A Rose by Any Other Name is Still a…

A Rose by Any Other Name is Still a…

Jun 3, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

Today’s Word from Pastor Tom Kidd…

Picture an early 80-year-old, diminutive frame (maybe 5 feet) with flaming red hair. She probably weighed maybe four pounds more than her age. She walked like she should have been there five minutes ago. Always. Never slower. Lucy was a force who made you feel like she had been your best friend since kindergarten and I never ever left a conversation with her without feeling profoundly valued. Even if it was 45 seconds in passing on the way to the fellowship hall. Lucy loomed way larger than her petite frame.

Her red hair and red lipstick were a metaphor for her passion. She loved her ’65 Mustang, her joy in being first to provide for a funeral reception, her friends, cooking for her friends, her church. And she loved her roses. Love of roses was something we held in common. Our mutual disdain for Black Spot was also something we held in common. Oh, how we hated Black Spot. There was this one morning where I was working in my office, fixated on word smithing, when in she walked holding a small vase with a single beautiful full-bloomed thirty-five petaled red rose, “I don’t give my Mr. Lincolns to just anyone.” Her hallmark little grin betrayed the joy she felt in giving a gift she knew would be appreciated. I love Mr. Lincolns.

When Lucy died, her three children and I sat down to plan a service befitting someone whose generosity was exceeded only by her desire to stay out of the limelight. The service was “Lucy.” Full of music and scripture and the roses she loved. I would like to think it was fitting of a small, red haired woman who knew her place in the economy of God’s plan and Christ’s love. After the service her children had me meet them at Lucy’s already-sold Bellevue home. “Take any rose plants you want.” They explained that her house would soon be torn down for a larger West Bellevue edition and the plants would most likely be plowed up. “Oh, Mom also wanted you to have her rose book collection… and her trowel.” I also got her St. Francis garden statue thrown in as an added bonus. You can never have too many statues of St. Francis lying about.

Knowing roses are candy to deer, Lucy’s roses made it to Whidbey in pots that reside on the back deck. The transplant was challenging for them but after a couple of years they have mostly recovered. I visit with Lucy regularly on the back deck. We both hate Black Spot.

With that said, it is significant to note that Lucy’s life was ordinary. Just like mine. Just like most of ours, we will not be remembered for great things but for the somewhat ordinary things we did that left a memory behind. The story of Lucy’s rose plants means nothing to anyone but me. Oh, someone may stop to visually admire, or to catch a downwind scent that evokes a smile, but their story is mine. Having said that it, is also imperative to remember that it is the beauty of the common things that we do in love that change the course of human history for the better. The world is better for Lucy’s love of roses and for her selfless spirit, regardless of whether we personally knew her.

Colosse was a church tied in knots with all kinds of mini heresies and exclusionary practices that were getting in the way of the Gospel of Good News. So, Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians with this exhortation:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another. Forgive as the Lord forgives you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (3:12-14)

To be honest, these are pretty ordinary qualities that become extraordinarily powerful when bound together in a Christlike forgiveness and love. And the world is changed. For the better, powerfully. You belong to a church that is changing the course of history for eternity. Certainly, by some extraordinarily generous gifts. But mostly by all the “Lucys” of TLC who share their ordinary “roses” of love that become part of the stories of countless others. A rose by any other name is still a rose. Christlike forgiveness and love by any other name is anything but ordinary, it is life-changing.

I wish for you the sweet scent of love shared today.
Pastor Tom

A Moment in Time

A Moment in Time

Jun 2, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

Today’s Word from Mark Winslow…

A few days ago, I had to make a trip over to the mainland. A list of things to do called me over to that frenzied world. Normally Colleen and I prefer staying here, on our little island of paradise. Like everyone else, we have our fair share of problems and challenges, but we enjoy these peaceful surroundings in which to work things out. On that particular day, there was no getting around my having to make the trip to the other side. As it turned out, it was a very meaningful journey.

Once on the other side, I seem to sometimes get caught up in a hurried state of mind. This was one of those mornings for me. Fast approaching a signal light, I realized I wasn’t going to make the light. I muttered a little bit to myself as I slowed down and stopped at the light. I just missed it. Dang it! After sitting there for a few seconds, I looked around a bit and noticed a man walking towards me to my right, approaching the crosswalk. He looked as though he was dressed for work. He was talking on his cell phone. I immediately noticed that he was crying, and even sobbing a bit, without any concerns about anything other than that phone call. He stopped, and just stood there talking and crying.

Unmasked, I could see the complete expression on his face. He was in deep pain. It overwhelmed me. I started to cry as well. He wasn’t more than 20 feet from me. He looked over at me and saw my tears. I know he realized that, in a very small way, I was feeling his pain. Just for a brief moment with our eyes locked, we shared that pain together. It was a very meaningful moment in time for me, and maybe for him as well.

The light turned green and I pulled away, with the train of cars behind me. My destination was about 15 miles away. I thought deeply about what had just taken place. God works in such beautiful and mysterious ways. We all have problems. This experience just made me realize how much I have to be grateful for, and how blessed I am. We all are. The list of things that I had felt burdened by quickly washed away. In the grand scheme of things, they were not that important.

I think I’m going to think of this man for quite a while, especially when I find myself sitting at a red light. Hopefully, our brief moment in time will help me to remember how much we all need each other.

Next time you’re stuck at a light, maybe give yourself a moment, and look both ways. You never know what you might see.

God bless!

Mark Winslow

Life’s a Twinkling

Life’s a Twinkling

May 31, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

Today’s Word from Karl Olsen, Minister of Music…

Two days ago, Pastor Jim gave some sterling advice in his sermon. Basically:
• Don’t be overwhelmed by the many problems of the world.
• If you do get overwhelmed, take a breath and pick issues that you can have a direct effect on, and do something!
• Don’t put your head in the clouds and think God will just make it all better. God says we’re supposed to take part in healing what we can.

Or, as the quote from the Talmud, and the prophet Micah says:

Do not be overwhelmed by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.

So, thanks, Pastor Jim. And thanks to those scholarly Jewish thinkers.

But… there are a lot of potentially overwhelming things in life… here are two on my mind this week:

Yesterday was the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The Greenwood District of Tulsa was a thriving Black community of businesses and residents, often referred to as Black Wall Street. The town was founded by many descendants of slaves. On May 31, 1921, it was burned to the ground by a White mob, resulting in as many as 300 deaths and lynchings among the Black community. The community has never recovered fully. (If you want to know more, CLICK HERE for a pretty concise article about it.)

Now, I’m nowhere near 100 years old (although some of the preschoolers think I am!), and I don’t have any Oklahoma history in my family. So why would this overwhelm me? Well, it happened in my country, the country I’m proud to claim, despite its warts and blemishes (after all, I have quite a few of those myself). And it happened in both my parents’ lifetimes. And, I never heard about it until I became an elementary school teacher! It was covered up, because we knew it was bad.

So, rather than be overwhelmed by this history and on-going racism, what will I do? I’ll commit to write to those in power who make laws, who select curricula for our schools, to write to you, and to write and sing music that says something about this. I can do that, small as it may be. Here’s a song I wrote earlier this year. You’ve heard it before, perhaps. It’s Already Been Time.

Well, that was a large-scale issue, with minimal daily overt impact on my life. One kind of stress. But, this past week, overwhelming came closer to home. This past fortnight South Whidbey lost a wonderful, giving, creative soul. Greg Garbarino. He was my age.

A friend, a some-time musical collaborator, a skilled carpenter, musician, audio engineer, dancer and a man who loved to give back to his community, Greg did work on both of my CDs, on four of the Shifty Sailor CDs and on countless projects at WICA, the Whidbey Institute and with many other musical and creative artists in our local area.

After a traumatic youth, and being here since the 80s, Greg’s artist income was sporadic, as many artists’ income are, and the pandemic created more difficulties to add to his depression and anxiety. Greg made the choice to end his life when it seemed too much to handle. Last Sunday, hundreds gathered to say goodbye and celebrate this fantastic life and soul. Tears and laughter filled the courtyard at the Whidbey Institute, along with lots of music and stories.

Greg’s siblings were overwhelmed—both by the loss and by the outpouring of love from this gathering for Greg. No denying the reality, no pretending the grief wasn’t real, but claiming the hope that Greg had moved into the Light, as one of the songs he loved to sing had said.

I sang a song for Greg—and especially for those gathered—that I have sung at other passings. Carrie Newcomer’s song The Gathering of Spirits. The chorus says:

Let it go my love, my truest, let it sail on silver wings. Life’s a twinkling, that’s for certain, but it’s such a fine thing. There’s a gathering of spirits, there’s a festival of friends, and we’ll take up where we left off, when we all meet again.

Greg’s life among us was a fine thing, although the ending was a challenge. I know life is fragile. This one was personal. I haven’t really cried for Greg until now, as the tears hit my desktop. How do I not be overwhelmed?

I don’t claim 100% success, but small steps help. I will talk to people about the effects of trauma, I will hold the hands and the struggles of friends and neighbors as I try to really hear their cries. I will tell people that the suicide prevention hotline is 800-273-8255. I will pray. And I will sing.

Thanks, Pastor Jim, and Micah, and the Talmud, for focusing my energies where I think I can make a difference. This is what I can do. How about you? Let’s hold each other up. Life’s a twinkling.

CLICK HERE to listen to both It’s Already Been Time and The Gathering of Spirits.

Carry on.
Karl

Blessed to be a Blessing

Blessed to be a Blessing

May 31, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

This Evening’s Word from your TLC Endowment Committee…

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21

The TLC Endowment started as one man’s vision over 22 years ago. Church member, Steve Schrecengost, created hope for the future – to support local charities, provide aid to those devastated by natural disasters or hunger, and support education for the next generation. The Endowment started with less than $3,000 back in 1999. Who would have imagined that in 22 years, the fund would reach the $5 million level? A very sincere THANK YOU to all who have contributed to the Endowment Fund!

In 2021 we will be distributing an impressive $211,000 of Endowment funds, which is more than in any prior year. Of this amount, $31,000 is earmarked for benevolent purposes; the Church Council selects the receiving charities at the local, national, and/or global levels. The remaining sums will be awarded as scholarships to deserving youth in our parish and the local community pursuing higher education. These young people are changed forever, enabled to pursue their dreams through the generosity of people like you.

Donors to the fund are building a legacy, which will outlast their lifetimes. We are exceptionally grateful to an increasing number of legacy donors, as well as the important, occasional gifts received from church members. We are blessed with a stalwart financial advisor, appreciating his thoughtful investment management guidance for the portfolio. The market has been generally kind, providing strong annual growth and returns, which facilitate increasing our distributions for benevolent purposes, and scholarships for local youth.

What is your Legacy? Throughout life, most of us strive to make a difference – in our families, our communities, and beyond. Sometimes we think about how that care and effort will extend beyond our lifetimes. If you’d like to make a difference far into the future, you might wish to consider becoming one of the TLC Endowment’s remarkable contributors. (Or, you may prefer to remain anonymous.)

For more information on creating a legacy gift, please contact Pastor Jim. If you feel inspired to act now, please CLICK HERE and you’ll be directed to the Online Giving Donation page on the TLC website, where you will choose Endowment.

With utmost gratitude and at your service, as protectors of the Endowment assets,

Your Endowment Committee,

Rich Bacigalupi (Chair), David Campbell (Vice-Chair), Kathy Ann Borson (Treasurer), Maija Eerkes (Secretary), Kathy Rogers, Steve Dalgleish, Clayton Fleming (Committee Members).

“Am I Safe? Will I be Judged?”

“Am I Safe? Will I be Judged?”

May 29, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…

Jesus said to the religious people, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the Kingdom of God ahead of you.” Matthew 21:31

The question comes up from time to time: a question born in pain, rooted in personal experience, an apprehensive question which reveals the fear of being known, known by those who may not be compassionate or trustworthy. The question: “Am I safe? Will I be judged?” Broken people walk into our church every week. They are looking for sanctuary, a safe place. They long for words of hope as they carry more than their share of shame, guilt, and regret. Those who are mostly likely to ask the question are people whose families are dealing with addiction, divorce, or some form of mental illness.

Broken people walk into a church that bears the name of Jesus and they wonder if they will be shunned, judged, or excluded. It has been said that “the church is the only army that shoots its wounded.” Of course, that is not true. Those of you who have been in the corporate world, politics, or professional sports know that the wounded are discarded every day.

My father was a highly functional alcoholic. He was never absent from work, never had a DWI, never missed a beat during the day. He poured his life into his corporate work for 30 years, and he poured a lot of drinks at the end of the day. When his family had an intervention to help him back to health, he swallowed his pride and headed off to Hazelton for 30 days of in-patient rehab. His boss gave him the time off, but when he returned to work, it was clear that his days were numbered, and soon the company that he had given his life to, had retired him.

The church too, is not always very understanding or patient with those who are damaged, broken, non-conforming, or high maintenance. We praise high achievers; we are intoxicated by wealth and power, we imply that God has blessed the faithful with success, at the same time implying that others are suffering the just fruits of their behavior. The cancer of self-righteousness is always close to the surface among religious people like us. We take ourselves too seriously, we claim favored status with God, we somehow believe that we are better than the broken. We show up on Sunday, we say the right prayers, we wear the right clothes, we make offerings of time and money, and we do good deeds.

But we too are hiding, hiding behind a mask, hoping that others won’t discover the secrets of our families or the secrets of our lives. And if the mask were to come off, “Am I safe? Will I be judged?” “Will the Harper Valley PTA or the Country Club toss me aside?” One of the most freeing moments of my life came when I realized that I am not called to bear the burden of judging others. I am your pastor, not your judge. I set the table for communion, but I let Jesus determine the guest list. I am not responsible for what you believe, I am only responsible for what I teach.

“My child is gay, am I safe?” “My husband is in prison; will I be judged?” “I am an addict in need of recovery, am I safe?” “I am an undocumented immigrant; will I be welcome at TLC?” “I am not sure that I even believe in God, will I be judged here?”

She sat in my office, she told me her story, the courage she displayed inspired me, the pain she carried saddened me, and then she said it, “Am I safe? Will I be judged here?”

We can do better. We must do better.

Pastor Jim

Small Joys

Small Joys

May 28, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

Today’s Word from Deacon Amy… 

“For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.” Psalm 92:4

Pentecost Sunday was an exciting day for our family! We had been watching our pig, Julia, for a few weeks, knowing that she was getting close to farrowing (did you know that’s what pig birth is called?). We didn’t know, though, that she quite this close. When we got home from church, we went straight down to check on her – this was at about 12:30. Seeing that she was in the early stages of labor, we hurried to the house to change into our farm clothes, and headed back to the barn to get ready. By 1:30, the first little piglet had been born. Over the next four hours, Ava and I stayed with Julia as she birthed a new piglet about every twenty minutes. By 5:30, there were eight. Eight tiny, precious, little piggies. Three were all pink, two were almost completely black, and the rest were a mix of the two. They were all beyond adorable.

As you may know, we’ve hatched plenty of chicks and have had several goats born on our little farm, but these were the first piglets that we’ve welcomed. It was a pretty amazing experience.

Watching the instincts that our critters display always impresses me. Before going into labor, Julia broke open two straw bales in her stall and made a cozy bed. It’s hard to know how much animals understand, but somehow, she knew that she would soon need a safe, comfy nest. The brand-new piglets displayed obvious instincts, too. As soon as each one was born, they would start wiggling toward mama’s belly, seeking their first meals. They couldn’t quite walk yet and had very little muscle control, but they knew which way to go to find some breakfast.

By the next morning, the happy family had figured out a pretty good routine. Mama would lay on her side and let the babies nurse, then she’d get up to eat while they piled under the heat lamp in the corner. When she needed a rest, she’d lay flat on her belly and watch the piggies romp around the stall. Julia is a very attentive mama, and perks up whenever she hears an unhappy sound from any one of them.

On Thursday morning, Lia and I snuck into the stall and snatched three of the piggies while Julia was eating breakfast. We loaded them into the back of my car and made a visit to preschool. It was so fun! The kids sat in a circle while the piglets roamed around, sniffing and snorting. Needless to say, they were pretty popular guests. There were a lot of joyful smiles and giggles as the little pigs wandered among the kids.

I just love how much joy our little farm has brought to our friends and family. The preschoolers were just the latest recipients of this joy. We love to share pictures and stories of our critters for others to enjoy.

We could all use some joy in our lives. Hopefully the pictures in this post will insert some joy into your life today!

Deacon Amy