iraq. Christian Century reminds us that with $2 trillion we could stabilize Social Security for 75 years, or provide health insurance for 10 years to every uninsured man, woman, and child in America. If we took the money overseas we could do even more. Two trillion dollars would take a big chunk out of hunger for decades to come in the water-starved regions of Africa.
That calls to mind an excellent piece by the Rev. John W. Wimberly, Jr., pastor at Western Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C.. He makes a really strong case for WAR--No Longer an Option--John 18:1-12 (COGPF Newsletter, Spring 09).
Although Wimberly deserves a repeat, I will leave it for now with a couple of observations.
1.One can make a strong case that more wars have resulted from bad political decisions and poor diplomacy following WWI than any other single factor, except personal profit.
2. We continue to endure wars because war is profitable for arms manufacturers and those who profit from violence.
Eisenhower warned against the dangers of the “military-industrial complex” in 1961. Harry Truman, says Wimberly, followed the money and uncovered the “war-profiteering in World War II.” No one has yet to follow the Iraq War money but tracking it would reveal enormous profits by a few--names I have heard often in the news.
Proper investment of the $2 trillion we put into the Iraq War would have eliminated the major problems facing our warring world today. Just today I heard a Vietnam veteran interviewed and he admitted that his war experience is still with him every day this many years later. Noting Arlington National Cemetery, and others like our Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, and I conclude at the end of this Memorial Day that we have paid too dear a price for pricey profits for a few and for the insufferably bad politics of selfish diplomacy.
When will we join forces and insist that WAR IS NO LONGER AN OPTION? Wayne
From Warner’s World
I have written narrative since being an introvertive teen that corresponded with numerous pen pals in distant places. I love writing, but I had no interest whatsoever when told on a listserv that I should try blogging. I think I clogged that e-community with political opinion that created too much dissension.
Since blogging, I find I like it, although I am not sure how many read me. I started out intending to offer opinions regarding aspects of peace, as opposed to war. I’ve not succeeded well in doing that, although I have argued for peace (I think justifiably), and against a political administration that introduced preemptive war as American policy--an historical first for us.
Today, I refer back to something Paul Williams wrote. He writes for the very readable religious publication Christian Standard, at Standard Press of Cincinnati. I like the magazine, and knew former Editor Sam Stone as a very fine Christian gentleman, brother in the faith, and personal friend. Sam’s son Dave later replaced Bob Russell at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville.
Enough palaver. Paul Williams wrote this about the Iraq War: Some estimate that by the time it concludes, America will have spent a staggering $2 trillion on the war in Iraq. Christian Century reminds us that with $2 trillion we could stabilize Social Security for 75 years, or provide health insurance for 10 years to every uninsured man, woman, and child in America. If we took the money overseas we could do even more. Two trillion dollars would take a big chunk out of hunger for decades to come in the water-starved regions of Africa.
That calls to mind an excellent piece by the Rev. John W. Wimberly, Jr., pastor at Western Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C.. He makes a really strong case for WAR--No Longer an Option--John 18:1-12 (COGPF Newsletter, Spring 09).
Although Wimberly deserves a repeat, I will leave it for now with a couple of observations.
1.One can make a strong case that more wars have resulted from bad political decisions and poor diplomacy following WWI than any other single factor, except personal profit.
2. We continue to endure wars because war is profitable for arms manufacturers and those who profit from violence.
Eisenhower warned against the dangers of the “military-industrial complex” in 1961. Harry Truman, says Wimberly, followed the money and uncovered the “war-profiteering in World War II.” No one has yet to follow the Iraq War money but tracking it would reveal enormous profits by a few--names I have heard often in the news.
Proper investment of the $2 trillion we put into the Iraq War would have eliminated the major problems facing our warring world today. Just today I heard a Vietnam veteran interviewed and he admitted that his war experience is still with him every day this many years later. Noting Arlington National Cemetery, and others like our Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, and I conclude at the end of this Memorial Day that we have paid too dear a price for pricey profits for a few and for the insufferably bad politics of selfish diplomacy.
When will we join forces and insist that WAR IS NO LONGER AN OPTION? Wayne
From Warner’s World
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