Apr 14, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
Today’s Word from Pastor Tom…
So, try to picture the scene. It is a beautiful Seattle summer evening and I have accepted an invitation from my younger sibling to join her and her friends at some young adult drinking hole. What can I say? I had no social life. I was only in town for a couple of days, having taken a break from my summer job of driving truck cross country.
It was a perfect evening for having the top down on my beautifully painted, perfectly polished, ’67 muscle machine. Off we went navigating the tight Seattle streets enjoying the beautiful evening. That is, until some character in his pseudo-cool car (Hey! I have standards!) turns onto our street heading for us as if he has a statement to make. He slides to a stop, barely one paintbrush of enamel between our cars. His face is literally 18 inches from mine. He begins to berate me with that kind of puffed-up, insecure masculinity that has a shelf life of about 20 seconds. At which point, now from about 15 inches, I verbally reached down his throat and threatened to rip his heart out. His retreat was quick. As he drove off, my sister offered something about my being bad.
I did not sleep that night. Not a wink. Such is the consequence of guilt. I had verbally assaulted this young man (maybe 2 years younger than me) in front of what I assumed was his girlfriend. I had done nothing wrong in creating the moment, yet nonetheless, I felt awful. Not much of a Christian witness. But that wasn’t the worst mistake. Nope, not by a long shot. I prayed the prayer the flawed part of us really hopes the Lord has been too busy, preoccupied on the other side of the universe dealing with important stuff, to hear.
I prayed for the opportunity to make amends.
The next day was Seafair Sunday. Three hundred thousand patrons on the Lake Washington shoreline whooping it up for the hydro race – Miss Bardahl, Hawaii Kai, Miss Thriftway, Thriftway Too… 12-cylinder Allison or Rolls Royce engines… but I digress. Who do I see walking at me? Yup, in the flesh. Ugh!
He had backed up when I reminded him of our previous encounter, but when I asked him to accept my apology he smiled and received my handshake. I didn’t realize how big he was. Whew! One small step in my journey towards altering the course of history towards eternity.
Brenda and I have been speaking of “journey” a lot lately. A cancer diagnosis with a predicted poor outcome will do that for you. “This is our journey,” we say to one another. To be perfectly honest, I am tired of trying to be poetic about journey, about our station in life. There is little that feels iambic pentameter about a doctor giving you news (however empathically) that certain life events you had assumed will, in all probability, not happen. Nonetheless we have, together, stepped off the side of the ship. This is our journey… sigh. There is just no way of skipping the stuff in the middle.
Holy Week has regularly led me to consider Jesus’ experience with regard to “journey.” Tomorrow is Good Friday, today is Maundy Thursday. Tonight, we are reminded how Jesus celebrated the Passover Feast with his beloved disciples, including his betrayer. Tomorrow we will try to wrap our imaginations around his horrid torture and crucifixion. In between, Jesus prayed, “Father, Abba, is there any way this cup can pass from my hands?” Dad… is there a plan B? But there is no way to go from Maundy Thursday to Easter without going through Good Friday. You can’t skip the stuff in the middle, and so Jesus concludes, “Not my will but yours.”
Brenda and I find solace in the confession that Jesus promises to not just meet us on the other side, but will accompany us through the middle. That helps. To be perfectly honest, I sometimes think Jesus’ presence is best experienced in you. You are the life and breath of the Savior through the many expressions of love you share with one another. With the world. With us. Thank you.
A blessed Holy Week to you. I will see you in the middle.
With love,
Pastor Tom
Apr 13, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
Jesus “emptied himself taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:7-8
Every story in the Bible is a human story. Human stories written by humans, inspired by God.
Every story in the Bible is a human story. Humans struggling with their lot in life. Humans trying to find meaning and purpose—trying to find their place in creation.
Humans trying to find God – trying to understand God’s activity and God’s silence.
Every story in the Bible is a human story.
Brothers that don’t get along.
Children who wander off to distant lands.
Children who disrespect their parents.
Parents who play favorites with their children.
Women unable to have children, and mothers who must bury their babies.
Death is always close in the Biblical narrative.
Life is fragile and dangerous.
War and famine.
Palace intrigue and dysfunctional families.
Betrayal and forgiveness.
Those struggling with disease or disability.
Those struggling with mental illness.
Every story in the Bible is a human story.
It is your story, and it is mine.
And the common theme of nearly every story is fear.
Humans, by nature, are fearful creatures.
We are afraid of the dark.
We are afraid of change.
We are afraid of the unknown.
We are afraid of losing those we love.
We are afraid of dying, and we are afraid of living.
The anxiety that you are feeling this year is nothing new. You are not alone or unique. The anxiety that you are experiencing has been a part of every human story.
I would encourage you to come to church this Easter Sunday; I believe that you will be blessed by being in the presence of those who share your humanity. Come to TLC this Sunday; hear the Easter story, be uplifted by beautiful music, eat bread and wine at a table that welcomes everyone.
Our human stories will merge this Sunday as words of grace wash over us and we are renewed for daily living.
This Sunday the darkness of Holy Week will give way to the light of Easter.
One day closer,
Pastor Jim
Apr 6, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
Today’s Word from Sheila Weidendorf
As most of you know, I make music… a LOT of music. There’s my core endeavor– performing western classical chamber music in collaboration with many fine musicians. At any given time, I typically have 5-6 concerts worth of music in some stage of practice, rehearsal, performance, or recording. I also devote a reasonable amount of time to recording my own solo improvisational piano meditations and have a new improvisational trio to perform with. And then there’s my happy work as Trinity’s resident keyboardist. As it happens, I spend a RIDICULOUS amount of time at the keyboard.
Of course, during the Covid years, I had fewer public concerts and honestly enjoyed the respite from what has been a very, very public life. That is shifting again now– I find myself more and more in the public eye and I must say that it feels strange. I am inherently a very private person with strong hermit-y tendencies. I am not shy, but I do require significant alone time for my musical, personal, and spiritual well-being.
Something that comes up over and over and over again with regards to my music is the subject of “talent.” Anyone with any degree of accomplishment at their musical or otherwise artistic craft tends to hear the kindly refrain, “You’re so talented!” While I can appreciate being appreciated (who doesn’t?!?), the idea of “talent” is a bit of a stickler with me. After all, talent isn’t something I or anyone “deserves;” it’s neither something I created nor something gained as a reward for good behavior. We are all born with varying gifts and graces — as well as challenges!
It is true that I have been granted a proclivity for music. I cannot NOT make music—it’s my heart, my soul, my passion. But it is also my work — my very good, hard work. I just realized the other day that (yikes!) I have been playing the piano now for 52 years. It is thus reasonable to expect I be at least somewhat adept at my craft, given the countless hours I have spent exploring the repertoire, deepening my understanding and really working at developing my technique so as to be of maximum service to Music.
And this is the crux of this little story: We ALL have our work to do in this world, our offerings to make to the greater good. Whatever our gifts may be, they are meaningless and useless if not developed, honed, polished. And that takes devotion and perseverant practice. And there’s no end zone — there will always be more scales to practice, notes to learn, technique to further polish, concerts to perform.
But behind all this “visible” evidence of my proclivities and commitment to my musical endeavors is the greater truth of the whole enterprise — of anyone’s enterprise or work in the world: What is the instrument I must practice? Ultimately, it’s not the piano I must practice. It’s me. If my talents are to be of use in this world, I must become the instrument. I am the string that must be tuned so that the beautiful mystery of God — this music of the spheres — might pass unimpeded through me. Talent is as talent does, after all. If my music is a gift to me from God, then let me please be a worthy instrument of God in my endeavors on this earth.
To be a good pianist — or painter or poet or prophet or preacher — is to be willing to become the string that is to be tuned to the key of creation. In this light, to make use of one’s God-given “talent” is not an accomplishment. Instead, it is more a willingness to surrender to the hand that would keep us in tune.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, it is believed that one can attain a state of union with God in full bliss and enlightened realization, a state called “samadhi.” Whether through meditation or devoted service, samadhi is a state of complete surrender to God. And just as Pastor Tom said in a recent sermon, we all were born with a little bit of God in us.
“Talent” is only that — a possibility born of that little bit of God in us. To employ that little bit of God in our early work is an act of devoted surrender — a kind of samadhi with the Holy. In this I am reminded of the Prayer of St. Francis:
Make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
Make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, only light,
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console.
To be understood as to understand.
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me an instrument of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
in giving of ourselves that we receive,
and in dying that we’re born to eternal life.
I shall leave you with one of my improvisational meditations entitled, Samadhi (Santoor) click HERE to listen.
Much love,
Sheila
Apr 3, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
Today’s Word from Pastor Tom,,,
I don’t have anything pithy. I regularly try for pithy but I am fresh out of pithy. Sometimes the pithy-well goes dry and for a writer (or would-be writer), all that is left can feel stale or mundane.
So here’s the deal, as most of you know my Brenda’s got metastatic brain cancer (she is a trooper), the dreaded annual tax stuff is due (Brenda does it and I am a mess with fear it is up to me), the septic system is maybe going to poop-out (humor), and, and, and…. Oh, did I mention I don’t have anything pithy to fire off this little missive?
So, here’s the real deal. Life is hard for all of us. Bad health, failed relationships, money problems… everyone has brokenness in their lives because the DNA of life is broken. The question is not, “Why?” but, “Why not?” We all have sadness and fear and disappointment to deal with. This is the way it is in life. Yet Brenda and I are blessed with gratitude… seems incongruous in a way, doesn’t it? The Serenity Prayer helps:
God, grant me the Serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And the Wisdom to know the difference.
We have found that focusing on the activities, the people, who bring joy into our life is incredibly valuable. Lyra is bringing joy into our life. That’s her photo… she is, as of six weeks ago, our most recent rescue dog. She is a joy and an absolute gift and loves nothing more than a romp at the beach swimming after ducks. She makes us both happy. She is a gift from God. Happy is good, very good.
You make Brenda and me happy. This church community of faithful sinners has held us in love, bestowed on us countless acts of generosity and, along with faithful sinners around the world, wrapped us in a seamless garment of holy prayer. You have no idea how you are strengthening us for the journey which we realize is just beginning. Thank you.
Here’s a thought for you… surrender is not giving up. At least not in the world of faith. We hear much these days in the geopolitical world of how Ukraine (my Brenda is Ukrainian) will never surrender to their invaders. In this context, for these proud people, to refuse to give up is to refuse to surrender. It is tantamount to the same. In the world of faith, surrendering to God’s will is not giving up as much as it is accepting that hardships may in fact be a more profound way to God. Some say it is the path of faith. “Pick up your cross and follow me,” was, I believe, our Lord’s admonition.
There is, I suspect, nothing new in these words. We have heard enough sermons through the years to have these basics down. I suspect in some measure I have shaped these words as much for my benefit as for your edification. Taxes will get done, the septic system will get sorted out (please, Jesus!), and the good doctors will guide us through this stage of our journey. Oh, and we have a beautiful new Lyra in our life. Staying grateful. Keep praying.
“God is good?” “All the time!”
“All the time?” “God is good!”
Pastor Tom
Mar 30, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
Today’s Word from Deacon Amy…
We’ve all heard about prideful peacocks, but what about the lowly turkey? It’s about this time every year that our handsome toms start to strut their stuff, fanning their tails and parading around the barnyard, trying to catch the attention of a hen. They are a perfect visual representation of pride.
These toms remind me of a conversation I had with a young man a few weeks ago. He asked me about pride; is it always a bad thing? He really got me thinking – is there a simple answer to this question? As with many theological questions, no, I don’t think there is a simple answer to this one.
Let’s start, first, with finding a definition for the word “pride.” Looking at The American Heritage Dictionary, we find that there are several definitions. A few of them are:
• A sense of one’s own proper dignity or value; self-respect.
• Pleasure or satisfaction taken in an achievement, possession, or association.
• Arrogant or disdainful conduct or treatment; haughtiness.
These definitions really vary – from dignity to pleasure to arrogance. I can’t think of another word with so many variable connotations. In continuing to delve into this mysterious theme of pride, let us turn to the Bible.
Reading through the Old Testament, there are dozens of references to pride in an undesirable way:
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
“I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pride of the arrogant, and lay low the insolence of tyrants.” Isaiah 13:11
These passages remind us of the risk of taking personal credit for our successes and neglecting to honor our Creator who has supplied us all with various gifts and abilities. Perhaps it is in our nature to be prideful. To rely on ourselves alone. These passages warn us of the danger therein.
Besides, none of us like to spend too much time with people who are overly boastful, and we certainly don’t enjoy working on team projects when another member prefers to take all of the credit.
Let’s turn, then, to the New Testament, where we find a different type of reference to pride. When speaking to the people of Corinth, Paul said, “I often boast about you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with consolation; I am overjoyed in all our affliction.” 2 Corinthians 7:4
Here, Paul expresses pride not in himself, as we were warned against earlier, but pride in the followers of Christ. This is a different type of pride. This aligns more, perhaps, with a parent who is proud of a child who is making good choices in life, or making a positive impact in the world.
So… where does this leave us? Is it bad to be proud of ourselves for reaching a goal, or accomplishing a difficult task? Personally, I don’t think that’s the type of pride that we are being warned against.
And I absolutely believe that we could correctly use the word “proud” when considering how God feels about us, much as a loving parent does, when we use the gifts that we have been given to do good in this world.
As a child, it always made me feel good to know that my parents were proud of me. As a parent, I often feel that I’m about to burst with pride over my children. My students, too, make me feel unbelievably proud at times.
This was a long and winding response to what seemed a simple question: is pride always bad? So, to sum it up, I would say, yes and no; sometimes and always; it really kind of depends on the situation. That’s just about as clear as mud, isn’t it?
Maybe I’ll just stick with the turkeys. They really are quite impressive.
Deacon Amy
Mar 24, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
Today’s Word from Deacon Amy…
“Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion! Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem” Isaiah 52:1
Over the years, we have had several different animals come and leave on our little farm. Some were born here and moved on to different families, some came to us at in their middle years and stayed for the rest of their days, and some were with us for a shorter period of time. There is always an adjustment period when a new animal comes to the farm. Throughout all of this time, we have learned a few tricks to make the transitions to their new home easier.
With chickens, we’ve found it best to sneak the new birds into the coop at night. For some reason, when they wake up in the morning, the flock doesn’t seem to mind the change, and the new birds don’t take much time at all to fit right in.
Goats seem to take longer to adjust. They need to spend some serious time getting used to their new surroundings and their new herdmates.
Last week, my youngest daughter had an opportunity to bring home a beautiful new goat. This sweet girl will be her show goat for the next several years, and will hopefully provide some adorable kids for us during that time (not to mention milk, soap, and cheese!). Miss Zion is a wonderful addition to our farm.
The evening that we brought her home, we put her into a smaller pen that’s fairly close to the house, and brought one of our calmer goats in to be her companion. We made them a cozy bed in the barn, gave them a good dinner, and closed the door to keep them tucked in safe at night.
Starting on her second day here, Lia would take Zion out of the field a few times a day to practice walking on a lead, and to visit some of the other animals. By day four, she was spending time grazing with some of our other does. On day five, we took her to visit another friend’s farm.
Within just a week, she’s learned to look for and follow Lia. She’s walking much more calmly on a lead, the other goats have accepted her into the herd, and it’s obvious that she is adjusting wonderfully to her new home.
With a little kindness, companionship, and some extra steps taken to help her feel comfortable, Miss Zion is already feeling right at home.
I think it’s important for everyone to have a sense of “home” somewhere, whether that be an actual house, family or a loved one, a wonderful group of coworkers, or perhaps a family of Christians who gather to worship together each Sunday morning.
So where is it that you feel at home? And how are you helping others to feel at home?
See you in church!
Deacon Amy
