"Giving Up" for Lent

by Rev. Andy DeBraber

Around the dinner table Monday, while Liz was at women’s chorus rehearsal, I raised the subject of Lent with Anna (age 10) and Ezra (age 7). As we were approaching our church’s annual Mardi Gras Chili Supper the following night and Ash Wednesday after that, they were curious.

They were especially taken with this idea that someone – them even! – might give something up for Lent, which runs from Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17) until Easter on April 4. What does that mean? Why would anyone do that? What might people give up?

So I did my best to explain to them:

Ø It’s a way of remembering and being united with Jesus, who gave up many things to bring abundant life to people, particularly in this season by going to the very centers of religious and political powers in Jerusalem. He went there to speak truth to power and live out his mission of love and justice for all people.

Ø In giving things up, we are reminded of the many blessings we have. We then are not only grateful but work and pray that all might have what is needed for a rich and delightful life.

Ø Each time we think of or desire that thing we’ve given up is an opportunity for prayer – for remembering that we are in the presence of God, for holding others, and for sticking to our mission in life.

Ø Sometimes we have to give up things – even good things – for the sake of great things. Moving through Lent to Easter is a time of honing our focus and letting our light shine even brighter in world, seeking both self-fulfillment and the greater good of all.

Ø Depending what is given up, we are reminded that we have control over our bodies and actions – not vice versa. We become re-empowered.

Just as valuable, I told them, is taking on some kind of practice during Lent, such as time set aside for prayer or reading or journaling, working in a specific way for justice in the world, or writing and calling people with words of encouragement or reconciliation.

Ezra was the first to come up with his Lenten practice. “I know,” he said, “I’ll give up dilly-dallying!”

And a few minutes later: “I’ll be praying a lot when it’s time to go get in the car.”

Anna, in her typical and beautiful first-born, responsible, and spiritually hungry way, wanted badly to give something up but couldn’t think of anything. Resisting the urge to make some suggestions, I told them that I was taking on two practices for Lent. I am drinking only water and coffee (after first contemplating giving up coffee, which I’ve done in the past) and will create a list of five things each day for which I’m grateful.

The next night, Fat Tuesday (they understood clearly that this is the time to do all those things you’re about to give up), as we were passing out beaded necklaces at the Chili Supper, Anna had a thought about what to give up.

“Maybe I could give up jewelry for Lent,” she said. “I do wear a lot of jewelry.”

Again, resisting the urge to comment, I took that in and let her sit with it awhile. It is something she would consider daily and a luxury many don’t have.

Our series of messages in Lent is titled “Bare Necessities.” We will be focusing on making the journey to the most powerful of places, both in ourselves and in the world. If we are going to “live fully…and have the courage to be who God has made us to be,” we must set some things aside.

The season of Epiphany has been a time of considering our purpose and mission in the world: What is it that I am do best? What is it that I enjoy most? In what direction do I feel pulled or called? What is my mission in the world?

In Lent, we act on these epiphanies, these realizations. We are offered the choice to leave behind the good for the great. We are asked to consider, as we approach that most powerful place, what is most valuable and necessary for the journey? Who and what do I wish to become and what do I wish to set aside?

Giving something up or taking something on can be a part of that practice. Or it can be a reminder to center our attention on that journey and ongoing process of growth.

Coming home on Ash Wednesday, Anna had settled on her practice for Lent: “I’m giving up complaining,” she proudly proclaimed. She and a friend are doing this together – always a great idea for spiritual practices.

What will your practice be this Lent? And with whom?

Quote Time

If you go looking for a friend,
you're going to find they're very scarce.

If you go out to be a friend,
you'll find them everywhere.

~ Zig Ziglar

Readers Sought for Lent & Easter Drama at Douglas UCC

"15: Living the Passion Through the Stations of the Cross" is intended to be an examination of the last hours up to Jesus' death, his crucifixion and, finally, his resurrection. This examination will involve direct empathetic connections for the cast and audience via "personal narratives" or personal testimonies, if you will.

With a mix of live music (sung and instrumental), scripted words, personal narratives, creative movement, sound effects, responsive readings, and audience participation, this play will be done in Reader's Theatre style with minimal technical elements.

*No hands-free memorization of lines required.

*Readers will take on characters from the Bible as well as read/share their own personal narratives that in a symbolic way connect with/identify with the trials, tribulations, and grace represented in the Stations of the Cross.

LOOKING FOR: 15 people who are interested in performing in front of an audience; who are willing to engage in improvisation and creative movement; who consider themselves a good reader; and who have a passion to share the "good news" through alternative ministries.

REHEARSALS: (hopefully) Sundays after church service

*about a 2hr. commitment each rehearsal

PERFORMANCE DATE: (hopefully) Fri., April 2, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

CONTACT: Rodney Terwilliger for more info at terwillr@gvsu.edu

Join UCC Disaster Recovery Trips to Indiana & Iowa!

http://www.ucc.org/volunteer/disaster‐recovery‐volunteers/disaster‐recovery‐mission.html

Choose a date and location from any time of the year; various locations within Iowa or Indiana are hosting disaster recovery mission trips.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Butler County, Iowa

Terre Haute, Indiana

Martinsville, Indiana

Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery in Northwest Indiana

Participate in the Church World Service "Ecu‐Build' in Cedar Rapids, Iowa:

April 11 ‐ May 21, 2010

Sunday 7 p.m. Orientation – Friday

Embody the United Church of Christ’s commitment to long‐term action in disaster recovery. April 11 ‐ May 21, 2010

Church World Service is bringing together over 10 churches and agencies to join disaster recovery efforts active since major flooding destroyed huge parts of Cedar Rapids, Iowa in June, 2008.

Running through the heart of Cedar Rapids, the Cedar River crested at 31.12 feet on June 13, 2008. This is more than 19 feet above flood stage and 24 feet above the average water level. The devastating flood affected more than 5,000 residences, more than 1,000 business and nearly 500 non‐profit organizations and churches. The downtown district, home to historic buildings, a thriving business community, and many city and county services, was decimated by the flood waters. Unfortunately many of the neighborhoods most affected were home to some of Cedar Rapids’ most vulnerable families.

Register for the Cedar Rapids Iowa – CWS Ecu‐Rebuild here: http://www.ucc.org/volunteer/disaster‐recovery‐volunteers/cws‐rebuild‐cedar‐rapids.html

The role of the wider United Church of Christ in disasters is focused on the technology‐caused disasters and on the long‐term recovery of a community. Our presence and service with the clean‐up and repair/rebuilding of homes several months after a disaster helps assure people that they are not alone or forgotten.

Your service is needed for Long‐Term Disaster Recovery from floods and tornadoes in the Midwestern United States – Clean‐Up, Preparation and Repair/Rebuild of homes.

Pam Small, UCC Volunteer Registrar & Coordinator will contact you with information about your selected site, housing arrangements, and local people who will guide your experience. Pam can be reached at psmall66@gmail.com; cell phone (812) 453‐3995.

Questions? Want to check on the availability of dates? Please contact Mary Schaller Blaufuss, Executive Volunteer Ministries, blaufusm@ucc.org.

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The most terrifying thing
is to accept oneself
completely.

~ Carll Jung

Storm Disaster for Sioux Flies Under Compassion Radar

No photos or video of sweet suffering faces. No popular vacation landscape for a backdrop. No personal connective ties. Are those the reasons the natural disaster in the Great Plains has gone below our philanthropy radar?

How many of us knew anything about the massive winter storms that have left the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation without power or water or heat for nearly two weeks? (Yes, I know many reading this are on the East Coast, like me, nervously wondering if today's latest blizzard will knock out our power. But we have resources that tribal people with 80% unemployment in the remote plains simply don't.)

USA TODAY carried a story nine days ago but, like most media focused on millions suffering in Haiti, we didn't keep an eye on Native American who are still as freezing, isolated, and miserably unsafe now as then.

Outraged Keith Olbermann is now raising funds at MSNBC for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Storm Relief - Emergency Assistance Fund.

From Faith & Reason at http://content.usatoday.com/communities/Religion/post/2010/02/snow-disaster-cheyenne-haiti-olbermann/1?csp=34 and posted on Feb. 10

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Have the courage to say no.
Have the courage to face the truth.
Do the right thing because it is right.

These are the magic keys
to living your life
with integrity.

~ W. Clement Stone

Sexuality and Religion 2020 Goals Set

On February 9, 2010, the Religious Institute: Faithful Voices on Sexuality & Religion released its latest report, Sexuality and Religion 2020: Goals for the Next Decade.

Sexuality and Religion 2020 contends that, despite notable progress over the last decade - including greater inclusion of women and LGBT people, and increased attention to sexuality education in faith communities - most religious leaders and institutions are not meeting their responsibility to address the sexuality needs of congregants.

The report opens with a new vision: By the year 2020, all faith communities will be sexually healthy, just and prophetic. It goes on to outline 10 goals for the next 10 years that will help to achieve that vision. The goals, listed below, are fully articulated in the report. They call on religious leaders and institutions to:

• break the silence around sexuality in congregations and faith communities;
• improve ministerial training in sexuality issues;
• provide better pastoral care on sexuality-related issues and sexuality education for youth and adults;
• forge multifaith coalitions to promote sexual health and justice;
• become more effective advocates for sexuality education, sexual and reproductive health, and the full inclusion of women and LGBT persons;
• include sexuality in movements addressing poverty, the environment and other social justice concerns; and
• mobilize people of faith to advocate for an increased commitment to sexual health, education and justice in religious communities.

See more at http://www.religiousinstitute.org/the-ri

PFLAG Lakeshore Hosts Movie Friday

This Friday, Feb. 19, the PFLAG Lakeshore program will be the DVD "Holding Families Together," released by PFLAG in San Diego. The movie centers on three young people and their families and what happens if they are rejected by their families or not.

Our support group starts at 7 p.m. in the basement room of Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave. in Holland. We will break for snacks at 8 p.m. so bring a snack to share if you can. The program starts after that.

Quote Time

We often take for granted
the very things that most deserve
our gratitude.

~ Cynthia Ozick

Bus Drivers and Check-out Clerks

After dropping off Anna and Ezra at school today, I found myself following two school buses. On the sides were printed the words "Dean Transportation," because Grand Rapids Public Schools outsourced busing to Dean Transportation a few years ago. Why? Primarily to save money. There would no longer be a bus drivers' union to bother with or negotiate pay, benefits, and retirement plans. Let Dean do it.

So now we have school bus drivers making less money with less money and less put aside for retirement - if anything at all . But our taxes didn't go up!

Yet.

In the grocery store now, I can check myself out -- that is, I can be my own clerk. I get to run the items over the scanner and punch in the produce codes if I want. There is one paid clerk there to help six or eight lanes of self-check-out -- and whenever I've done this I almost always need help.

The result, of course, is that we don't have to pay near as many check-out clerks. But my bananas and cereal are cheaper!

So far.

What happens when we can't pay for unemployment or caring for all those people who lost their jobs. We ignore them or raise taxes. So I use the check-out lanes with clerks (I also find it a much less frustrating experience).

I'm simply asking us to consider the human costs of the decisions we make as a society -- particularly so we can pay less now. These decisions directly affect the lives of our mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and neighbors.

Ideally, I understand, this "efficiency" creates not only a lower cost of living now (and, "they" promise, into the future) but also frees up people as individuals or groups to innovate and come up with new solutions and programs. Or invest capital into new ventures or more research.

I hope that happens, but not on the backs of those who can least afford it -- now or later.

Lenten Calendar Invites Eco-Justice Action for the Planet

Check out this cool Lenten calendar from the Presbyterian Church USA that offers environmental actions for each of the 40 days of Lent, called "Treading Lightly for Lent." Print it out and work on it each day at

http://www.nccecojustice.org/downloads/Tread%20Lightly%20for%20Lent.pdf

From the introduction: Lent is a time to reflect on what it means to live based on Christ’s ministry. As part of this reflection we repent, often giving up an item or two that we consider a treat. This Lenten Calendar urges us to take this spiritual discipline a step further: to re-frain from some practices that damage the earth, while learning about earth care issues and taking action that will honor Christ’s teachings about caring for creation.

Over the 40 days of Lent we will learn about eco-justice (caring for creation and all humans it in) and be challenged to take action on the issues of waste, energy, water, consumption, and food. There are ideas for action by congregations as well as individuals.

Our call to eco-justice is rooted in Genesis 2:15 “And the lord God took the human and put him into the garden of Eden to till it and to keep it,” and Christ’s teachings to work on behalf of the most vulnerable, for environmental impacts are felt most by those living in poverty. The more we do our part to till and keep the garden, the more we work for eco-justice.

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Once you stop clinging
and let things be,
you'll be free.

~ Bodhidharma

Choir Begins Again Feb. 23

We're ready to get a-singing again! Peter, Jeff, and I met last night to go over and select music for Lent, and we're excited to have you get at it. So we'll be having a rehearsal to kick off the season on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at church. If someone (or ones) volunteer to prepare a dinner for us, we'll do that at 6:30 p.m. and then begin singing at 7 p.m. Following this rehearsal, we will continue to meet on Sunday mornings before church.

Also, please let Jeff know whether you will be there or not at saugatuckone@verizon.net

Lent runs from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, up to Easter, April 4. We will likely have another evening rehearsal in late March to prepare Easter music.

Again, thank you all so much for sharing your incredible talents and gifts. We are blessed by your presence with us and your sharing.

Bake Sale This Sunday to Help DUCC Kids Make Baby Kits for Haiti

Be ready to purchase your baked goods and make donations to help our children put together baby kits for the children and mothers of Haiti.

The kids are holding a VALENTINE’S DAY Bake Sale on February 14 (after service) to raise money to buy needed items. Cash donations are welcome. You can also purchase Items for the Baby Kits (deadline: February 14). The kits contain specific items:

Ø Cloth diapers

Ø T-shirts/Undershirts (no onesies please)

Ø Washcloths

Ø Gowns/sleepers

Ø Diaper pins

Ø Sweaters/Sweatshirts (homemade ok)

Ø Receiving Blankets (homemade ok)

Thank you!!

Learn more about the baby kits and Church World Service at

http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer?pagename=kits_babycare

Quote Time

I can be changed
by what happens to me;
I refuse to be reduced by it.

~ Maya Angelou

Passing of Pantry Coordinator Brings Changes at Christian Neighbors

Dear Church Partners,

Our family at Christian Neighbors are grieved and saddened at the loss of our dear friend and fellow volunteer, Ted Nielsen. Ted has been the Director of the food pantry for the past five years. He was a faithful worker and compassionate servant of those in need. He was always ready to do anything to help others, whether they were clients, church and community representatives, or other volunteers in the Thrift Store or Office.

Ted’s steady leadership in the Food Pantry has blessed us all. We have maintained a great selection of food to serve clients. We also have a fantastic group of helpers who have learned well under Ted’s training. Words cannot express the loss we all feel.

We know that Ted’s leadership will be difficult to replace, however we will need to have someone assume that role. At the same time, we believe that it will be important to take a period of time to pray and reflect on the best way to go forward.

We are asking you to pray for us in our loss and grief. We also ask that you pray with us as we seek God’s leading. We want to continue to serve our community with the same devotion and care that Ted exemplified. Please pray for Marie and me as we prepare to make a recommendation to the Board of Directors at their April meeting. If you would like to share your ideas with us, we would be delighted to speak with you.

We are so grateful to God for the privilege of knowing and serving alongside Ted. We are also thankful for your on-going support of Christian Neighbors in our mission to serve our community in the name of Christ.

Sincerely,

JoAnn DeJonge

Co-Director

Phone 269 857-1050 Fax 269 857-8611

Office Hours: 9:30 – Noon

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

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I dream
of giving birth to a child
who will ask,
"Mother, what was war?"

~ Eve Merriam

Pet Adoption Event Saturday in Saugatuck!

PET ADOPTION EVENT Saturday, February 13 Masonic Lodge 3150 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck, MI 11am to 4 pm Face Painting, Popcorn, Refreshments Family Fun, Games for Kids, Bake Sale www.wishbonepetrescue.com

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What we plant
in the soil of contemplation,
we shall reap in the harvest of action.

~ Meister Eckhart

New UCC StillSpeaking Ad to Go "Spiral" April 16

The United Church of Christ will launch its next "God is Still Speaking" commercial on April 16, utilizing the church's best broadcasting arsenal: its own members.

"Yes, a new Stillspeaking ad is coming," says the Rev. Felix Carrion, coordinator of the UCC's Stillspeaking Ministry, "and what makes this debut so significant is that we are counting on the moxy of our million-plus supporters to spiral this viral message around the world."

"We're asking people to set aside that morning — April 16 — for unparalleled texting, Twittering, Facebooking and emailing of this new spot," he says.

Called "Language of God," the 60-second video message is being produced by Think Media, a national advertising firm known for its edgy, innovative video work. Its household-name clients include the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cleveland Clinic, Progressive Insurance and Nestle, among others.

The new message will be kept under close wraps until introduced at 9 a.m. (ET) sharp on launch day via email, Facebook and ucc.org. A 30-second version of the commercial will also available for churches that want to purchase air time on local TV stations.

Carrion says the new message will explore and unpack the UCC's "God is Still Speaking" phrase in evocative ways. "It has to be an engaging, thought-provoking message if it's going to catch on virally," he insists. "We're coming out with something that will invite people to take a new look at God and pique their curiosity about the UCC."

The UCC also plans to purchase targeted ads — touting the video message — on Facebook and the most widely trafficked blogs.

"Marketing data now shows that our target audience is now more likely to be found sitting in front of a computer screen instead of a TV screen," Guess says. "Just as we found it important to take to TV in 2004 and 2005, we're taking to the internet on April 16 like no denomination has ever done before."

Read the full article and see more at: www.ucc.org/news/tech-savvy-outreach.html?autologin=true

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A piece of the sky
and a chunk of the earth
lie lodged in the heart
of every human being.

~ Thomas Moore

Author Questions Value of Facebook Relations

Religion News Service PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) When it comes to Facebook, Jesse Rice sees an immensely popular social networking site that's great for sharing photos and keeping in touch with friends.

He also sees something that encourages attitudes and behaviors that don't work as well in real life.

Rice, 37, is the author of "The Church of Facebook: How the Hyperconnected Are Redefining Community." A former worship leader an evangelical megachurch in California, he has degrees in organizational communication and counseling/psychology and -- just as important to his readers -- a sense of humor.

On a video he uploaded to YouTube, he explains his credentials for writing the book. "I can look at various parts of an organization, at the flow of communication back and forth within the independent structure, and I can identify all the ways that it's your parents' fault," he quips.

Rice, who admits he had an early crush on Facebook, says he and the social networking site are just living together now, although he expects the relationship to last. Launched in 2004, Facebook has more than 350 million users, and more are joining all the time.

"Facebook has become part of our lives," he says. "And we're just beginning to learn how to be human in it.

"Online, we have power over how we express ourselves. You can take the time to choose your words carefully, edit your responses, PhotoShop a picture until you get it just right. Real conversations, real relationships don't allow that. They include awkward silences."

Rice has seen people give up on "embodied relationships" because they feel freer on Facebook. "People do argue that there's a richness to relationships online," he says. But it could be that they don't know what they're missing. "We don't feel that hunger anymore."

Read the full article at

http://blog.beliefnet.com/news/2010/01/author-worries-online-communit.php

or Rice's blog at http://churchoffacebook.com

Ironic to post all this.

Quote Time

Criticism
is an indirect form of
self-boasting.

~ Emmet Fox

How to Get Lucky!

The following article, which I referred to a homily a few weeks ago, appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, just over a year ago. Kristen Porter found it life-changing and is sharing it with the rest of us:

A chance meeting might seem like a fluke, but as Ben Sherwood explains, scientific research backs up the notion that you can influence your own destiny. Step one: Smile.

Luck is usually defined as an unpredictable phenomenon that leads to good or bad outcomes. But after years of experiments, Wiseman disagrees. "Luck is not a magical ability or a gift from the gods," he writes in The Luck Factor, his 2003 book about the essential principles of changing your fortune. "Instead, it is a way of thinking and behaving." He insists that we have far more control over the element—and outcome—of chance in our lives than we realize. In fact, he argues that only 10 percent of life is truly random. The remaining 90 percent is "actually defined by the way you think."

To investigate this idea, Wiseman devised an experiment for which he recruited a pair of test subjects, Martin and Brenda (their names have been changed). Martin described himself as lucky; Brenda insisted that she was not. Wiseman asked them to go, at different times, to a coffee shop near his university, ostensibly to meet someone else involved in the research project; in reality, they were going to be exposed to identical "chance" opportunities.

Of course the setup was rigged....

Find out the interesting conclusion to this experiment and the rest of the article at

www.oprah.com/relationships/How-to-Get-Lucky

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Courage is not the absence of fear,
but rather the judgment
that something else is
more important than fear.

~ Ambrose Redmoon

UCC Affirming Churches Up 15% in New Report

Elaine at www.gaychurch.org is pleasee to announce that the 2009 Affirming Christian Church Survey Report is out! Comparing the numbers to the previous year it is clear that churches continue to open their doors to the gay and lesbian (GLBT) community at a rapid clip. Like the gay community itself, this is a movement that crosses virtually all denominational and geographically based lines.

At the close of 2009 the directory contained 5,910 Christian churches from thirty different countries, representing sixty five different denominations. The United Church of Christ leads the way with over 991 churches (an increase of 15 percent from 2008 and a total of 18 percent of UCC churches) followed by the Episcopalian Presbyterian and Lutheran churches respectively.

To find out more including details as to where this growth is taking place along with a brief analysis as to where this movement may be headed next this report is a must read at

http://www.gaychurch.org/The_Word/Welcoming_Church_Report/2009_affirming_church_survey.htm

The 2009 Report along with the other yearly reports can be found in the section of the www.gaychurch.orgsite titled “Affirming Church Report”.

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Only those who are asleep
make no mistakes.

~ Ingvar Kamprad

Get Counted! Go to QueertheCensus.org

The census tells the story of who we are as a nation, and that includes LGBT people — but only when we participate, and only when we're fully counted. Thanks to the collection of unmarried partner data, a more complete picture of who we are has emerged. For example, we know that:

• Same-sex couples live in 99% of all US Counties.
• LGBT parents live in 97% of all US Counties.
• Black and Latino same-sex couples are raising children at almost the same rates as their heterosexual peers, but on lower incomes ($10,000/yr less).

Still, there is no question on the 2010 census that asks individuals if they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender — and LGBT questions are not included in almost all other major federal surveys.

It's a big problem. The census, which counts everyone living in the United States every ten years, provides the data that is used to determine funding and policy priorities at the national and state level.

Being counted isn’t just a numbers game, but a question of whether the LGBT community gets access to the resources that support our health, economic well-being, safety and families. The LGBT community must be visible--and that means participating in the census, but it also means being counted fully.

That's why the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, together with CREDO Action, has launched Queer the Census. We must ensure that LGBT people are accurately counted in the next census — and we need your help to make it happen. Here's how:

1. Sign the petition to the right to pledge your support of a census that counts everyone!

2. Get the Queer the Census sticker and use it to seal the back of your census envelope.

3. Spread the word about the Queer the Census campaign.

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Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.

~ Kenyan Proverb