I am becoming increasingly concerned with the lack of love that is being showed in this nation. Where did it become "Christian" to use words of hate when it comes to a group or other Christians you don't agree with. Where is the love that Jesus Christ talked so much about? In my opinion it is fading away rapidly.
It seems like more and more that if a person doesn't agree with someone's view it means they dislike them or in their words, "hate them." Maybe my age is starting to show, but I remember a time when you could disagree with someone and still call them a close friend. It could be that we have become a society of non-tolerance when it comes to people who do not hold our believes or fit our mold.
As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I have been empowered by Christ to love "everyone" and I mean everyone. If we are truly Christians (meaning one who follows Christ) then we are to love everyone. I realize that is a difficult task at times, but Christ did not turn away from anyone....he embraced them. Remember even from the cross he said, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they have done." And that is being said about the people who have just nailed him to the cross.
It is time we start being true Christians...show love to all and to understand the meaning of the word tolerance. Unfortunately most people belief that tolerance means you have to agree with a person or their lifestyle...nothing could be further from the truth. Tolerance means that you can disagree with a person, but you do not do things of hate toward them.
My prayer is someday the world will understand that Christ came for everyone and in doing so we are to show love...not hate. Where is the love? It can be found when we live the life that God has intended for us through His son, Jesus Christ.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
"ICCC Annual Conference"
I have been spending the last several days at Indianapolis, IN at the International Council of Community Churches' annual conference. As a member of this year's annual conference planning committee this has not been a vacation. Unfortunately they put that I am a member of the planning committee on the name tag I have to wear. So you can imagine I have had my teeth handed to me several times for people who are not pleased with something.
That being said, coming to the conference reminds me why Speed Memorial Church "fits" the ICCC. The group was founded on inclusiveness and acceptance of other religious traditions, the heart and soul of Speed Memorial Church. It is also great to see people who I have become friends over the 16 years I have been a part of the ICCC.
The exciting part of this year's conference is that there is a renewed enthusiasm and for the first time in several years I feel the council is starting to live what we preach. Thursday will be a big day since I am the chairperson for the "AGAPE" team. This a group that was formed about 10 years ago to help churches with acceptance and diversity. My acronym for AGAPE is "allowing God's anointing presence everywhere!" I have been empowered by the ICCC's current president, Saundra Nelson, to resurrect this group. So my presentation tomorrow will be to explain to folks what the AGAPE team is all about and ask them to be a part of this group.
I will try to write my thoughts tomorrow, but I have not had the ability to go online, since I discovered (after calling tech support to get internet in my room) that this hotel charges $10.00 a day to use that internet service. Thus, I am setting in the lobby of the hotel using the "one" computer that is open to all guests.
May this writing find you well and may the grace of God touch your hearts.
Pastor Mike
That being said, coming to the conference reminds me why Speed Memorial Church "fits" the ICCC. The group was founded on inclusiveness and acceptance of other religious traditions, the heart and soul of Speed Memorial Church. It is also great to see people who I have become friends over the 16 years I have been a part of the ICCC.
The exciting part of this year's conference is that there is a renewed enthusiasm and for the first time in several years I feel the council is starting to live what we preach. Thursday will be a big day since I am the chairperson for the "AGAPE" team. This a group that was formed about 10 years ago to help churches with acceptance and diversity. My acronym for AGAPE is "allowing God's anointing presence everywhere!" I have been empowered by the ICCC's current president, Saundra Nelson, to resurrect this group. So my presentation tomorrow will be to explain to folks what the AGAPE team is all about and ask them to be a part of this group.
I will try to write my thoughts tomorrow, but I have not had the ability to go online, since I discovered (after calling tech support to get internet in my room) that this hotel charges $10.00 a day to use that internet service. Thus, I am setting in the lobby of the hotel using the "one" computer that is open to all guests.
May this writing find you well and may the grace of God touch your hearts.
Pastor Mike
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
"A Father's Pride!"
It is hard to believe, but soon Kari and I will be empty nesters! Mitchell will graduate from Silver Creek High School on Thursday, June 3rd and will be looking forward to starting the next stage of his life at the University of Louisville.
I have been proud of all of my children, but Mitchell is very special. He demonstrates a caring for people that is rarely seen in other persons his age. He also has a maturity that is far past his years. He is not one who gets caught up with the pettiness of some young people and he refuses to take sides when the pettiness starts. In fact his nickname is "Switzerland," because he won't take sides.
Mitchell, like his siblings is very focused on what he wants to do in life. He wants to be a music teacher (band or a drama teacher) and wants to share his love for music with high school students. I have been so amazed in his musical ability and have witnessed him growing in that talent over the years.
Kari and I are recipients of his musical talents everyday when he goes to his room, takes out his guitar and begins singing. His voice gets stronger everyday and I want to thank Mr. Robert Lee for being one of the reasons for that improvement.
I am proud of Mitchell, because he gave me a chance this past school year to perform on stage with him as a member of the quartet (with him) in the Silver Creek production of "Music Man." I don't know very many young people who would want their father in their high school production. But Mitchell and I did something before every performance that will stay in my heart forever. We would embrace each other and tell each other we love each other. I don't think you can realize how much that moved me. And what moved me even more is Mitchell did that in front of the rest of the cast members. He wasn't ashamed, but rather pleased that we could do that in front of others.
Mitchell begins a new phase in his life. He starts out his time at the University of Louisville by attending band camp, since he has been accepted into the U. of L. marching band. I pray that his time at U. of L. will be one of the greatest experiences in his life.
So Mitchell, my son, you have made me proud to be able to say I am your father! I know that you will continually make me proud and I am looking forward to your next phase. I love you son and yes I will miss our daily "concerts" and the house is going to seem empty, but my heart is filled with joy knowing that you are going to live your dream!
I have been proud of all of my children, but Mitchell is very special. He demonstrates a caring for people that is rarely seen in other persons his age. He also has a maturity that is far past his years. He is not one who gets caught up with the pettiness of some young people and he refuses to take sides when the pettiness starts. In fact his nickname is "Switzerland," because he won't take sides.
Mitchell, like his siblings is very focused on what he wants to do in life. He wants to be a music teacher (band or a drama teacher) and wants to share his love for music with high school students. I have been so amazed in his musical ability and have witnessed him growing in that talent over the years.
Kari and I are recipients of his musical talents everyday when he goes to his room, takes out his guitar and begins singing. His voice gets stronger everyday and I want to thank Mr. Robert Lee for being one of the reasons for that improvement.
I am proud of Mitchell, because he gave me a chance this past school year to perform on stage with him as a member of the quartet (with him) in the Silver Creek production of "Music Man." I don't know very many young people who would want their father in their high school production. But Mitchell and I did something before every performance that will stay in my heart forever. We would embrace each other and tell each other we love each other. I don't think you can realize how much that moved me. And what moved me even more is Mitchell did that in front of the rest of the cast members. He wasn't ashamed, but rather pleased that we could do that in front of others.
Mitchell begins a new phase in his life. He starts out his time at the University of Louisville by attending band camp, since he has been accepted into the U. of L. marching band. I pray that his time at U. of L. will be one of the greatest experiences in his life.
So Mitchell, my son, you have made me proud to be able to say I am your father! I know that you will continually make me proud and I am looking forward to your next phase. I love you son and yes I will miss our daily "concerts" and the house is going to seem empty, but my heart is filled with joy knowing that you are going to live your dream!
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