"What do you guys do on weekends?" someone asked.

Trusty tea thermos at the ready:
listening to Mel Ming teach

"What do you guys do on weekends?" someone asked. "Are you home? Do you speak at churches?

What they were asking is what missionary itineration looks like. Last weekend wasn't typical in activity, but it was pretty typically intense.

W and I were privileged to sit in on the first of four weekend sessions for a Church Planting course by Mel Ming, Wes Davis, and Dan Serdahl. I met W at 6:30pm in class - after his full teaching week at NU. I fell into bed about 11. W zipped out to the boat with the guys; they hit the hay about 1 a.m. (Maybe men do talk as much as women, but mostly to each other...)

Friends gathered from among Diane's many
interests and ministries

Saturday, we were back at 8:30. My head quickly started filling up with info. But it was time for a mid-day detour to grieve and celebrate the life of a special friend, Diane Larson, Mel's admin. She passed away in a hiking accident last weekend.

Diane, four others, and I were a women's group pursuing spiritual life through spiritual disciplines. Diane's posts were startling in their sharp focus and deep thoughtfulness. When she first responded in group emails, I was stunned at her brilliance and the intensity of her hunt for God's presence. Most of us saved her emails to reread them.

Don Detrich delivers a message of
comfort and consolation: God is with
us all our days and into eternity

Mel and I drove to the memorial service 30 miles away. What a wonderful tribute to a devout, smart, and energetic woman! It's the first funeral I've been at where so many articulate people got up to speak. Her acquaintances from Alaska and Washington reflected her many interests and engagements. Guests included classmates from her Masters degree cohort, coworkers, her accountability group, hiking friends, and volunteers from the community center where she served. What a broad swath this 36-year-old cut among us. The consensus was clear: Diane was open-hearted, devout, and a marvelous human being.

"Gone too soon," said one.

"We'll miss her!" said all.

Mel and I returned to class immediately that the service ended.

Then W and I left at 3pm to drive to Lacey, an hour-and-a-half south. We checked into our hotel and met with the Faith Assembly team at 5. By 6, service was in full swing.

Lola: a dear writing friend
View her blog here.

What a welcoming church! My good friend Lola Cain W and I both commented on the warmth of the people, not just the official greeters. They made us feel at home in worship and conversation. W and I spoke together about our calling and a passage of scripture, asking questions at the end of the service, as has become our custom. We love the mutual interaction, which takes the pressure off one speaker, especially when we're weary. Afterwards, pastors Peter and Dave hosted us for supper and stimulating conversation. We were back at the hotel just after 10pm.

Sunday morning started at 8:15, back at church, and concluded about 12:30 after two services. It's exciting for W and me to be with the churches; we're learning so much. Peter Degon's heart for his community and his love for his flock is reflected in every interaction. People streamed to the front for prayer in each service to embrace the sense of safety and Presence. We talked about that trust and loving community all the way home.

Then it was Superbowl time; we barely made it in the door for kick-off. W stuck it out - I joined him partway through and left when it was obvious who was winning. Then we caught up on emails and social media... and it was time for bed. This morning, I'm off to 4 days of a final retreat with my accountability group of 20 years. What a celebration that will be!

So now you know what missionaries do on weekends. Hope yours was as much fun and as great a blessing to you as ours was to us. Thanks be to God!

DO YOU love the microphone?

I'm delighted to present a guest post by Emily Hill, who blogs at God's Disruptive Journey. She's a young pastor from Seattle who's headed for Las Vegas to help plant a church. Enjoy! (Comments here will be passed along.) Thanks, Emily.

 

The Microphone

I love the microphone.  Seriously.  Stick a microphone in my hand and I'm happy.  It doesn't really matter why.

 

"Do announcements?"  YES!  

"Emcee an event?"  ABSOLUTELY!  

"Preach a sermon?" COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!

There's so much more to life than holding a microphone, but I get that special tingle in my fingers and twinkle in my eye when I press the "on" button and take my first breath.  At that moment, anything could happen.  I could make people laugh or cry.  God could use the words He gives me to touch someone's life profoundly.  I could become an impromptu comedian when the schedule goes awry.  There is no end to the magic that can happen when you're holding a microphone.

That's why I was so surprised last night.  I was at my church's Believer's Gathering.  When the pastor called for testimonies of what God is up to, I raised my hand.  As an usher put the microphone in that raised hand, emotion swelled up inside of me.  That usually confident first breath felt shaky.  "I'm moving to Las Vegas!" I proclaimed.  I began to tell of what God was doing, both in my life and in my future home, and I felt the tears well up inside.

Tears of nervousness and fear.
Tears of excitement. Of joy.
Tears of gratitude.

When I took the microphone last night, my confidence was no longer in ME.  My confidence wasn't in whether I had a joke or anecdote to fill any awkward silences.  It wasn't in if I'd done enough homework about the city of Corinth or whatever topic I was teaching on.  My confidence was in an unseen and yet all-knowing Savior--the Lord of my life and of this move.

I've never doubted myself as much as I have over the last month in my entire life.
Can I DO this?
Will I have enough money?
What the heck am I THINKING?!
(BTW, the answers are No, No, and I have no idea!)

The thing is...  as much as I doubt myself, I don't doubt GOD.  HE has never proven Himself unfaithful.  HE is the one who can orchestrate everything.  He is the one whom I will follow.  No matter where He leads.  If it's to the desert, so be it.

So the next time I go to pick up the microphone, I get to remember this one astounding fact... My God has plans for me.  And plans for you.  And if that brings tears and shaky breath and sorrow and joy?  Well, what a beautiful story that will be.

What next? The big reveal

Where in the world is Indonesia?

The last six weeks have been crazy. But now I can tell you why! Here's what God has in store for us.

My dear friend (Martha Ming) passed along an opportunity over lunch in late March, and then her husband Mel shared it with W a few days later. My heart almost stopped when W paused and said, "You know, that may be a good fit for us." [He's never considered anything but NU teaching in decades.]

We're leaving Seattle to become Missionary Associates to Indonesia (initially for 2 years, but we plan a permanent move). Starting date is Summer 2014. We have a year of fundraising and preparation while W finishes out his teaching contract at Northwest U (2013-14). Then we're on our way.

Bandung

In brief: last fall, I heard the hint: "Get the TESOL certificate." I was thinking of the multicultural world of Seattle. However, I was so burned out after finishing the PhD that I just said, "Nope. No more paper. I'm done!Done!DONE!"

This spring I felt a renewed urgency to do TESOL [teaching English to speakers of other languages]. I asked W if NU had summer classes. They did. 4 weeks in a row. I signed up. After which this invitation arrived ...

Many of you have asked me -- some of you more than once :-) -- "Why are you getting a doctorate? Why a missions-focus? What kind of a job do you get with this?" OR more recently, "Now that you're done, what are you going to do with your degree?"

I had no idea. I only knew I was supposed to go to school, that the program was the right one, and that the outcome was God's business!

And here we are. In two weeks my TESOL courses are done. We'll attend Pre-Field Orientation in Missouri, then teach a month in Singapore, and come back for W's final year (his 28th!) at Northwest U. NU is so much a part of our DNA that it's weird to think of not being part of the campus. (Our kids are alums, as are we)

Our president (Joseph Castleberry) and W's colleagues are excited for us. We'll stay connected to NU and anticipate that its students and alums will join us to do God's work in Indonesia in coming years.

Please feel free to ask us any questions, and please support us financially and pray for us!

My heart's pounding. OF COURSE I'LL BE BLOGGING THE PROCESS!

Read more:
Today the NU provost sent the following announcement:
--------

Dear Friends,

I want to make you aware that Waldemar and Rosemarie Kowalski have accepted an assignment as Missionary Associates to Indonesia with Assemblies of God World Missions. This assignment is scheduled to begin after the end of the 2013-14 academic year. So after 28 years, this next will be Waldemar’s last as a full-time faculty member. 

Talk about mixed emotions! Waldemar has been an incredible force for good at NU. As the only instructor of our daytime Christian Thought course, Waldemar is the only faculty member from whom almost every traditional undergraduate takes a class. He has had a huge role in defining the NU experience for many generations of students. Similarly, Rosemarie has been involved at NU in a variety of ways over their time here, and recently completed a PhD in Intercultural Studies. We will miss them at NU.

On the other hand, we are pleased for Waldemar and Rosemarie—with their children (all NU alums) out of the house, it is exciting to take on a completely new challenge for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Their plan is to partner with NU alumnus Dave Kenney in planting an International English Service in Bandung, near Jakarta. Waldemar will continue to teach in various university and church settings, including as teaching pastor in the church plant.

They will attend Pre-Field Orientation in Springfield Missouri this June and then begin the process of raising their support. We will all have a chance to learn more details about their plans, but importantly, they hope to stay connected to NU by teaching online courses and by providing a place for NU students to have short-term mission experiences. 

We look forward to honoring Waldemar and Rosemarie over the coming year, both for their service to NU and for their example of being open to God’s direction.

Jim [Heugel]
------

*Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness. Psalm 115:1*Jesus said, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name.” Luke 11:2Moravian Prayer: O High and Holy One, we owe you love, adoration, and worship for your steadfast love and faithfulness. With Jesus’ help we will honor your name in every act, thought, and deed. Amen.

Lent Day 21: No secret code needed!

Today it's International Women's Day. Women are celebrating "wins" in economics and politics while lamenting the bad treatment of women around the globe. I'm celebrated the day with a gal young enough to be my daughter and two toddlers - hers and my granddaughter.

I'm reposting today, too full of visits and people to think of anything new. This one was called "No Secret Code Needed" and was posted two years ago. It reminded me how glad I am to be with people who are happy to be themselves.
________________

Insider clubs thrive on secrets. There are rules to follow, handshakes or body moves, and codes. From first grade at school, some kids emerge as natural leaders. Those who want to be their close friends have to imitate them and follow their lead.

Churches tend to start with an warm, "Everyone welcome!" As organization develops, it gets a little more restrictive. Membership means looking and acting a certain way. The group becomes identified with a style of worship or a dress code, usually stuck with dated preferences even after the founder moves on. Even most "emerging" churches have their own restrictions and younger, hipper "look" that seems dated within a few years.

Jesus wasn't into a certain mode of travel on his faith journey. He seemed to fit in with everyone. His assurance of pleasing God came from his time away from people, listening to God's voice. He wanted to do the will of his heavenly Father, not crack the secrets of political power or social climbing.

He developed no insider code. No secret formula. No rule upon rule. Nope, Jesus called out "Everyone come!" to his last breath. In fact, dying, he pleaded mercy for the ignorant: "Father forgive them, because they don't know what they're doing."

His disciples affirmed, "To as many as received him, he gave power to become the sons (and daughters) of God, even to those who believed on his name." There's no trick, no culture to crack, and no secret doorway to heaven.

Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life, stands and knocks at the door of our hearts. There's no painting, sanding, or refinishing needed before he comes in. 

He won't leave us in our messes though. He changes us from the inside out. It's constant, sometimes demanding, work to conform to his likeness, but we know we're accepted, flaws and all. God's children can never be outsiders in his family. He loves and cares for us as he finds us. Then he transforms us, day by day, with loving attention and discipline.

Let's be like our Father, extending that same "Welcome! C'mon in!" to those searching for God's peace, truth, and forgiveness. 

Read more:

*He has showed you, o man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV 

*My child, don't reject the LORD's discipline, and don't be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 NLT

*For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not come into this world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17

Perfectly normal

I laughed when I saw this cartoon. So few of us would see other people's families as normal. Some of us even think our own tribes are a bit crazy. And many of us grew up in nuthouses, where the grown-ups refused to take responsibility for their character or actions.

My folks provided a stable environment. Dad left work at work, brought home a regular income, paid the bills. He also made us do Canadian Army calisthenics, built winter slides out of wood and water, and let us tunnel through the backyard when the snow drifts got deep. Mom stayed home, made sure our clothes were washed, our food was deliciously nutritious, weeded the yard and garden, and tucked us into quiet, clean beds at night. We had daily family devotions and went to church three or four times a week. We volunteered, took music lessons, and did our chores.

We had curfews, too. I was expected in by 11pm, while I was in high school. "Aw, Dad!"

"What's there to do after 11?" he countered. (He was right, as usual.)

My friend Penny shocked me when we were 18. "Your family has always been 'different,'" she said. We were sitting in the car, chatting after an evening out. "You just follow your father like sheep. My mom said, 'If those Daher kids heard their dad say, Jump, they'd ask, How high?' Your parents are control freaks."

My parents were controllers? That had never crossed my mind. Our respect for our folks was a bad thing? I was stunned. They looked out for us, loved us, and let us experience life in creative and fun ways, as well as instilling discipline and keeping an orderly household.

On the other hand, Penny didn't respect her much-older parents. She didn't mind them, either. They had a detached sort of relationship: she'd never think of discussing boyfriends, her feelings, or anything that was important to her.

In contrast, we laughed, shared our days, and argued nearly every topic of interest in our kitchen. We ate supper together every night, and we talked about whatever interested us, including what was going on in church, school, home, among friends and family. ... Of course we had our teen secrets, growing up, and trying to get away with whatever we could. We pushed the boundaries, tested our limits and the patience of our parents.

And we knew that if Dad forbade something, that was the end of it, at least if we didn't want to get punished. Or if we couldn't negotiate a better deal. The year I was 15/16,  I was grounded for parts of 4 months: for coming in 6 minutes after curfew, for sassing him or mom, and ? Can't remember what it was all about, but it was a simple, effective - well, sort-of-effective - discipline.

"Do you think this is working?" I asked Dad, the fourth time.

"Not taking away anything from me," he replied. "Working for me, I guess."

That made me chuckle, but it also made me think about my actions and their consequences. I liked going out, and missed the weekly swims, roller-skating, or other dates. I tried to mind better. Maybe it made Dad think, too. He never grounded me again.

God's family is strange too, let's face it. Viewed from inside or outside, we are dysfunctional, petty, stubborn, and hypocritical. We try to make ourselves look good by dressing up inside and out. But really - let's admit it - most of us have "issues," whether rooted in our characters, our backgrounds, or our experiences.

Around our Christian family table, it's best to be honest about life, loving, and serving, rather than coming with masks and defenses ready. We may be as nutty or individualistic as non-Christians, but we come together to be lavished with (and to extend) loving-kindness, gain knowledge of God our Father, and to comfort and care for each other. We may not always agree, but we trust God for insight and wisdom as a community - as the family of God.

I love to meet with believers who have integrity. They may not air all their grievances, dirty laundry, or wretched past with every bystander. But they speak Truth from their deeply broken humanity, in a community of faith. Forgiven, they forgive. Created, they are creative. Deeply loved, they love others the way they love God and themselves.

Oh, makes me want to go to Church, just thinking about it. Ready to join us?


Read more:
*But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,  made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.For it is by grace you have been saved, through
faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:4-10 NIV

Simply church, well, church-ish

What a good Sunday. I went to church this morning. The pastor talked about not worrying about the future, especially in times of flux. Very appropriate. Thanks, Rex! I am so grateful for communities of faith here and there, planted in neighborhoods, sharing lives in obedience to God and exploration of what it means to follow Jesus.

I thought again about the church I'd like to lead and be part of, a place where the curious, the cautious, and the committed could explore the Bible together. Yeah, I've thought about it a lot over the past 10 years.

My ideal church probably wouldn't be very traditional. It might get a bit noisy and occasionally messy, like a big family. I like it when kids hang out with their parents in church. (That also requires less volunteers for preschool, elementary, and youth. Help with babies and toddlers? Maybe.) We probably wouldn't meet in a designated building, or if we did, we might turn things around, depending on what worked best. It would be fun to have a team that was open to many ways God could speak to us and teach us.

I keep hearing the same thing - from college students, church drop-outs, and those frustrated by being spectators or strangers in their congregations. They'd love to participate in learning about God. They - and I - are hungry to hear and speak and pray God's word together. Instead of having someone tell us to read scripture, we would read it. Instead of wondering about things, we'd take time for Q&A each week. "Church" would probably include at least some of these:

• A time of worship - sometimes a band, sometimes singing or listening to music, sometimes calling out the names and characteristics of God, sometimes sharing gratitude for who God is and what he does. Mixing up the ways we Truth-tell is important so we don't drift off. (Worship and praise is alignment with Truth - the most honest and pure way we can be, reflecting back to God all that he is and does.)
• Scripture read aloud from the OT and NT - at least a chapter from each, prepared in advance for clarity and inflection. This would be a great way for people to participate and prepare for coming together.
• A time of reflection - maybe a pause during 'worship,' maybe a spoken prayer, maybe a silent meditation on God's nature, his provision, his care for us, or a scripture verse. Maybe we'd read a Psalm aloud as our conversation with God.
• A 10 minute talk on themes from the Scripture readings.
•  10-20 minutes of participatory interaction about 3 questions = what the Scripture passage tells us about 1) God; 2) people; 3) our opportunities and responsibilities, in light of the week's passage. This part could be done in many ways - in groups of 2-50... or more. Kids, seniors, singles, marrieds, parents, new or experienced believers, and first-timers can share insights as we learn together.
• A 10 minute Q&A, with one of the church's many "experts." In any group, and in most churches, people are continually integrating faith and work. The church I attended today has teachers, professional theologians, people in justice (cops and lawyers), scientists, realtors, etc. (Who knows more about people in sales!?) 
• Communion. There's nothing more intimate or definitive in a community of faith than sharing the symbols of Christ's sacrifice.
• Giving and generosity. Volunteering one's time, giving money, or sharing other resources. 
• Serving. Giving ourselves away, however God has designed and gifted us.
• Closing. A prayer? The story of God's personal interaction from a community member (we used to call this a testimony)? An affirmation of God's goodness or our intentions for the week?
• Food and drink, before or after. If we meet in a public space, it would be cool to have a meal together - everyone could buy/bring their own food, but sit around to eat together. Part of giving could be bringing a few extra dollars, so the unprepared could buy a meal.

I love attending churches with great speakers, a fabulous band, and lots of options for interaction. But I think there's a place for simpler communities, without a lot of set-up and tear-down, without a big volunteer structure. A place where people come together to learn, laugh, and cry as they pray, study scripture, and worship together.

When I'm done with my dissertation, I want to find, participate in, or help create that community. It's part of my dream for the future, as I answer the question, "So what do you want to do, once you finish this degree?"

What does your ideal "ecclesia" or church look like?

Read more:
*The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. Psalm 111:10

*Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28

*The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5-6

*Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority. Jude 24-25

Moravian Prayer: God, you watch over us like a father and guide us like a mother. Your eye is always on us, ready to help us instantly. We rest in your strong hands. We worship you today, for you are faithful. Amen.

Lent Day 11: Small church, real church

It's the sort of place Jesus would have hung out to meet people and tell them about his Father. It looked like a BBQ restaurant, but what a wonderful surprise lay waiting inside!

Over the weekend, I got to preach at a young church plant. The pastor's heart and love for her flock warmed us all. As I entered the door and walked into the room, people introduced themselves and each other to me. Someone had brought an abundant breakfast of bagels and sweet pastries. Coffee was on. From baby Hunter, to teens, to the oldest persons, I felt welcomed, among friends.

The worship was intimate and compelling... and really really good! Trust me, the worship leader sings and plays with a rare intimacy and heart for God. The youth group reported on a conference they had attended, and we prayed and studied scriptures. In other words, "We had church!"

Diane, I salute you and the strong call of God on you! The New Testament records the beginnings of similar small groups of believers who met together to explore their faith in Jesus. From little start-ups to community influencers, these assemblies multiplied and fanned out to share Good News and change the world.

Most accomplished preachers, musicians, and leaders of large churches have had their beginnings in such congregations. I could never have played piano for thousands if I had not learned to accompany worship leaders of dozens and hundreds.

If you want to know more about this church north of Seattle, want to attend, or have the resources to support a small congregation with a big heart with a one-time gift or regular contributions, contact dianeb@lifechurchskagit.com.