Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent. Lent is an ancient observance of repentance and preparation for Easter, which this year falls on April 4. Patterned on Jesus' experience of reflection and fasting in the wilderness, it is meant to be a time where a disciple can engage in meaningful self correction. Properly observed, Lent can an annual time of renewal for a Christian.
Unfortunately, Lent is subject to many misunderstandings. The stereotype is a dreary, gloomy observance where all pleasure is banished and one's faults and shortcomings are magnified. Most Protestants have rejected Lent as a spiritual practice. In recent years we have begun to recapture Lent as a positive part of our spiritual journey. But again, it has to be done right.
We at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church are adopting the theme of "Attitude Adjustment" for Lent 2010. This is related to our larger worship theme, which is "Durable Happiness." It is the obligation of the Christian to be a happy person in this world, and so much that makes for happiness in life is within our control. The Christian disciple is in charge of his/her attitude. Attitude control is a spiritual discipline.
How does your attitude toward life look to others? Are there adjustments you need to make? To you need to sweeten your attitude? Make it more positive, or less judgmental? Would a more hopeful attitude help? One that was less self concerned? Today would be a good day to start.
Attitude adjustment will lead to a more joyful and energetic celebration of Easter, and it will improve your impact on the world. This matters.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Presbytery Moderator
The Presbytery of Chicago, the regional governing body of over one hundred churches in the greater Chicago area, will hold its regular assembly at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church on February 20. At that meeting I will be installed as Moderator of the presbytery for 2010.. This will take place at the worship service that should begin about 11AM. It will be a big occasion for our church, and for me personally. It is a milestone for a pastor or elder to become presbytery moderator, and it is a wonderful opportunity for leadership as well.
In Presbyterian governance, the office of moderator is a mostly ceremonial position. We Presbyterians mistrust power, and therefore diffuse it as widely as possible. Being moderator does not make me like a bishop, and does not bestow on me magical ability to get things done. As moderator, my primary job is to chair our assembly meetings (held five or six times a year). I also get to represent the presbytery at ordination and installation services for new pastors, and at ecumenical events. In this role, it is very unlikely that you will see my name or face in the media.
The office of moderator does, however, give me the opportunity to set an agenda and a tone for our presbytery in the coming year. In this sense, it is more like being a pastor. While I cannot make anything happen, I can certainly help some things happen through presence, conversation, listening, persuasion, prayer, networking, studying, preaching, and all the other ways that influence is most effectively used. This is what I love doing, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do it at the presbytery level.
My moment as presbytery moderator comes as the Presbytery of Chicago faces some daunting challenges. A very large indebtedness that has to be repaid will likely result in the sale of presbytery properties, including our camp property in Michigan. More importantly, the presbytery is in a time of redefining itself in light of what could be called a “post denominational society.” Just what is our denomination evolving into, and how will it affect us? No one can answer that question with any clarity right now, but we still have to go on being church to the best of our ability. I will have a small contribution to make to that process, and I am gratified to be in the position.
My thanks to the people of EPC for allowing me to do this. While active involvement in presbytery life is part of the job of any Presbyterian minister, being moderator will require more time and energy than the usual assignments. I will do my very best not to be distracted from my duties, but if I do slip up it is because I am doing what I believe I am called to do. I will certainly keep you posted!
In Presbyterian governance, the office of moderator is a mostly ceremonial position. We Presbyterians mistrust power, and therefore diffuse it as widely as possible. Being moderator does not make me like a bishop, and does not bestow on me magical ability to get things done. As moderator, my primary job is to chair our assembly meetings (held five or six times a year). I also get to represent the presbytery at ordination and installation services for new pastors, and at ecumenical events. In this role, it is very unlikely that you will see my name or face in the media.
The office of moderator does, however, give me the opportunity to set an agenda and a tone for our presbytery in the coming year. In this sense, it is more like being a pastor. While I cannot make anything happen, I can certainly help some things happen through presence, conversation, listening, persuasion, prayer, networking, studying, preaching, and all the other ways that influence is most effectively used. This is what I love doing, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do it at the presbytery level.
My moment as presbytery moderator comes as the Presbytery of Chicago faces some daunting challenges. A very large indebtedness that has to be repaid will likely result in the sale of presbytery properties, including our camp property in Michigan. More importantly, the presbytery is in a time of redefining itself in light of what could be called a “post denominational society.” Just what is our denomination evolving into, and how will it affect us? No one can answer that question with any clarity right now, but we still have to go on being church to the best of our ability. I will have a small contribution to make to that process, and I am gratified to be in the position.
My thanks to the people of EPC for allowing me to do this. While active involvement in presbytery life is part of the job of any Presbyterian minister, being moderator will require more time and energy than the usual assignments. I will do my very best not to be distracted from my duties, but if I do slip up it is because I am doing what I believe I am called to do. I will certainly keep you posted!
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